‘I appreciate the discipline maintained by the teachers here’

Education is seen as a means to secure better career opportunities in the future. Parents in India believe that a good school can equip their children with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen fields, thereby improving their chances of success in the professional world.

Many parents emphasise schools that focus not only on academic excellence but also on the overall development of a child. They look for schools that offer a balanced curriculum, including extracurricular activities, sports, and character-building programmes. Therefore, parents like Baishali and her husband Saptarishi Kar were extremely meticulous when it came to choosing a school for their daughter Oishi, who is in class III at Apeejay School, Nerul

Excerpts from the interview.

How and why did you choose this school?

We chose the Nerul branch primarily for its academic reputation. We wanted a school that focused on providing a strong academic foundation. Additionally, we sought an environment where our daughter could interact with students from diverse backgrounds, avoiding an excessively privileged atmosphere.

Could you elaborate on your satisfaction, particularly regarding the teachers and the support they provide?

First and foremost, I appreciate the discipline maintained by the teachers. I believe in instilling a sense of discipline in my child. Academically, the teachers, especially her class teacher have been excellent. She diligently goes through the daily coursework with the students, which is commendable. We are Bengali and unfamiliar with Hindi, so even the Hindi teacher assists us. The school’s proactive approach to revisions and management of the academic process has been reassuring.

Does your daughter participate in extracurricular activities or school functions?

Absolutely. She has a keen interest in Bharatanatyam and has completed two exams. She’s in the 3rd year of her dance journey. Regarding academics, she seems to have a passion for the subject and studies independently. We do not opt for tuition but rely on our neighbors for occasional assistance, especially since Marathi is not a language we are familiar with.

Are Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) held regularly?

Yes, PTMs are held regularly, and I have consistently attended them. The feedback has been positive, with a focus on my daughter’s discipline and academic performance. The teachers are responsive when needed, although communication is mainly through the class teacher.

Do you have a parenting mantra or set of rules for your daughter’s upbringing?

For me, life skills take precedence over academics. I emphasise the importance of being a good human being. So far, the school has been supportive in instilling values like honesty and integrity.

How do you bond with your daughter, considering her age and growing independence?

 Our bonding involves spending quality time together, usually in the evenings. We go out on weekends, engage in discussions, and play games. She loves reading books, and we often discuss various topics, including science experiments, as my husband is a scientist. Our interactions are more frequent during the evenings, given her independence during the day. Also, the school has started distributing the newspaper and we discuss the news as well since she has lots of questions regarding that as well.