‘My daughter loves school, that’s the biggest win for me’

Manasi Sethi, an alumna from the 2003 batch of Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg, is now the proud parent of Aavya Kalra, a student in UKG at the same institution. In a telephonic conversation, Manasi shared her experiences, reflecting on her school days and the transformative impact of Apeejay Education on her daughter’s early learning journey.

What drew you back to Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg, as a parent?

There are many new schools now, and I wondered if we should explore options outside. However, my husband was very clear that Apeejay School was the best choice. Plus, a relative of mine, a motivational speaker and kids’ counselor, strongly advised against looking elsewhere. She shared that even today, after visiting many schools, she still feels this school remains the best. That really convinced me to stick with what felt right.

How has your experience been reconnecting with the school and its teachers?

It feels amazing. Seeing teachers from my time, knowing they’re guiding my daughter now, brings back so many fond memories. It’s like full-circle for me. The bond with the teachers is strong, and you can tell they genuinely care about the students’ well-being and growth.

What is Aavya’s school experience like so far?

Aavya loves school! That’s the biggest win for me. She never complains about not wanting to go, which I was a bit worried about earlier. The focus on creating a happy and nurturing environment has clearly made a difference. Her confidence has grown, and she enjoys going to school every day.

Could you share an example of how the school has impacted Aavya’s learning and behavior?

Absolutely. Aavya has developed a strong sense of responsibility and empathy. At home, she often corrects me if I do something wrong, like throwing trash on the road! She’s learned these small but important life lessons from school—being kind, respectful, and responsible.

How has the school supported Aavya’s academic progress, especially during the early learning stages like phonics and counting?

The phonics program has made a huge difference in her reading skills. Aavya now reads effortlessly, blending sounds and recognising words. I didn’t even know much about phonics, but the school arranged classes for parents, and I joined those sessions. It’s been incredibly helpful, especially since I work long hours and couldn’t dedicate much time to teaching her at home.

How has Aavya’s communication skills developed since joining the school?

Her communication skills in English have improved significantly. At home, we mostly speak Punjabi and Hindi, but now Aavya insists on speaking in English. It’s like she’s picked up these habits naturally at school, and it feels wonderful to hear her speak confidently in English.