‘My daughter says she doesn’t want to skip school’

At Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, parents often find that the school’s balance of academics, culture, and personal attention makes a lasting difference in their child’s confidence. Meet Kamini Pathak, mother of Yashvi Pathak, a Class V student who is studying here.

 In this candid conversation, the mother, a Hindi teacher, shares why she chose this school for her daughter, among other things.

Why did you prefer admission to Apeejay School?

I first got my child admitted to APeejay Rhythms Kinderworld, GK II. The teaching there was very good. Be it Math, English, and English speaking were all strong. But then the pandemic happened, and my child completed her early education at home. After that, I found out my daughter would be moving directly to Apeejay School. That turned out to be very good for me.

Do you feel academics and extracurriculars are both being maintained?

Yes, both are being maintained equally. If you look at it academically, the syllabus is completed on time, and children are taught using different methods. Alongside that, their timetable is structured in such a way that co-curricular activities are also completed regularly. It’s not like the child is demotivated or just sitting in class; they’re engaged everywhere, and they gain knowledge in many different areas. I actually get to learn things from my own daughter now, and that makes me feel really good.

I especially want my daughter to be strong in both Hindi and English. I used to have stage fright myself, and I don’t want that for my daughter. It’s important for her to participate in everything, and I’ve seen her stage fright reduce over time here.

Do you think the school provides a safe environment for children?

Yes, so far, I haven’t come across any situation where my daughter has told me about being mistreated or abused by any teacher. I haven’t heard anything like that at all, and that’s actually one of the biggest reasons I don’t want my daughter to go to another school. I want her to stay here because at Apeejay School, she learns good things, manners, activities, environment, and cleanliness. As long as my daughter feels good here, I want to make sure she stays.

Do you feel the student-teacher ratio allows the teacher to focus on each child, including your daughter?

Yes, she is achieving them. I feel the teachers do focus on every child here. Of course, a teacher isn’t a computer, and as parents, it’s our duty to flag anything that might be missed. But from what I’ve seen, the teachers are really commendable, and they understand each child well.

My daughter’s nature is quite shy. She doesn’t mingle with people quickly. But her class teacher has really worked with her on that. My daughter has leadership qualities, and she’s been given opportunities to explore that in Class V, especially. Her teacher recognised this in her and gave her the chance to participate more. 

Is communication between the school and parents clear?

Yes, this is actually a very good thing about the school. Whenever there’s a trip, excursion, or a school programme or assembly, consent forms and messages are sent out well in advance. Parents are kept updated regularly, and there’s a parent app where all the circulars are shared. So we’re kept informed consistently.

Has the school met your expectations?

The biggest change I’ve seen is in her attitude toward school itself. Earlier, my daughter used to say she didn’t want to go to school. Now, she says she doesn’t want to take a leave, even when I try to convince her to skip a day. She tells me she doesn’t want to fall behind or be marked irregular. The teachers consistently encourage regularity and keep us updated on her progress, and I can genuinely see that the school is focused on my child’s overall growth.

Another reason I like this school is that it gives importance to different cultures and traditions. I have seen three to four different celebrations, some around shastras, some around the five life elements, and my daughter is very drawn to that.