When this family moved from Delhi to Mumbai, they were already familiar with Apeejay Education as a brand. When it was time for their daughter, Vaanya (now in Class IX), to start formal schooling, they chose Apeejay School, Nerul. “When we moved to Mumbai and settled in Nerul, we received very positive feedback about the school. We also had family members who were Apeejay School pass-outs, so that added to our confidence. It was not just the brand name, but the way the school itself functioned that convinced us it would support her academic growth well, even when we had offers from other schools,” Varun Mathur said.
In a candid interview, he talks about how the school has supported his daughter’s journey thus far.
Vanya is now in Class IX. How was the transition from earlier classes to this stage?
Class IX marks a key shift in a child’s academic journey. The academic load increases, and at the same time, children are dealing with important emotional and personal changes. What made a real difference for us was the school’s approach. The teachers understood these challenges and offered steady support. Because of this, what seems like a big jump on paper felt well-paced and manageable for Vaanya and for us.
How has Apeejay supported her overall development?
Academically, Apeejay is one of the strongest schools we know. The regular assessments, project work based on individual strengths, and constant communication with teachers have been helpful. Beyond academics, the school has played a major role in shaping her personality. She has been given many opportunities in public speaking and other activities that have helped build her confidence. We have seen her grow as an individual who is more confident, expressive, and mature. We truly value this balanced development.
Are there any subjects or learning experiences that have had a strong impact on her?
My daughter has always enjoyed reading, and English literature has become one of her strongest subjects. The teaching methods at school, combined with her interest, have helped deepen her engagement with the subject. The school encourages students to participate in Inter-school events such as poetry writing, book-based competitions, and Rotary programmes. These have contributed significantly to her academic interest.
How do you balance academics and personal time, especially now that she is in Class IX?
Our focus is to ensure she stays consistent with her studies while also having enough personal time. The advantage we feel is that most academic work is completed at school, so she does not carry excessive pressure at home. This allows her to pursue her hobbies, read, play with friends, relax, or simply unwind. Maintaining this balance has given us confidence that she can manage her responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed.
What advice would you give to parents of children entering Class IX?
As parents, while being supportive is important, it is equally important to trust them and give them space. Instead of making decisions for them, we should guide them on how to make decisions independently. This confidence will help them in the long run, and I believe schools also play a crucial role in nurturing this independence.