‘Apeejay School, Nerul gave wings to my daughter’

For Shamal Surve, choosing Apeejay School, Nerul went well beyond academics, it was about finding an institution that would nurture confidence, values, and holistic growth in her daughters. With her elder daughter now in Class 7 and her younger daughter, Ishwari, in Class 2, Shamal reflects on a journey that began back in 2017, when securing admission to Apeejay was difficult. 

What were you looking for in a school before choosing Apeejay?

We weren’t just looking for a school, but for holistic development. We’d heard so much about Apeejay, and back in 2016-17, getting admission here was tough. What I’ve come to really appreciate about the school’s culture is that it doesn’t just focus on curriculum, but also on overall development and human values. In my checklist, Apeejay just ticked all the empty boxes. 

How have you seen your younger daughter, Ishwari, grow since joining?

From Nursery all the way to Class 2 now, the journey with the teachers has been wonderful. Even on days when I’ve told her, “You don’t have to go today, Mumma isn’t feeling well,” she insists on going. She’s never once cried about not wanting to attend school. That, to me, is exactly what you want. 

Experience with Apeejay has been so positive since then. All the teachers here are wonderful, and Ishwari has settled in beautifully with every one of them. As I always say, we as parents give our children roots, but school is what gives them wings to fly. My kids have got their wings, and they’ve started flying because of Apeejay.

What extracurricular activities is Ishwari involved in?

One thing I really appreciate is Sports Guru. It’s been a wonderful way to keep her engaged in sports, building her eye-hand coordination and analytical skills in a structured way. It genuinely benefited her. She looks forward to rejoining it every year. Watching her enjoy it so much makes the investment absolutely worth it.

How do you feel about safety, security, and discipline at the school?

Very confident, honestly. I’ve personally seen the school evolve on this front, especially since Principal P. Subhash Sir took over — hygiene, cleanliness, and overall safety measures have all improved noticeably since then. With appointed security in place, I genuinely feel my daughter is in a safe environment for the seven to eight hours she’s at school. This gives me real peace of mind as a parent. 

How would you describe the teaching approach, given how young the children are?

The school now has smartboards and the difference has been significant. Teachers use them to visually connect children to what’s being taught, which makes learning faster and more engaging than simply describing concepts verbally. Alongside that, they regularly incorporate moral stories and poems into lessons, which adds a lovely, values-based dimension to the learning itself.

Is communication from the school regarding trips or exams given well in advance?

Yes, absolutely. We receive circulars regularly, and teachers also post updates directly in our parents’ WhatsApp group. Overall, communication has been timely and consistent, and we’ve always felt well-informed about what’s coming up for our children.