‘I wanted a school for my children which was academically strong’

Anybody and everybody who lives in North Delhi is well-aware that if a parent wants to send their ward to an academically strong school, the only school to send the child is Apeejay School, Pitampura. While the Goels, who are from a business class, money was not an issue and didn’t mind shelling out big bucks for their kids, they were keen for their children not to grow up in a rarefied atmosphere.

So when it came to the admission of their child Adhira, who is now in Class I, and Ruhisha, who is in the nursery it didn’t take them even a second to decide where to send their children – it was a unanimous decision – Apeejay.

“My husband, Ankit, a businessman who was born and brought up in Delhi had heard of Apeejay School in Pitampura while he was growing up. Though he couldn’t study here, he was very clear that when it came to his children, it had to be this school only,” Neha said.

Excerpts from an interview.

Why did you choose Apeejay for your kids?

People who stay in North Delhi are aware of Apeejay School. They also know that the school has one of the best results. Today, stress and focus on academics are very important. While kids must participate in sports and other extracurricular activities, this can be pursued on the side and not in school.

When it came to admitting our children, we were very clear about where our kids had to go. We are from a business class; money is not an issue. But we want our children to grow up and study in an environment where they can learn to be grounded.

How is Ruhisha coping in school given that she never even went to a preschool?

She is doing much better now. Her teacher, Kavita ma’am is very good. The best part is that even though Ruhisha had never seen inside what closely resembled a school, she is doing rather well. The studies are easy and she can cope with them easily. Her teachers also help.

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We are from a business class; money is not an issue. But we want our children to grow up and study in an environment where they can learn to be grounded

–Neha Goel, Mother of two daughters who study at Apeejay School, Pitampura

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What about the teachers at the school?

My elder daughter had attended online classes and now both Ruhisha and Adhira are attending offline classes. I believe that the experience of a teacher matters when it comes to handling the kids and imparting education. All the teachers at Apeejay have been there for a long time and have vast experience. They know how to teach a child who may not be doing so well in class.  

Why lay so much stress on academics? Some parents say there must be a balance.

Please introduce me to such parents (laughs). Who are these parents? What happens is that parents molly-coddle their kids; it is natural especially if their child has never gone to a preschool. The minute the kid takes admission to nursery, there is proper studying – recognising alphabets and reading three-letter words to name a few. Such kids may find it tough to catch up. I feel it is good to put pressure on kids otherwise they will never study and only play.

 What is the most important lesson that a parent must teach their child?

There is not one but several lessons that need to be taught to the child. A child is born not knowing how to interact in society; he/she has to be told everything – respect the elders, be disciplined, truthful and honest, etc.

Is it correct to put all the responsibility on the teacher?

Not at all. Both parents and teachers are guides/mentors for students. Also, it need not be just parents; they could be grandparents. The truth is however much the teacher takes responsibility for the child, a parent will always feel it is not enough. A teacher may not know a family’s traditions and values that they hold dear. This is something that only a parent can teach.

Will you recommend Apeejay to other parents?

Most of our family friends’ kids are already in Apeejay. But recently, a friend of mine, a single mother, was looking to change her daughter’s school who is in class IX. I told her that if she was looking for a school with a good academic record, then Apeejay School in Pitampura is the right choice!