‘I thank God that my son is studying at such a prestigious school’

Is the checklist for parents, one of whom is a teacher, different when it comes to choosing a nursery school for their child? For Neha Saini and her husband Saurabh Batra, there were a few things that they were looking for while looking for a school for their son, Viaan, who is in the nursery at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park at present.

“My husband and I were very clear about what we wanted from school. We were looking for a school that was very strong academically. We also wanted a school that offered strong sports activities. We asked people around us and the word came back that Apeejay was the perfect fit for our son,” Neha said.

Excerpts from an interview.

What were the other things that you wanted in a school?

I am a teacher with a Government school and understand the importance of a school that is strong academically. I also didn’t want a school that is very far from where we are staying. Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park ticked off all our requirements. Also, when I was taking my class X, back in 2005, my exam centre was at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park. Even back then I was so impressed by the infrastructure and the school building. This school was at the top of the list that we had made.

What are some of the academic changes that you have seen in your son?

There have been so many. He never went to a preschool/playschool. So, he had no idea how to hold a pencil or even sit down in a classroom. But in these last nine-10 months, there has been such a sea change in him. He knows the National Anthem, he knows the Gayatri mantra, and Jolly phonics; he knows how to write numbers and alphabets. He has become very independent as well. He will come to me with his schoolwork and finish it on his own. It is so amazing to see these changes in him. I was so grateful I chose this school.

What role have the teachers played in his progress?

I would say that they are solely responsible for his progress. I would like to thank Meenakshi ma’am for this. All the credit goes to her. She has been extremely patient with Viaan and taught him every little thing that he knows today – from how to hold a pencil to writing and how to colour to name a few. She held his hand and taught him. I can never thank Meenakshi ma’am enough for her contribution to my son’s life. I would want her to be there for him when he goes to KG as well.

How easy has this made it for you?

It is extremely easy. As I said, I am a teacher and get back home only around 3 pm. Since Meenakshi ma’am is teaching him Viaan everything I don’t have to worry about how he will cope in the class. He is in sync with what is being taught and keeps up with other toddlers. The burden on my shoulders has been lifted. All I have to do is supervise and that too if I want to; I can now spend time with him doing other things and spend time with him playing

How do parents who are working make time for their kids?

It can be a little tough and challenging but for me, the advantage is that I am back home by 3 pm. I also don’t have to spend time doing household chores. My in-laws are at home and most of the work gets taken care of. They even take care of Viaan till I am back. Once I am home, I spend time playing with him or just catching up with some of the work that he may have missed. Once my husband is back, he spends time with Viaan.

So parents can break up the time that they spend with their kids. As long as they are not solely dependent on servants, it is okay. It also makes them more independent which is good in the long run.

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“When I was taking my class X, back in 2005, my exam centre was at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park. I was impressed by the infrastructure and the school building. This school was at the top of the list that we had made”

Neha Saini, Mother of Viaan who is in the nursery at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park

How easy was the admission process at Apeejay?

It was the easiest process. For other schools, the process was so complicated. We did fill forms in school schools as well and for everything they wanted us to deposit money for this activity and this amount for another activity. At Apeejay the form that we filled out online was simple’ all we had to fill out were a few details and submit documents like date of birth etc. The best part was that it was the first school that reached out to us. And since we wanted our son to go here, we immediately completed the rest of the formalities.

What are some of the differences that you see between a private and a government school?

There are a few. In government schools, the teachers are always engaged in some event or the other. Teachers seldom have the time to give personalised time to each student. In private/public schools, the teachers are solely concerned with teaching the children. They are not distracted while they are in the classroom.

Will you recommend Apeejay to other parents?

Absolutely. After all, I chose the school on the recommendation of others. I would like to return the favour and why not, it is such a great school. I am blessed that my son is studying here.