‘There’s no comparison when it comes to the education here’

At Apeejay School, Rama Mandi, many parents speak of a level of individual attention and safety that sets the school apart. Meet Satveer Kaur, mother of Prabhtej Singh Lally, a Class 3 student at Apeejay School, Rama Mandi. In this candid conversation, Satveer — who has herself worked as a teacher in a CBSE school — shares why she chose Apeejay for her son, and the changes she’s already noticed in just a few months.

Why did you choose to admit your son to this school? What was the one thing that stood out to you about Apeejay?

I asked a lot of people about this school before deciding. Some teachers I knew personally used to attend events at Apeejay, and they told me clearly: if you want to give your child a good education, Apeejay is the best.

In Jalandhar, we had shortlisted only two schools — Apeejay and one other. When I compared the two, both the teachers I knew and my sisters, who live in Canada, all pointed me toward Apeejay. They said that even in their time, Apeejay held significant value and maintained a very high standard of education.

There was another reason too — my husband has always been keen on sports, and my son is a football player.  So here at Apeejay, we’re getting that support too. And as for academics, honestly, there’s no comparison. I’ve worked as a teacher myself in a CBSE school, and while that school was good too, the level of teaching and the overall approach here is very different — and genuinely appreciable. 

Since the school has so many activities and clubs, do you feel your child is getting practical, real-world exposure rather than just rote learning — and is he able to make decisions on his own?

Everything has been good so far. My son has only joined this year, so it’s only been about five to six months. But I’ve had a very good experience with the teachers and the entire staff — whether it’s academics, practical work, or co-curricular activities.
He’s still settling in and participating gradually, but I’ve spoken to the teachers about involving him more. They themselves are actively encouraging him to take part in these activities.

When it comes to school safety, especially since these are young children, do you feel teachers and support staff provide proper guidance?

Yes, definitely. My son is only in Class 3, so naturally, safety is my biggest concern as a parent. And honestly, I haven’t seen this level of safety in any other school.

In the classrooms, the children are disciplined, teachers keep a close eye on them, and cameras installed everywhere ensure the children are watched over properly. The kids themselves are a little mindful about not doing anything wrong, such as hitting each other, because they know they’re being watched over. Even the school buses are very safe — there’s no overcrowding, and the drivers and conductors are very cooperative.

Do you feel the teachers and staff actively work to instill discipline in the children so that it becomes a built-in quality for life?

Definitely. My son has been in school since Kindergarten — he did two years of KG. My biggest concern initially was how he would learn discipline, because in a playway school, there aren’t that many children around. So I wondered how he would adjust to being around so many kids in a bigger school. But I realised within the very first month that my son adapted really well in class. Whatever guidance the Apeejay teachers give, or whatever the principal says in an assembly, my son listens carefully and comes home and tells me all about it.

With activities like theme-based assemblies, do you feel they’re conducted well, and that your child genuinely understands and relates to them, rather than it just becoming extra work for parents?

Yes, he completely understands what’s happening. As for homework, it isn’t overwhelming at all — the teachers make sure the homework is covered in school itself, and mostly it’s about revision. There’s no pressure on the children to suddenly perform under stress before exams.

Do you feel the student-teacher ratio allows for individual attention?

Actually, this Apeejay branch, in Rama Mandi, has single-section classes, so there are only around 20-22 children per section — his class has about 16-17 students. Individual attention is definitely being provided.

I say this from my own experience as a parent — my son is new here, and he’s getting individual attention. Whenever I ask the teachers anything, they explain things patiently, both to him and to me, and reassure me not to worry. I haven’t faced any real issues.

Has Apeejay lived up to your expectations — in terms of teaching, sports, and your child’s growth?

Yes, I’m completely satisfied. In just five to six months, I’ve already seen a noticeable improvement in my son. His interest in studies has grown — earlier, I used to have to push him to do things, but now he comes and tells me himself, “Mumma, I have a test tomorrow, I need to revise this.” It’s not just about rote practice either — they include a lot of knowledge-based questions too, which really helps a child’s overall growth. I genuinely appreciate this school.