In India, where education is highly valued and competition is intense, the quest for the perfect school is driven by a desire to provide the best possible opportunities for the child’s future success and well-being. Parents prioritise finding schools that offer high-quality education and academic excellence. They want their children to receive a strong foundation in subjects like mathematics, science, and languages.
Practical considerations such as the school’s location and proximity to home or workplace are often important. Parents may prefer schools that are easily accessible and convenient for daily commuting. Parents often consider how well a school prepares students for future educational and career opportunities. This may include the school’s track record in college admissions and the success stories of its alumni.
Therefore, parents like Snehal and her husband Abhishek Suresh Junnarkar when looking for a school for their son, Aadit, who is now in class VII at Apeejay School, Nerul spent time researching a school that checked all their boxes including proximity from home and the school’s brand value.
In an impromptu interview, the mother talks about why proximity was important for the family.
Why did you choose this school?
He’s at present in class VII, and he’s doing well. We chose this school after taking into consideration several factors like proximity and the school’s reputation in Navi Mumbai. We shortlisted a few schools, including Apeejay School, Nerul. We went through interviews. During the entire process, we found this school a good fit for our son. We found the academic environment and other facilities here quite commendable.
Proximity to the school seems to be a significant concern for parents. Why is that?
Aadit joined this school in the nursery. That is a very young age to start going to school for the toddler and the parents as well. A school nearby gives comfort to both the parents and the kid. Back then, traveling time became a big issue for us. The good thing is that the Nerul branch is only 3 km away from our home. Now that my son is in class VII, traveling is not an issue; he uses a private bus to commute.
How is your son adapting to the teaching methodology at the school?
The overall teaching is good. The teachers are great as well. They ensure that the child understands the concepts first. They discourage rote learning and lay stress on understanding the topic.
How important do you find the teacher-student bond for your son’s learning?
The teacher-student bond is crucial for effective learning. It fosters a positive learning environment, and we believe it contributes significantly to his overall development. My son has bonded well with all his teachers which is a good sign.
What activities does your son participate in for his overall development?
He participates in both sports and cultural activities, including school functions, declamation, debates, and public speaking.
How do you balance the pressure for academic excellence with the need for holistic development?
We believe in a balanced approach. While academic focus is essential, we also encourage his participation in extracurricular activities. It’s about striking the right balance for his overall development. Between my husband and I, we play good cop and bad cop. My husband is the one who tells Aadit to focus on his studies; I on the other hand balance it out and tell him to follow a more balanced routine and also participate in extracurricular activities at the school.
It is important for the child to feel comfortable with one set of parents. More so, when one is strict. The child should feel at ease with his parents.
Should a parent be a friend or strictly a parent to their child?
We believe in being more of a friend to our child. Transformational parenting is something we’re exploring, emphasising understanding and reasoning rather than just exercising authority. Gone are the days when you could force your child to do something. Today, it is important to back your order with well-fleshed-out reasoning.
Does your son take tuition?
At present, he doesn’t take tuition. The teachers at the school are good. Hence, Aadit doesn’t need extra coaching. Whatever the teacher teaches in the class he can follow easily. We prefer a balanced approach with our involvement and support to maintain a positive learning environment at home.
How has your overall experience been with the school over the years?
Overall, our experience has been positive. Constructive feedback and a more consistent framework would be beneficial.