‘My daughter looks forward to going to school’

For Vidisha Jain, choosing Apeejay School, Noida for her daughter Avisha wasn’t just about academics or brand reputation, it was about finding an environment that would help her daughter grow into an independent person. Now that Avisha is in Class 1, her mother reflects in an interview on what convinced her, the small everyday moments that reassured her, and the balancing act of parenting. 

What were your considerations before admitting your daughter to Apeejay School, Noida?

The primary reason we chose Apeejay was the school’s brand name. What mattered most to me was wanting my daughter to become more independent. Friends of mine whose children studied at Apeejay told me it isn’t a very fancy school in the flashy sense, and that their kids genuinely got to learn more because of it. 

The infrastructure also impressed me like the library and the auditorium. And there are things my daughter genuinely looks forward to, like role plays and various extracurricular activities. Overall, I was looking for a holistic experience for her, and that’s exactly what I found.

Since she’s still quite young, how do you feel the school handles basic care, discipline, and teamwork at this stage?

As a mother, it’s been a very rewarding experience to watch. She genuinely looks forward to going to school. Just recently, they had a plant-related activity, and when I mentioned getting a money plant at home, she surprised me by explaining the different types of plants — herbs, shrubs, creepers, climbers. She was so happy explaining it all to me. She also told me her teacher encouraged her to communicate in English and rewarded her with a smiley on her hand, which made her happy.

Beyond that, there’s so much going on around her — Grandparents’ Day, school picnics, class picnics. All of which help her bond grow with children of her age. She’s become a genuinely confident child. She’s not shy at all and speaks her mind, dances in front of everyone during assemblies and cultural programs. She’s developed lovely handwriting too, something her teachers have specifically encouraged her to keep practising.

How have the teachers supported your family, especially with a new sibling in the picture?

This is something I’m especially grateful for. I had a baby boy last December, and during that time, the teachers were incredibly kind and understanding. I spoke to her class teacher and explained that I wouldn’t be able to give as much attention to schoolwork. The teacher was completely accommodating and she guided me on how we can work towards that. 

My daughter has never been scared to go up to her teacher and ask permission to use the washroom. That comfort level says a lot about how the didis and staff look after the children.

How do you feel about how teachers manage students during excursions and outdoor trips?

My daughter has always come back saying how much fun she had. She’s been to Kidzania twice, and to Kidtopia once, and she’s talked about everything from fire stations to post offices to vegetable vendor setups they got to explore. She’s mentioned feeling well taken care of throughout. I feel teachers don’t take handling students as a task. They themselves enjoy speaking and interacting with young students. 

Do you feel the school is a safe place overall, including with non-teaching staff like bus attendants?

Yes, my daughter takes the school bus, and the moment it arrives, the bus attendant is right there to help her climb up, carry her bag, and greet her with a warm good morning. That kind of small, consistent care speaks volumes.

How would you describe communication and support from the school?

Excellent. The teachers are always approachable, regardless of the time. Whether it’s a WhatsApp message or a quick call, they’ve consistently been there whenever I’ve needed to reach out.