‘I have seen remarkable learning progress in my daughter’

When Lavika Ankit Mehrotra moved to Mumbai, Apeejay School, Nerul wasn’t a name she knew. Her colleagues at the bank introduced her to it. With growing recommendations, Lavika chose Apeejay School, and her daughter Dhanashri, now in Class II, was admitted on the very first attempt. In this conversation, the mother talks about her daughter’s reading progress, a class teacher who is always a message away, and a campus where she feels her child is safe.

What made you choose Apeejay School in the first place?

I wasn’t from Mumbai, so I relied on my colleagues. Their children had studied at Apeejay School from the junior classes to Class XII and are in very favourable positions today. They spoke highly of the school. The teachers are excellent, and they teach through activities, not just textbooks, so children enjoy studies. Students enjoy it. We decided to try, and by God’s grace, Dhanashri got admission on the first attempt. We didn’t even need to fill a second form.

How do you see the school balancing academics with holistic development?

I have enrolled Dhanashri in activities such as public speaking and dance, and the school supports this well. Since we are both working parents, the zero period covers some of it, and I consider that very reasonable. Physical activity at school happens once or twice a week, which is important because we aren’t always able to take her out ourselves.

What improvements have you noticed in Dhanashri?

I’ve seen a lot of progress. She’s in Class II now, and I saw her grow through Class I too. Even in the junior classes and KG, she could pick up sounds and read on her own. I never had to teach her spellings. If she knows the sound, she can read and write the word herself. By Senior KG, she was reading quite difficult words, and she also understood their meanings, which I didn’t expect at that age. When a child can read well, understanding follows. The teachers also take excellent care of the children.

How would you describe the teachers’ approachability and communication?

This is what I like most. If there is any concern, we don’t have to keep going to school to meet the teachers. Her class teacher responds on WhatsApp straight away, even if I message at 10 at night. She gives suggestions for Dhanashri. And if the child needs to take part in an activity, she tells us clearly so we know what to do.

Does the school communicate well about exams, excursions, and activities?

Yes, absolutely. The class teacher updates the parents’ group immediately about anything, such as excursions or exams. She also informs us a day before an exam, such as English or arts, about what the children need to prepare. This helps avoid confusion, because some parents might otherwise get the preparation wrong. If someone has, she can guide the child properly.

Do you feel the school is safe and secure?

Yes. Dhanashri doesn’t use the school bus, but at dispersal there are three to four teachers present. If her class teacher has to step away, she hands responsibility to another teacher, and the child is never released to anyone else until the authorised person arrives. I haven’t faced any problem so far. For picnics, the school announces a return time and shares the live location, so we can plan when to be there to collect the children.

Is the school management accessible to parents?

Yes. I had heard good things about the teachers, and now I’ve experienced it myself. My husband handles the drop-offs and says that the Principal, Vice principal, and coordinator are often present at the gate. Parents who have concerns can speak to them, and they listen and respond properly. Appointments can take time, so this arrangement is a big help.