‘Teachers are involved with students from day one’

One of the things this parent found most reassuring was how involved the school was with her daughter even before formal admission. Meet Amitoj Manaktala, mother of Aarja Manaktala, a student of Class 5B at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park.

In a candid interview, Amitoj Manaktala shares her thoughts on the school’s approach to extracurricular activities, infrastructure, safety, and academic preparedness for the future.

What made you select Apeejay School for your daughter?

Aarja did her Nursery schooling from Apeejay Rhythms Kinderworld, GK-2. So when we were doing our preschool hunt, checking out different options, we found teachers very impressive. The way they conducted our very first meeting. They involved Aarja from day one. 

While we were just checking out the school, the classrooms and the premises, teachers made sure Aarja was busy with some activities. That kind of involvement even before admission catches a parent’s attention, because it signals that the involvement will continue throughout. 

Later, when she moved to Class 1, she took part in a lot of activities. What I really like about Apeejay, Panchsheel Park is that they let children go on stage from a young age. I believe that if children get that kind of exposure early, it helps them overcome the fear of public speaking.

What are your views on balancing the act of school between academic and extra curricular activities?

Every month, up till Class 5, they have a theme-based project. For instance, in August, the theme was “India as the Motherland,” and my younger daughter did a morning assembly on India’s freedom fighters and other related topics. For Aarja’s class too, similar things are taught in an engaging way — through chapters, stage performances, and so on.  So yes, they maintain a good balance overall. Aarja is also head girl of the school. 

How about safety, infrastructure of the schools, do you feel these are properly maintained?

The library and computer labs are perfectly fine. I have visited both myself and found them to be quite good. If there are some concerns, the school does hear parents. We appreciated that they were open to the conversation. The campus is also fine and protected.  

How is the school’s communication with parents — regarding assemblies, picnics, or academic updates?

Communication has been good. For both my children, I haven’t received any complaints, since they’re doing well academically. Whenever there’s a circular — for an excursion or any event — we receive it well in advance, both as a hard copy and on the parents’ app, so we’re always kept in the loop.

What role did the school’s values and approach to the overall development of children play in your choice? 

This actually played a big role for me, right from the very beginning. When we were checking out preschool for Aarja, what stood out wasn’t just the infrastructure or the curriculum, but how the teachers engaged with her. That told me the school genuinely believes in involving the child holistically, not just academically. And that approach has continued — whether it’s giving children stage exposure from a young age to build their confidence, or the theme-based projects every month that combine academics with values. 

For me, this kind of well-rounded development, where a child learns beyond textbooks, was one of the biggest deciding factors. 

What is one thing about the school that you value the most as a parent?

If I had to pick just one thing, it would be the stage exposure and confidence-building opportunities the school gives to children from a very young age. I strongly believe that the fear of public speaking is one of the biggest fears people carry into adulthood. 

I have seen Aarja’s confidence over the years, especially as she’s grown into responsibilities like being head girl. I see the same pattern beginning with my younger daughter as well. That early exposure, I think, gives children an advantage that goes far beyond academics.

What changes have you noticed in your child since they joined the school?

Aarja has grown tremendously, both academically and personally. She’s always been a bright student and a teacher’s favourite. What I have particularly noticed is how her confidence has developed through the various activities and stage opportunities she’s been given. Taking on a role like head girl has also added to her sense of responsibility and leadership. 

Would you recommend Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park to others in the future?

Yes, I have recommended it in the past as well. I have a niece and friends’ children studying in other schools. When I see Apeejay’s standard of education, I find that my daughters are ahead of them. 

The extracurricular exposure — thematic presentations, individual class assemblies, show-and-tell activities for the younger ones — is genuinely impressive. My younger daughter often comes home telling me what she learned that day, even things like Hindi mantras, and that tells me the teachers are doing a good job.