‘Providing personal attention in Nursery itself is the biggest strength of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park’

Ms. Akshi Mahendru and Mr. Pankaj Mahendru moved to Delhi in 2014 from Jalandhar when they decided to switch jobs. While the former works as a Chartered Accountant with Wendy’s India and Jamie Oliver Group in Delhi, the latter is a LLB graduate and Company Secretary with Lumax Industries, handling legal and secretarial compliance. The young couple are proud parents of Aamish Mahendru, a student at class Nursery in Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park. In an interview, Ms. Mahendru talks about how the school became the couple’s natural choice since her husband had studied at Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg in Jalandhar. Edited excerpts:

Young parents like yourself are careful about choosing a school for their child during the pandemic. So, what made you choose Apeejay for your son?

As a couple we were very confused initially about the admission processes here in Delhi. We were advised to start early, and so we began to search for Aamish’s school from July 2020 onwards. Of course, we first began googling, our searches were – Top Schools in Delhi, Top Schools in South Delhi, and Apeejay was among the top names. Besides, Apeejay is renowned, and like I mentioned, we are from Jalandhar, in the city itself, Apeejay has a remarkable presence.  

Was it difficult to zero down on a school during the pandemic?

Yes, ever since the pandemic hit, education itself has become difficult for children. At that time, we knew that Aamish would learn online only and that is why we chose Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park. We preferred the school because it adapted early and very well to this change in the learning setup. We were lucky to have got our names in the school’s shortlist. It was our top choice.

How long has your association been with the school?

We enrolled Aamish in the school in April 2021. Our aim was to pick a school that focuses on our child’s overall development, especially during his foundation years. Apeejay is a big brand pan-India and each person we have asked around our circle has spoken positively about the school.

It has been some months with the school. Would you like to say a few new things that your son has picked up?

There are many in fact! As we enrolled him, the school initially gave 2-3 trial classes online. At that time, my son wasn’t used to this and he felt scared sitting in front of a laptop to take a class. However, within a short span of time, he became very comfortable with his teachers. I would like to name Ms. Khushboo, his class in-charge who made this possible. Now, Aamish logs into his classes himself, and I sit near him, just to observe him. At such an early age, he is disciplined and he likes to engage in creative pursuits. Even at the nursery level, the school has about 6-7 teachers to teach students, and another set of 6-7 activity teachers to help them. This is very rare! My son has also developed interest in yoga and exercises. Teachers are doing a great job with him. They always give him the necessary personal attention.

How was your first visit to the school?

My visit to the school was when I went there to submit the application form for my son’s admission. I really liked the school campus. The atmosphere was very positive and my husband and I also met Principal Ma’am, Ms. Ritu Mehta. She is a very compassionate person.

You are both working parents. Did the school make classes easy for your son and the both of you to manage them?

Yes, very much! We are in the school WhatsApp group and there we have all the schedule and information needed. It is planned well in advance and everything is quite organised. As working parents, we prefer our child to study in the morning slot, i.e. from 8-10 AM because then we can go to our respective offices. We are looking to have a long-term association with the school because the next 10-12 years will be important for our son.

Any tips you would like to give to fellow parents?

My advice would be to choose a school that has a good foundation. What my son will become, the school may decide and that is why a child’s personality development and education are both important. Pick a school that can balance both!