Coverage of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park in Medium

In India, selecting the right school is a crucial decision, as education shapes a child’s future. For one parent, the choice was effortless — her husband and his sister are proud alumni of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park. Familiar with its strong academic culture and values, the family confidently enrolled both daughters, Aarja and Ivaana. What followed was a journey of holistic growth, confidence-building, and unwavering support from a school renowned for nurturing young minds and fostering all-round development.

In a candid interview, the mother, Amitoj Manaktala, shared her first impression of the school among other things.

What was your first impression of the school?

My first impression goes back to 2019 when Aarja got admission in Apeejay Rhythms Kinderworld, GK II. We were overjoyed with our choice — it truly felt like the right preschool because it provided the right environment and approach. When we came to the Panchsheel Park branch, I was very impressed by how spacious it was. You know the children have space to play freely, without constantly bumping into each other. That gives me a lot of comfort as a parent.

Did both your daughters attend Rhythms?

No, only Aarja did. At the time, we were living in Kalkaji, so Rhythms in GK II was close by. But by the time Ivaana was ready for school, we had moved, and Panchsheel Park was the nearest. Honestly, we didn’t even think twice — we were very sure we wanted to continue with Apeejay School because we felt it was the best option we’d seen.

How would you describe your daughters’ growth at the school?

Both my daughters are extremely eager to learn. They’re the kind who want to be the first to raise their hand in class and answer questions. And what I appreciate is that the teachers here encourage this curiosity — they don’t suppress it. Even in nursery, where kids can be restless, the teachers make sure that every child gets to participate and gets the right kind of exposure.

Aarja has always scored A1 grades. Of course, it’s a joint effort — our involvement as parents, but equally, the teachers’ guidance has been instrumental. Without their support, we couldn’t have achieved this.

How has the school supported your children’s talents and interests?

The school has given both my daughters wonderful opportunities. Recently, Ivaana had a class performance in nursery and was asked to speak using a mic. At that age, giving them such stage exposure builds their confidence. I genuinely believe stage fright is one of the biggest fears, and helping children overcome it early makes a big difference.

What do you think about the school’s balance between academics and extracurriculars?

To me, real extracurricular activities include things like class assemblies, inter-school competitions, and performances where children get to showcase their talents. For me, even if my child is just saying two lines on stage, it’s a proud moment. And when I saw my younger one perform without even looking around for us in the audience — just holding the mic and confidently delivering her lines — it was incredible. That kind of stage presence doesn’t come naturally; it’s a result of the teachers’ hard work.

How has the school involved you as a parent?

I’ve always felt included and informed. Ivaana’s teacher was very dedicated. We’d get regular updates. That kind of accessibility and open communication is appreciated. In higher classes, the school encourages. I admire this shift — it’s a good way to teach children accountability. Overall, I feel the school is involving us in every possible way and striking the right balance between support and independence.