This blog is somewhat different from my usual "all style and no content" blogs. This is a result of the research I was forced to do when I changed my daughter's school. Some of the things written in this blog are experiences shared by like-minded people though most of them are impressions formed by me during my visits to various schools.
I thought of writing this down as we have a huge inflow of professionals moving into Gurgaon from various parts of the world. One of the first things they start looking for is a good school for their children. Hopefully, this blog will be of some help to them.
As per me, the schools in Gurgaon can be categorised into three categories
A) Alternative school (Also known as Progressive schools) :
These are the schools who follow a completely different methodology of teaching. Usually these schools will first stress on teaching orally and students are taught to write at a much later stage. Often these schools will not teach alphabets in their usual sequence but in context to how they are used in the children's perception. Thus they will probably teach "B" ahead of "A" as they would then try to teach the child how to spell "BALL". These schools also believe in not giving any homework and keeping a very low stress level on the children.
Typical characteristics of these schools are
1) Completely different teaching approach at the primary level. Does not follow the NCERT method at all.
2) Teaching is often project-based or experience-based instead of text book based.
3) Usually has a setup for the children with special needs (with separate teaching staffs for them).
4) Merges into regular NCERT / CBSE or ICSE format after class 8.
5) Has plenty of outdoor activities like summer camps etc
There is some debate about this form of schools. The concern points raised by many parents are
The name can be deceptive as most of the schools these days have added "World" or "International" as their middle name. I am classifying those schools as "International" which have the following features
1) Will follow a modern form of teaching (may not be entirely progressive but a close second to this)
2) Will not have excessive academic pressure on the child (in line with international practices). Usually these schools will have less or no homework and parents are discouraged from teaching the child separately.
3) Will have SMART class rooms for all standards and all classes
4) Will have elaborate sports facilities (usually including a few exclusive facilities like Horse Riding, Golf etc)
5) Will have external faculties / institutions coming in for added value (like British council, external Theatre workshop, elocution classes etc)
6) Usually will also have options of other boards (IGCSE, OB etc)
7) If often accused to be a bit too flashy.
The following are the schools which fall in this category
The feature of these schools are as under
I thought of writing this down as we have a huge inflow of professionals moving into Gurgaon from various parts of the world. One of the first things they start looking for is a good school for their children. Hopefully, this blog will be of some help to them.
As per me, the schools in Gurgaon can be categorised into three categories
A) Alternative school (Also known as Progressive schools) :
These are the schools who follow a completely different methodology of teaching. Usually these schools will first stress on teaching orally and students are taught to write at a much later stage. Often these schools will not teach alphabets in their usual sequence but in context to how they are used in the children's perception. Thus they will probably teach "B" ahead of "A" as they would then try to teach the child how to spell "BALL". These schools also believe in not giving any homework and keeping a very low stress level on the children.
Typical characteristics of these schools are
1) Completely different teaching approach at the primary level. Does not follow the NCERT method at all.
2) Teaching is often project-based or experience-based instead of text book based.
3) Usually has a setup for the children with special needs (with separate teaching staffs for them).
4) Merges into regular NCERT / CBSE or ICSE format after class 8.
5) Has plenty of outdoor activities like summer camps etc
There is some debate about this form of schools. The concern points raised by many parents are
- their teaching methodology is excellent for young students but not so good for older children. Hence when the students reach Class 8 and is introduced to the conventional NCERT syllabus, most of the students don't fare well.
- a child finds it extremely difficult to adjust into any other main stream school (in case one needs to change the school)
- unconventional way of teaching - hence finding teachers and retaining them is a challenge.
The schools in this category are
- Heritage School (Sector 62) : Pioneer in this form of teaching. Uniformly acclaimed as excellent among the progressive schools. Off late, there has been some report about the standard of the school having deteriorated. Also the students seem to find it difficult to merge into the NCERT based syllabus after Class 8 and consequently, there is a trend of students leaving Heritage after Class 5.
Rating : 4/5
Board : CBSE - Shikshantar (South City I) : Excellent school in Progressive format. Seem to have a better balance between the progressive form and conventional form. Mid term admissions are not very easy.
Rating : 4.5/5
Board : CBSE - Matri Kiran (Sohna Road) : New school started last year (is now till Class 3). The principal is the former principal of Shikshantar. The secondary section will be at Hero Honda Chowk.
Rating : not known.
Board : ICSE
The name can be deceptive as most of the schools these days have added "World" or "International" as their middle name. I am classifying those schools as "International" which have the following features
1) Will follow a modern form of teaching (may not be entirely progressive but a close second to this)
2) Will not have excessive academic pressure on the child (in line with international practices). Usually these schools will have less or no homework and parents are discouraged from teaching the child separately.
3) Will have SMART class rooms for all standards and all classes
4) Will have elaborate sports facilities (usually including a few exclusive facilities like Horse Riding, Golf etc)
5) Will have external faculties / institutions coming in for added value (like British council, external Theatre workshop, elocution classes etc)
6) Usually will also have options of other boards (IGCSE, OB etc)
7) If often accused to be a bit too flashy.
The following are the schools which fall in this category
- Ridge Valley International School (Near Galleria Market) : New school backed by the India Today Learn India movement. Focuses majorly on self learning / project based learning. Expensive (approx 45k per quarter)
Rating : 4/5
Board : CBSE - Lotus Valley International School (South City II) : New school (presently upto Class 8). Excellent facilities and innovative teaching methodologies. Tie up with several external institutions (British Council, Cambridge Education, Maxmuller Bhavan etc). Also has in-house councillors which is a great help for "problem" children. Already have an established school in Noida which is considered a premium school. Rating : 4/5.Board : CBSE
- Pathways : New school. Good setup. Has separate section for Special Needs children. Extremely expensive (approx 70k per quarter). Predominantly focuses on Expats and NRIs (the admission form asks whether you earn in Indian Rupees or Foreign currencies!!!)
Rating : 3/5
Board : IGCSE (Cambridge) - Scottish High : One of the first true "international" school in Gurgaon. Well established and well known. They also have the best student:teacher ratio (15:1) among all the international schools. Off-late have heard a few negative remarks about this including some pretty damning stuffs on mouthshut.com. Expensive (approx 45k per quarter).
Rating : 3.5/5
Board : ICSE - Banyan Tree : Feedback on Internet is quite high. Did not check personally. Also heard that it is rather expensive.
Rating : 3.5/5 (based on Internet)
Board : ICSE - American Excelsior : Feedback on Internet is quite high. Did not check personallyRating : 3.5/5 (based on Internet)Board : IGCSE (Cambridge)
- Shiv Nadar : Just started. Has classes upto Class 5. Quite expensive (approx 45k per quarter). Still trying to find firm footings for itself - especially for the higher classes.
There are a few others on which I have no feedback like
- K.R.Mangalam World School
- G.D.Goenka World School
- Euro International
- Indus World School
C) Conventional Schools
The feature of these schools are as under
1) Will follow the NCERT prescribed norms. Within this, the good schools with use techniques which are modern and more child-friendly.
2) Academic pressure will be high. It is expected that the parent will also actively teach the child from an early age.
3) Good schools may have SMART class rooms (though this is usually not common)
4) Good schools will have elaborate sports facilities (though conventional ones like football, cricket, basketball etc)
For such schools, it is recommended that one takes careful feedback from students / parents as often what they promise and what they deliver is starkly different.
Grade 1 : Ratings between 3 to 5
3) Good schools may have SMART class rooms (though this is usually not common)
4) Good schools will have elaborate sports facilities (though conventional ones like football, cricket, basketball etc)
For such schools, it is recommended that one takes careful feedback from students / parents as often what they promise and what they deliver is starkly different.
Grade 1 : Ratings between 3 to 5
- Sun City : Rated very high. Teaching style and staffs are extremely good. Good setup and nice balance between education and co-curriculars.
NB : Is known to ask for donations and/or part of the entry fees in cash. I have personally not experienced this but a close friend had this experience.
Rating : 4.5/5
Board : CBSE - Sri Ram International : Could not even enter the reception after trying thrice. I believe one has to admit the child in nursery itself or will have to be a celebrity to even enter the school. Usually the interview will be conducted by the school "darwaan" and you will be shooed off with a flea in the ear.
Rating : 3/5
Board : ICSE - Shallom Hills
New school. Modern style of teaching; child friendly.
NB : Even for Class 1 children, they ask for an entrance test (carefully veiled under a phrase "bench-marking") while they themselves don't have exams till Class 5.
Rating : 4/5
Board : CBSE - Delhi Public School Sector 45 : Standard good school. Academic pressure is on the higher side.
Rating : 3.5/5
Board : CBSE - Amity International Sector 43 and Sector 46 : Standard good school. Nice infrastructure (in Sector 46), large playground. The student : teacher ratio is a bit on the higher side.
NB : Even for Class 1 children, they ask for an entrance test.
Rating 3/5
Board : CBSE - Salwan Public School : Standard good school. Nice infrastructure. Uses good tools and modern methodology.
Rating 3.5/5
Board : CBSE - DAV Public School : Standard good school. Focusses mainly on academics and lacks other supports.
Rating 3/5
Board : CBSE
Grade 2 : Ratings below 3
- Ryan International - Sector 40
- Delhi Public School - Shushant Lok / Sector 29
- Delhi Public School - Maruti Kunj / Sector 28
- Summer Fields
- Tagore International (now called Rabindranath World School): Excessive academic pressure. Old fashioned method of teaching. Has a reputation of hitting children regularly.
Rating : 1/5 - Blue Bells
There are many more schools in category 3 on which I have no feedback. A list of some of these are
- Presidium Galleria / Mother's Pride
- Presidium Sector 57
- Alpine Convent School
- Salwan School
- Manav Rachna
It would be nice to get some feedback or review on these schools.
I got plenty of help from some Internet sites which the readers may also find interesting. These are :
- http://livingingurgaon.blogspot.com
- http://www.parentree.in
- http://www.gurgaonscoop.com
And finally, there is no point in writing this blog unless we have discussions on this. I would sincerely urge all parents having school going kids to put their opinions as comments to this blog. This would certainly help the parents in Gurgaon who are in the hunt for a good school.
Note : Comments on this blog has been closed.
I got plenty of help from some Internet sites which the readers may also find interesting. These are :
- http://livingingurgaon.blogspot.com
- http://www.parentree.in
- http://www.gurgaonscoop.com
And finally, there is no point in writing this blog unless we have discussions on this. I would sincerely urge all parents having school going kids to put their opinions as comments to this blog. This would certainly help the parents in Gurgaon who are in the hunt for a good school.
Note : Comments on this blog has been closed.
very informative article...
ReplyDeletetwo thumbs up for all the information you have gathered.. this will help me a lot in deciding for admission of my son .. Thank you !
ReplyDeleteVery informative indeed, thanks.
ReplyDeleteAny updated information on K.R.Mangalam ? My child has been offered a place there but I havent been able to secure enough information about the school from a outsider's perspective.
Thanks again
Pathetic school.
Deletei wdn't recommend K.R.Mangalam..while searching around for a good school ( when we were in the process of changing our daughter's school) heard some pretty bad reviews about it
ReplyDeleteI am planning to relocate from the Netherlands. We are quite pleased with quality of education here. So a good school is a big factor in decision making with respect to relocation. Any suggestions - a school with too much homework will be a culture shock so want to avoid that.
ReplyDelete@Preeti - what class are your kids in? I would recommend you short list the following schools
ReplyDelete- Lotus Valley International
- Ridge Valley
- Banyan Tree
Basically better stick to the "true" International schools mentioned by me in the article. Can also try "Shiv Nadar School" and "Gurgaon Valley" which seem to have a lot of promise.
We will be shifting to GGN from Noida in coming session. I have been trying to chase DPS Sec 45 and DPS Sushant Lok. My experience- Sec 45 staff's response is really pathetic over phone. They dont guide and tell you clearly about any thing. I just wanted to know the admission test date. When i went to school perosnally today, they didn't eve let me go inside. Watchman at gate was very rude and it appeared as if i was trying to cross Indo-Pak border.
DeleteSushant LOk- I found staff was quite reasonable over the phone. I went today and brought the form from there. Can anybody please suggest more about DPS - Sushant Lok, how is this school?
Please reply asap... How is DPS Sushant Lok?
ReplyDelete@ Monika : DPS Shushant Lok is an average school. I also found their response to be nice and friendly but overall I won't recommend it.
ReplyDeleteWhich class is your kid in? If you want to try out the more "modern" schools, I recommend Lotus Valley International. My daughter is studying here and we are immensely satisfied. It being a new school, they also are more receptive towards transfer cases et al. The other options are Manav Rachna (of late heard good things about it) and Ridge Valley (expensive).
If you want to stick to conventional schools, then my bet would be on Suncity, Shallom Hills and Amity in that order. Suncity is extremely structured (to the extent that they have a dedicated PRO for handling the parents!!!), so appointments / tests are handled rather well. Shallom Hill is friendly but they have a rigorous test. Amity Sector 43 is rather rude - so better try the Sector 46 branch.
Hi Atanu,
DeleteWould like to know why you do not recommend DPS Sushant Lok?
How is DPS 45 better than DPS Sushant lok?
Atanu,
ReplyDeleteWe are considering a few schools for my daughter, LVS one among them. Did you have a chance to visit Summer Fields in Gurgaon, any thoughts...
Dear SKP,
DeleteWe did visit Summer Field and was hugely disappointed by it. It claims to have three playing grounds - one of which is actually the courtyard within the school. I could only find teachers will a sullen look and students with equally morose look. I have seldom seen a more desultory and lifeless school in my life.
The receptionist had a very "sarkari" attitude. She took down our names when we wanted to meet the principal. After waiting for 2 hours, I discovered that the request has not yet been sent to the principal!! I also met a couple of parents who were running between accounts and this prima donna at the reception trying to pay the remaining dues and apply for a transfer certificate.
From what I could gather, Summer Field in Delhi is an old school and has a certain reputation sheerly by their history. The Gurgaon branch is a pale shadow of the same and tries to bank on the reflected glory. Also, being an old school, they have a lot of clout with the news paper - which explains why they feature in HT list of top ten schools.
To Summarise : Give it a miss by a mile and a half!!
I need suggestions on ryan and the maurya school gurgaon. As my kid will be 3 in march 2012.
ReplyDeleteI had a look at Ryan International as well. I found it to be a bit too commercialized. Overall it seemed to be strictly okay (about 2.5 or 3/5 rating). The play facilities are not enough.
DeleteThey have one advantage which is transferability i.e if you are transferred from one city to another, you need not pay any deposit / admission fees etc. I, however, do not think this is a very significant factor.
No idea on Maurya School. I'll try to ask around.
I need suggestion on Shiv Nadar School, any thoughts.
ReplyDeleteShiv Nadar School is new but has a lot of promises. 2012-13 will be their first academic session. I have a good feeling about this school. They also are following the "international" style but with a lot of social commitment and involvement.
DeleteI saw their school building as well - at that time it was still incomplete. Being the first year, they might take 1-2 years to set up the infrastructure completely. If you are ready to bear with this inconvenience for first 1-2 years, go for it.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI have visited Ridge Valley couple of times around last sep-oct, they had no clue about admission process.. also, they offered cbse (certification pending) and were in no way "international".or expensive.
Pls let me know if anything has changed recently.
Also, why have you put salwan as grade 3, coz this was ranked 5th in the last ggn school rating by HT (if i remember correctly).
Are we talking about the same Ridge Valley school? The one am talking about is near Galleria Market and is a India Today venture. It is certainly expensive going by its 45,000 per quarter fees. But I found the school to be excellent. The link to its website is
Deletehttp://www.ridgevalleyschool.org/
I personally find the HT school ratings to be heavily biased. A couple of schools appear over there like Salwan, Summer Fields and Blue Bells which have no business to be there. I recommend you check out the school yourself (and please give your feedback over here so that all can read it).
Hi, New entrant here to an old discussion, but could'nt resist commenting. Ridge Valley is a great school- i moved my kids from DPS sushant lok( termed pathetic by me)to Ridge Valley and I am thrilled with the school. Great Teachers,personal interaction and my kids love it! The present principal Mrs. Yasmin Khan, and ex from Vasant Valley Delhi, knows every child by name in the school, which is so wonderful!I highly recommend the school, even though slightly expensive, Yes, but not at the cost of my children's happiness. The school in the first go does not come across as flashy and there is a strong parent - management forum which keeps a tab on all that the school promises and delivers.Extremely nice school and because it is a new school and the number of kids are less- I definately love it more coz every class feels like a personal tuition being given by the teachers.
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reply.
I have been to all the schools u mentioned except blue bells. I found Salwan to be okayish, it seems to be similar to the DPSs and the DAVs, what would you say? The infra was also good enough although not swanky like some of the new schools. I also heard from someone I know (an ex principal @ other salwan school) that the principal here takes keen interest in the development of the school.
And Yes we are talking about the same Ridge Valley School near Galleria. Although I have not visited it in last 6 months, but the impression I got when I visited it couple of times was really not good due to foll. reasons:
1)that time there was no principal
2)approval(or whatever it is called) for CBSE was not in place
3)they did not have a date for admission process
4)there were hardly couple of children in 4 & 5 grade
Please let me know if anything has changed since then.
Sometimes we go thru a schools website and find it really good and professional, but when we see reality on ground things can be quite different (ex both RVS & Dihika)
I have not personally visited Salwan but someone else also gave me a decent feedback about it. This matches with your feedback. This is also the reason why I have not rated Salwan School.
DeleteAbout RVS :
1) Ridge Valley now has a principal - who seemed to be quite impressive. She spoke well and had a very clear vision. She is the ex-principal of Vasant Valley.
2) Their CBSE affiliation (preliminary) is in place.The final thing will come once the first batch goes it for the 10th standard. They are till Class 6 at the moment and adding one class every year. This seem to be the norm in any new school.
3) I got a date when the admission forms will be available. It was middle of September I believe. I later checked it - the forms were really available.
4) I think this is probably for the same reason as point 2. nevertheless, the number students in Class 5 were definitely more than 2.
Hi,
DeleteI just wanted to post my feedback on Ridge Valley School.
My Kids have been here since October 2011 and they are extremely happy with the school. The teachers are excellent and the focus on extracurricular activities is great while ensuring academics as well.
The kids in school all look happy and it is difficult to get them to leave school.
If you are looking for a school for your child which allows them to grow, learn and be happy, then you should definitely consider ridge valley.
I can bet, this reply has been posted by RSV employee
DeleteI will be moving to Ggn by the end of the month and have been at my wits end in choosing the right school. How is Shalom Hills ? Does anyone have any idea or personal exp to share?
ReplyDeleteIt is a conventional school and good. Nevertheless, I recommend the international schools like Lotus Valley, Manav Rachna, Banyan Tree etc.
DeleteAlso Shallom has too many pictures of politicians and filmy heros on their school board for my comfort.
Shalom Hills has too many promises but don't deliver. The quality of education gets affected when teachers are made to work like donkeys. Not a good atmosphere in the school, neither for students nor for students.
DeleteI was considering Manav Rachana too... I met the Principal and see seemed to be a woman with direction and focus. Any thoughts?
ReplyDeleteMRIS is supposed to be quite good. Even I have got very good feedback about it.
DeleteMy daughter goes to Manav Rachna school, Principal is really good, School is just another normal international school but we are satisfied
DeleteHi Atanu,
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for the overwhelming research you have done on Gurgaon schools. Just wondering has anybody of your acquaintances has any direct association with Shalom Hills? Actually all the reviews in the web are very positive. But when I talk to real people the impression is slightly different. We are quite new to Gurgaon. So just wondering...
Best Regards.
Sobhan Bhowmik
I agree with your perception. As a conventional school, it is okay. But the overall facilities are not great and the school board boasts a lot about the film stars and politicians who have visited the school. The teachers are probably good but nowadays the focus is on holistic education which might be lacking.
DeleteAlso they ask even 5 year old students to appear for a test which is illegal. They mask it nicely by calling it "Bench Marking" but its a bloody test which lasts for 1.5 hrs for a 5 year old kid!!!
Hi Atanu,
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot again for your quick feedback. Actually we did a blunder last year when relocated back from Australia. As my daughter (now in class IV) did not know any hindi and 3 year old son also speak Bengali mostly at home, put them in Tagore International, DLF 3. Also treated it as a testing ground for them as my ofice and apartment was very close by. They did relatively well and only last week we were informed that TIS GGN is now going out of the old franchise. So we were at a loss and not sure what to do as it was already late.
The first positive response was from Shalom and they both appeared for tests and got qualified. Of course, for my son it was just an hour long(!) interaction as he is less than four yrs now.
But then talking to a few people, the response was not that enlightening. So we are thinking of exploring some other schools including Suncity and Lotus Valley. Also regarding Manav Rachna, though the feedback is quite good, some people are telling that they don't have sufficiently qualified teachers. But I feel that may be a general problem with so many schools coming up in NCR region.
You seem to have committed the same blunder that we had done. We had also put our daughter in Tagore International and were hugely disappointed by it. Which is why we had to change the school mid-session. Our daughter is now in Lotus Valley and we are extremely satisfied by it.
DeleteWe also had tried Suncity but by the time we got a response from them, we had already put our daughter in Lotus. Suncity is also a definite possibility though the educational pressure is probably more than Lotus.
I am planning to send my kid(Nursary) in MRIS, but lately have not received and good feedback for school. Everyone seems to be recomending Shikshantar,Heritage..... Moreover i haven't seen too many discussions happening around this school over net as well. I am getting a little confused, can anyone share feedback about school
ReplyDeleteI think you are comparing two different categories. Shikshantar & Heritage belong to the "Alternate" category of schools which has its own plus & minus as I have mentioned in the article. MRIS is supposed to be a good school in the "International" category though I would rate Lotus Valley, Banyan Tree and Ridge Valley above this.
DeleteRegarding excelsior amrican school, it is much hyped and very very expensive school. They charge rs. 70,000 in name of annual fees and quarterly charges comes around rs. 30000. Transport charges are one of expensive around rs. 3000 per month.so approximately rs. 2 lacs for a nursury student. Which is equivalant fees in us or uk wudent. If u can afford than only plan. 15% is compulsory hike in fees every year.
ReplyDeleteAdd to this, American Excelsior has the problem of board affiliation at the moment - so not sure how well it is for "non-NRI" Indian students.
DeleteThe fees seem to be on the same category as "Pathways".
Well I came from USA and have put my daughter at Excelsior ..Yes I agree the fee is high but excellent education system as my daughter is so happy and the transition has been smooth as she would have been list in a school with 1000 kids . Loads of personalized attention...I am extremely happy
DeleteNeed help. I am trying admission for my Daughter for 2nd Class. Need feed back on K.R.Mangalam World School, Manav Rachna & Lotus Valley. Which one is better...
ReplyDeleteI am inclined to rate Lotus Valley higher than the rest. I'll ask a friend of mine to comment on this as he had done extensive research on these schools.
DeleteThanks... i will wait for your friend comment.. as i am very confused...
DeleteLotus valley definitely rank higher becoz its a new school ....gr8 staff....excellent infrastructure and above all they want to be best.
Deletei hav done lot of search on schools for my 2nd class kid....i personally feel tat manav rachna, k.r mangalam are more crowded with children as compared to lotus valley....whereas the overall fee structure is same for all schools....so why let your child lost in crowd when v have option of personal attention in schools lik lotus valley!!!
I agree!! personal attention is given to such an extent that I was truly impressed. I was waiting to wait the princy for my kid's admission and there came a teacher with a small child with a small cake in his hand(it was his b'day). Everyone of the admin staff knew the kid by his name and hugged and wished the child and then the kid was taken to the princy's cabin to give the cake. I am yet to see a school where every single kid is given that kinda attention.
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteAny feedback on Lancers International @ DLF V?
We have visited the school, but do not have any first hand feedback.
The fee structure is similar to pathways. Only advantage is its closer.
Plz share any feedback.
Don't have any first hand feedback but have not heard too many praises of this school either. Nevertheless, will try to get a feedback.
DeleteDear atanu
DeleteThanks for extensive research. DAV which is missing and not part of most of discussion. But it is one of the top rated schools of india as per hindustan times. What is ur experience and why no one tried there.
Also shiv nadar school yet to be started but give a feeling of real school. Once i visited it looks like my school that i was always looking. Lotus valley and other schools looks more artificial type. Education level will come later once they will start.
I also have a good feeling about Shiv Nadar. Only issue is that it is yet to start and that is when the rubber really hits the road. Having promises and delivering are two different things and I hope Shiv Nadar lives up to the expectations.
DeleteI also had some misgivings initially about these international schools which have an "artificial" look. But if you really analyse it carefully, you child is having a different childhood compared to yours. His/her needs and wants will be quite different and the society around us has also changed dramatically. In this context, Lotus / Ridge Valley / Banyan Tree etc are more finely tuned to the times. I can personally certify that my daughter is really enjoying herself at Lotus Valley.
I have no personal feedback on DAV but I understand that it is a conventional school and probably rates on similar lines as DPS Sector 45 or Amity.
Thanks Atanu for such a wonderful work..u made parents job easier choosing and deciding schools from different categories..
ReplyDeletejust wanted to ask u that my daughter is 3yr old now, im looking for a pre-nursury school ..there are few which i have found good in respect of fee structure and academically also but not ensuring admissions in good reputed schools for next calss i.e kg (next year) but others good in infrastucture as well as high fees but giving assurance of admission in DPS gurgaon, so firstly i wud like to ask u which play-school i prefer one with school assurance for next year or other which goes with child growth?
Secondly , which Dps is better Sec-45 OR Sushant lok Gurgaon?
Really appreciate your help.
If the pre-school is talking about an "assured admission to DPS Gurgaon", its not really worth much. DPS Gurgaon is not a very exclusive school where you cannot get an admission otherwise and therefore this criteria should not be very significant. Another point is whether these tall claims are really backed up by DPS at all or they only have a tie-up with DPS in terms of logistics (like you can by the admission forms of DPS from the play school and some such stuffs).
DeleteDPS Sector 45 is certainly far better that the Sushant Lok.
HI Atanu
ReplyDeleteI must begin by saying that your research on schooling in gurgaon is impressive. I'm another worried parent with a two year old, who may just be putting the cart before the horse! The convenationl schools dismay me where they pack in more students than appropriate and I'm no advocate of rote learning.
I would like your opinion on Shikshantar as a school.
Shikshantar is a good school in the alternate form. It is certainly better than Heritage, which is the pioneer in this form of schooling. The only two pitfalls are
Deletea) Merging these students into mainstream CBSE/ICSE students in Class VIII
b)Usually Shikshantar will demand a larger time from the parents as they believe in teaching the child through active participation of the parent. If you are a working mother, this could become an issue.
You can also look at the International schools mentioned by me. They do not advocate the rote learning and have imbibed many of the practices of Alternate teaching (like using snake-and-ladder board game to teach them additions etc).
You still have a few years to think about it, though :)
Hi,
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is 3 yrs 6 mnths old as of march. We are planning to relocate to gurgaon from Mumabai. I am told that gurgaon has 2 classes before 1st class...is it true? It means that i should apply for lower kg in a school there.
My criteria for selection of the school is-:
Low stress levels for the child
Equal emphasis on extracurricular and sports
Dont want to try very offbeat schools( unproven mode of education)
English medium
Decent space for kids to play around
Transparency and easily approachable teachers/principal
Do u think the schools would be open for admission now?
rgds
Prem
You are right - normally they have LKG (3+) / UKG (4+) / Class I (5+). Thus you probably would have to put in her at LKG.
DeleteI recommend that you should choose one of the international schools. My recommendations, in the order of preference will be
a) Lotus Valley
b) Ridge Valley
c) Banyan Tree
d) Manav Rachna
Avoid conventional schools as you want low stress level on the child.
Admissions would be closed but most of these schools are quite considerate about mid session admissions for transfer cases. I don't think this will be an issue but you need to move fast so that your child can start the new session in the new school.
Feel free to drop me an e-mail at myatanu@yahoo.co.in or myatanu@gmail.com when you are in Gurgaon.
Thanks Atanu. Appreciate your promptness.
ReplyDeleteAny idea on the annual fees for the 4 schools mentioned above?
Lotus Valley : Rs 30k per quarter incl bus fees
DeleteRidge Valley : Rs 51k per quarter incl bus fees
Banyan Tree and Manav Rachna are around the same as Lotus Valley
Hi Atanu,
ReplyDeleteI have read your entire blog and would certainly appreciate your effort. As every parent, even I am confused about my son's admission and wanted to take your suggestions. I would be applying for his admission this year when the forms come out in Aug/Sep . My criteria for deciding the school are :
- should be cbse curriculum.
- should pay stress on developing good english comm skills in a child.
-are not exorbitant in terms of fees and other charges ( like pathways or scottish high, which are anyways IB board )
I have shortlisted - Amity Sector 46, DPS , Suncity and Lotus Valley ( recently read a lot of good things about this school )
- what do you suggest ? and also which DPS is better - sec 45 or SL ?
- How about Suncity too ?
Thanks a lot .
My clear preference would be for Lotus Valley. If your child doesn't get through at Lotus for some reason, the other schools to be contemplated could be
Delete- Banyan Tree
- Manav Rachna
Amongst the conventional schools, Suncity and Shallom Hills are good. Next rank would be DPS Sec 45 (NOT Shushant Lok) and Amity Sector 46.
My order of preference would be
1. Lotus Valley
2. Banyan Tree
3. Manav Rachna
4. Sun City
5. DPS Sector 45
6. Shallom Hills
7. Amity scetor 46
Hi Atanu,
DeleteWhich grade your child is in? what is student teacher ratio they have in all grades ( nursery to 12th)?
Banyan tree has been here for some time now but still there just handful of students in the school. If it is so good they why such a low strength?
Thanks
Dinesh
My daughter is in Grade 1 in LVIS. The student / teacher ratio is 22 now. I guess it is probably same or higher for nursery & KG while the ratio in senior classes (6-8) are lower. The max number of students planned per class is 28.
DeleteI have not visited Banyan tree myself - hence can't comment. Reviews on the net are quite positive.
Could u pls tell me as to why NOT DPS SL. I have seen that they focus more on academics n it's a stressfull for kids below 8 years or even 10 yrs but I guess at the end of the day we all grew up learning that way. The other co-curricular activities can be given from other sources (I know some may not agree) but to think of it I guess academics is what we r looking for (this is not totally correct but ) will elaborate more later. By the way how about Academics in Scottish High n Exc.American School, how are their academics (apart from the fee)
Deletehi Atanu Dey,
ReplyDeleteIn these discussion i have not seen the name of PRESIDIUM which is right behind scottish high. How this school has been since o headr a lot abt it.
I am a bit confused by this school. It's affiliates Mother's Pride and Presidium at Galleria are rather poorly spoken of. However, my friend's daughter is studying in this school in KG and my friend and his wife are very satisfied.
DeleteThe point is that till KG, most of the schools perform decently. The real test is Class 1 onwards and on this, I have no feedback.
Great write-up Atanu. I enjoyed reading through your blog.
ReplyDeleteDo you have any information on the American Public School? They claim to be a Montessori based school but I couldn't find any reviews. We are moving from the US and my daughter will be going to 1st grade. She has studied in a Montessori school so far and we thought it would help with the adjustment to send her to a similar environment. Also, do schools generally make any allowance for students who might not be that well versed in Hindi. She can understand Hindi but can't read or write in Hindi.
Some schools do take the childs lack of Hindi skills into consideration. You should try
Delete- Banyan Tree
- American Excelsior
- Lotus Valley
My daughter is also very weak in Hindi (as we do not speak Hindi at home) and the school (Lotus Valley) had arranged for special Hindi classes for her.
Hi Atanu,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the detailed analysis.
In terms of stress on English Speaking and communication how is LVIS.
How would LVIS be compared to Suncity. As Suncity is also a world/International school and has been there for some time.
Thanks & Regards
LVIS gives extra-ordinary stress on English and Communication. They have a tie-up with British Council as well as Julia Gabriel.My daughter is regularly attending Julia Gabriel classes in school and I have seen a dramatic improvement in her English as well as public speaking abilities.
DeleteSuncity is also extremely good. It is a conventional school (as per my classifications) which has imbibed a lot of international school flavors. I would still rate LVIS a shade higher as educational stress / pressure is less in LVIS. Also the facilities for extra-curricular activities and teaching through doing is more in LVIS.
HI ITS REALLY GOOD TO GO THROUGH THIS DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE SCHOOLS IN GURGAON.THIS COULD OF GREAT HELP TO LOT OF PARENTS STRUGGLING IN THE PHASE OF FINALIZING THE SCHOOL FOR THEIR CHILDREN.JUST WANT TO ADD MY POINT OF VIEW REGARDING DPS SECTOR -45 GURGAON .BOTH MY KIDS ARE GOING IN THIS SCHOOL AND I AM REALLY SATISFIED WITH THEIR PERFORMANCE AS WELL AS THE PERFORMANCE OF THE SCHOOL .I DONT FEEL ANY PRESURE ON MY CHILDREN AND THEY ARE REALLY ENJOYING THEMSELVES WITH THE EXTRA CURRICULAR ATIVITIES AS WELL.
DeleteDPS Sector 45 is one of the better schools in conventional format. They are in fact trying to add in some facilities which are more of the international style. Nice to get your feedback.
Deleteanyone been through Gurugram public school, sec 55? I know its not international or world school or not the school where lobby is like a five start hotel.
ReplyDeletei found this school very good. they give individual attention and analysis for each kid for their performance on various scale. they have various labs and all new technologies for each class, right from LKG. I found here that our fee contribution are invested purely on kids facilities rather buying costly showoff. The school fees are not very high even through they have very good facilities for students.
They have also opened a new branch in sec 62 which has very big area compared to sec 55.
That above is my personal view. Any one having any comment about GPS?
Nice to know this. I have not heard much about this school - it is surprisingly highly underplayed.
DeleteHI,
ReplyDeletehow would you compare Manav rachna and Scottish high in terms of academic,infrastructure,the crowd and also the compulsory day board that Scottish high school has.
And also idea about Scottish's fee structure
Scottish Fees are around 45K per quarter. Manav Rachna is probably little less.
DeleteScottish is the older school and a pioneer in this so called "International School". I have a feeling that they have slipped from their standards or the others have come up better. Overall I would rate both almost the same.
thanks Atanu,it has been of great help!!
DeleteCheers to you for such a good work and extensive research.
thank you so much for the blog....
ReplyDeletecan u tell me why u consider dps sec 45 better thatn dps sushant lok...
what are the advantages and disadvantages of both??
Sector 45 DPS, though a conventional school, has adopted many of the practices and styles of the alternate & international schools. They also have a better brand image which leads to a better crowd of students as well as teachers moving to Sector 45. You can make this out the moment you see a group of students from both the schools.
DeleteThis is, in fact, one of the problems of DPS. DPS schools are all franchises of the original one (at RK Puram) and therefore the standard depends on which particular DPS you are talking about. You cannot assume that all DPS schools are of same or even nearly same standard.
Hello Dey,
ReplyDeleteA Big THANKS for this service.
I fully accept with so far blogged and in line with my thinking too.
last year, i moved to Germany with my son who was studying in V std Our Lady Fatima . Sec 14. He is now finishing his 6th in International school in Germany. I am thinking of relocating the family back to GGN in July.
Do you agree that LVIS will be a good option for my son to be in 7th ? He would like to continue his German as 3rd language. possible there ?
Thanks in anticipation.
I think LVIS would be a good option. German as a third language would be possible here - for sure.
ReplyDeleteThats great, and thanks for your support.
ReplyDeleteI will talk to them and try to take forward.
i can be contacted on venkatesanlip@yahoo.com
You are welcome. Please feel free to get in touch with me at myatanu@yahoo.co.in.
Deletehi dey
ReplyDeletethanx for all the information..its so helpful. my daughter is three now and i will be going through the tough admission process this year.somebody recommended shriram school to me and i was really hoping to get my daughter in that school. but after reading ur and some more not so positive experience of people with that school ...i m a bit disappointed. would be great if i can hv some review about this school like academics or otherwise. thanx.
I believe their academics are at par with DPS Sector 45 or Amity. It follows reasonably modern systems. The problem is the kind of values and culture it seems to distil into the child. Also it has a high snob value and by virtue of that Sree Ram seem to create a great deal of peer pressure.
DeleteOn the whole, I would not recommend this school.
Hi Dey,
ReplyDeleteI am a mother of 2.5 years old. We have recently moved to gurgaon n like other parents I am confused as well as to which school is the best. Have read your post and atleast in a position now that I have shortlisted few schools. But want to know shall I put my daughter in a play school now or look for some schools with pre-nursery?
2. Is Shri Ram school early years at sohna road good?
Please help
I personally feel it is better to go for a good play school rather than thinking of a school with a "pre-nursery" and thereby get tied to this school. The number of schools with "pre-nursury" are limited.
DeleteHave no idea about the Shri Ram School at Sohna Road but very few people seem to have heard about this school.
My kid is 2 years 10 month old, we have Manav Rachna and Lotus Valley option with us. Can you please suggest which will be good option and fee structure of these schools? Do any one of them have day care facility and what are the charges.
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeletemy son turns 3 in july this year. currently he goes to medhaam, a play school.
I want to stick to a conventional school by all regards (call me old fashioned :)).
I want to know as to when and how can i get to see any of these schools. do we need prior appointments or can we just walk in. I am also trying to find out as to when do forms come out, what are the admission procedures etc etc. plus what age criteria do these schools follow?
In general, the eligibility criteria is that the child must be 3 yrs 6 months + in April for the session you are aiming at. That means your child is eligible for next year admission.
DeleteThe forms will be issued in or around October so better to start keeping a watch from Sept onwards. You should also keep your eyes and ears open for some "education fairs" that happen in Sep-Nov when some schools give admissions directly across the counter.
You can also visit these schools in advance. Most of them except a few "high and mightly" ones (Sree Ram, DPS Sector 45, Amity Sector 43 etc), most will definitely speak to you.
You can also check the following website for some more info
http://www.nurseryadmissions.com/
Also, if you want to stick to conventional schools, I would recommend
Delete- Suncity
- Shallom Hills
- Salwan School
- DPS Sector 45
in the order of preference.
Hi Atanu,
ReplyDeleteHats off to you for such an extensive research!! It'll really prove beneficial for many parents like us.
Regards,
Pankaj
Thanks !!
Deletehi
ReplyDeleteFirst thansk for all the comments and research
i would also loke to see some talks about the conventional schools in GGN
Regards
Dheeraj
I will ask another parent (Madhulika) to comment on this. Recently she had done a lot of running around.
DeleteI have updated the blog as well (in fact the conventional school part) so you might want to re-read it again.
For specific queries, please feel free to drop a mail to me at myatanu@yahoo.co.in
For admission procedure first of all you have to buy admission form for your child and wait for list to be come out.The Prior appointments is not necessary
ReplyDeleteBIG mistake with uniform (ther is no any now). As a result we started to have a huge problem, called BRANDS. Children make competition, showing their parent's possibilyties thru the cost of cloth, stationary etc. Uniform is one of general disciplin, face of the school. Now thea are fighting with brands by forcing children to cut the names (can U imagin???) I'm continiously talking with teachers about it, but there is no result! I think school must have only one brand - school's name on UNIFORM!
ReplyDeleteSecond thing I want to point your attention is a holiday list and a home work.Our summer brake is cutted year by year. Now it is from 14 may till 26 june. Is it enough? Children have to study at the hottest days of the year! But they have TO MANY holydays during the year. Most of them could become working days, thea are REALLY not needed.
And during that small brake children get a lot of HW. They really have no time to rest. My son is under stress now. We can not plan any vacation because of "big homework hummer". And when children will come bac from this kind of vacations they will face exams!
This all look very wilde fore me as I'm foreigner. Now I'm rushly trying to find another school for my son. Please HELP! (sorry for my bad english)
Sorry, my comment was cuted from the start. I wrought that my son is studying in Haritage in class 8. And thill senior programm it was good enough. But...
ReplyDeleteYou can try the following schools
Delete- Lotus Valley
- Ridge Valley
- Sun City
Hi Atanu,
ReplyDeleteReally loved your blog, especially the review on schools in Gurgaon. We may relocate to Gurgaon in August from Singapore. My 6yr. old son is in DPS International School, Singapore. I went through your comments on LVIS and also checked out their Website, was impressed by it. Just wanted to know from you as your daughter is in same school, What is the fee structure like and approx. amount that will be needed at the time of admissions? Also how is the examination scene for primary classes, as in singapore they have no exams till std III.
Thanks, Amisha Niyogi.
Hi Atanu,
ReplyDeleteThere is a top management college GITM is one of the best engineering colleges & top B-schools in Gurgaon, Delhi/NCR & all around India . This AICTE approved college is amongst top B-schools & offers best engineering courses based in Gurgaon.
Please help my son to choose good school for his 11class admission in gurgaon. He wants to become automobile designer so please advise him which stream he has to opt in 11 class.
ReplyDeleteExcellent information and review discussions on the schools.
ReplyDeleteWe are moving to gurgaon in a months time and looking around for good international school.
Looked around during short break at Gurgaon.
Any comments or review of Pathways at Gurgaon. Seems to be a new schools. Any experience with the quality of teaching staff?
Our kids will be going to grades 6 & 4.
Both have been studying overseas and have nil Indian school experience. Much appreciate comments and suggestions...
I would definitely want you to check out Excelsior American School ...My both kids in Grade IV and VII are extremely happy and are learning a lot ....
DeleteHi Atanu,
ReplyDeleteHow about Gems International School OR Maurya International School? Which one is better. I am shifting from Delhi to Gurgaon (Palam Vihar)this month. Can you please put some light on the two of them. I am willing to send them to any good school in Palam Vihar / Sec 23 / 22 / 110 etc...
Gems International School....I guess is better than Maurya. Its a new school and will have wait for the actual feedback
DeleteHi Atanu, thanks for the great blog on Gurgaon schools. This is very informative and helpful as I'm planning to relocate to Gurgaon in the next couple of months. Unsurprisingly, given the admissions are probably already over in general, a few of the schools I have called so far simply said "admissions closed - please try for the next school year". I will post more details on my experience after I get to visit at least a couple of schools shortly when I make a trip.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile just wanted to take a moment to say thank you!
Hi Atanu,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all congratulations for making such a great blog on Gurgaon schools. My daughter is 2.5 yrs and she will probably go to the proper school next year (as this year she wont be qualified < 3.5 yrs.) I have read your blog and have a couple of questions regarding her school -
1. I dont want to put pressure on my daughter. So International schools is my first choice. However, somehow I dont like the idea of sending the child to AC school. I might be incorrect but I think it will not help her in the long run.
2. In international schools do they follow montessori method of teaching? If not are there separate montessori schools in gurgaon which are good.
Thank you.
Hi Atanu,
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for help on the Schools. I have a budget of 4000 Rs max for my 3.8 yrs old daughter. Are there any schools at all in and around Gurgaon ? I live in Sector - 45. Please help.
Hi Atanu,
ReplyDeleteThanx for compiling such great information on Gurgaon schools.Here the options are so many, but the really good ones are so few.
I am actually looking at withdrawing my son from DPS, Sushant Lok. He is presently in class 3 and has been with DPS,SL since Nursery. ever since class 1 onwards, we were extremely dissatified with his school and wished to get him admitted to Suncity World School. But somehow due to non-availability of seats in his particular batch and a long waiting list of sibling cases, we never got a call from Suncity. Then a few days back, we chanced to hear about Lotus Valley School and were thoroughly impressed by the reviews of extremely satisfied parents including you.We applied to LVIS and have an offer of grant of admission from them .
Meanwhile, we also got a call from Suncity. Our son cleared their written exam( LVIS has no process of screening, although they did check his previous year's report card) and after an interaction with the principal, got the offer of admission from them.
Now we are in a dilemma, a really confusing one .Our son is extremely good in academics(although not very interested, but his understanding is quite good and he scores well in all the subjects and competitions), and is very enthusiastic about sports and outdoor activities.He plays lawn-tennis, cricket n chess and plays keyboard quite well.He is also keen on extra-curricular activities like theatre, art n craft etc.He wants to learn horse-riding, do skating, taekwondo and swimming.
And we want a school that along with providing facilities for all these activities(which make kids happy) , also lays a lot of emphasis on excellent academic performance( which is the most essential for service class people like us).
Fees-wise, although Suncity is quite expensive in terms of the initial amount(more by app. Rs60k at the time of admission, and app Rs 20k in the first quarter of every year than LVIS), the monthly fee is almost the same for both LVIS and Suncity.
Anyone with good information about any or both of these schools, please help us out in reaching a decision.
Thanks,
Confused Parents
Hi,
DeleteJust curious to know why you are withdrawing your son from DPS Sushant Lok. What are the issues that you have seen.
Thank you for helping me think through ...my son is three and a half...he becomes eligible for 2013-2014 nursery session. I my criteria is
ReplyDeleteBalance of education and extra curriculars
Low student teacher ratio so that the child gets the requisite attention/ nuturing , so that he learns better and feels wanted
Teaching methodolgy...which helps child develop thinking abilities and application of concepts rather than rote learning...I hear International schools do a fabulous job in this...my personal opinion is that CBSE board dumb you down...Do you agree?
If you could suggest some schools...
Thanks
WOW... a great article on gurgaon schools... Definately informative and focused.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is 2 yrs.. do you have a similar information on gurgaon pre-schools also?
My daughter is going in Leens Nestling school in Nursery which is in Suncity Sec 54. The school has Pre Nursery and Nursery classes only. But its really an excellent in terms of developing a child in a very innovative and friendly manner. I would suggest you to visit once at least.
DeleteHi atanu
ReplyDeletegreat work on the research on schools. I would like to add what i have seen about MRIS. My little neighbour studying in Class i there is in a sorry state...does not know phonetics, cannot read even 3-lettered words! they are actually focussed on 'covering' the syllabus, rather than ' uncovering' it for the child? How can even one child be ignored???
Hi Atanu,
ReplyDeletei really like all the information i got here!would like to know what you think of The ardee scool?my son is four plus and is going there in class KG.i have twin daughters after him who are now two plus and getting ready for school.the only problem with this school is that their senior wing has not been ready for quite a few years.their teaching system is excellent,but the onlly concerns are when the building is going to get ready,the fee-almost ninety thousand a quarter.do schools give discounts,since its three children going from one house?could you suggest a good day boarding school, so that i can go back to full time work,and all the extra curricular activities also get taken care of?
thanks
ruchi
Hi Atanu,
ReplyDeleteAn interesting and very informative blog....just wanted to put in my views specially for Shiv Nadar ( being a new school ) . We have recently moved our child from Suncity to Shiv Nadar and are extremely happy. Our daughter is in grade 5 and though ShivNadar is a new school they are clear about their innovative teaching pattern which aims at making the child basics strong...which I feel is much better from Suncity ( where extreme pressure starts from as early as grade 3 with mock and proper exams!!!! Giving the children hardly any time for overall development in other fields .) Though the bigger school building of Shiv nadar will take a year or two to get completed...they are making d best use of d space they have . The nicest bit about the school is that the kids are happy :)
Hi Atanu,
ReplyDeleteI am looking for the admission of my kid for this year who is currently in Shri Ram Global Pre School. I was wondering if anyone has any views on Ardee school (esp abou their montisory way of teaching) and Shri Ram Glabal School (different from Shri Ram School) which is said to be perational till the 5th class by 2013 and 12th by 2014.
Hi Atanu,
ReplyDeleteYour blog is definitely great & informative..However the dilemna continues .. Suncity / DPS 45/ DPS Sushant lok..
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMy feedback for Presidium sector 57.
ReplyDeleteSchool is known and good in pre-school, pre-nursery and Nursery but I have observed serious challenges from class 1st onwards. I was a satisfied parent but now become completely unsatisfied due to following.
Security become big concern to me when as daily walker I went to school and found that I have reached till class room and picked my child without any question from anyone. There were no teacher and kids were roaming outside class room. All kids themselves were carrying gate pass.
School has most mannered and very responsive school staff towards parent's query but I am not satisfied with personality & academic standard of teachers. Recently school have given presentation about your education style; I am shocked after seeing how a teacher spells for word ‘Strategy’ and it was not at all impressive presentation.
From child front, personality development till Nursery was good but now from 1st onward, I have not seen any improvement and get to know from child about some fights within class room every day.
Last but not least that there is no playing facility within school although School comes up recent tie-up with Riders academy.
Hi Atanu,
ReplyDeleteThanks for this blog - very good!
Regarding Lotus Valley & Ridge Valley - since these are new schools - are they also extremely good for 9th standard onwards - my daughter is in 9th & we moved to Gurgaon just recently...
Thanks,
Amit
Hi Atanu,
ReplyDeleteAre Lotus Valley & Ridge Valley comparable to the best schools for higher grades (9th onwards) as well? Just asking as both these schools are pretty new...
Thanks,
Amit
After going through your blog, I couldnt but stop myself fom writing a comment in the zone in which you said you dont have much information. I have a very close and rather terrible experience about DAV Sec 14. Students are being hit there at the drop of a hat, corporal punishment is very much in, teachers have a dead-pan face which is a meter of the state of affairs in a school. Kids are treated abnormally, classes are cramped to the extent that walking in the aisle is impossible since the students keep their bags on the ground by the side of the desks. The Principal seems to have terrorised the whole school but a bunch of sycophant teachers experience her goodies/fancy designations. The entire focus is on academics, if anybody comes out of the school with elan as far as extra-curricular activities are concerned, then understand that it has been home-bred. I have experienced this first hand, from both sides of the table, if you really want to know. I think my complaint letter is still lying down, gathering dust, in some unnumbered file in the princi's office.If it is about early years of a child, then there is some serious thinking that a parent must do about this school.
ReplyDeleteFurther, to it,I must add that Rabindranath World School (erstwhile Tagore International School) is a school which had the potential to go up in the list of good schools. It failed. The reason is very very basic. A school becomes a good school not by its building, its infrastructure, or international student exchange programmes and other such fancy criteria; A good school is one which has knowledgeable, caring and smart teachers. I came across a bunch of teachers here who are not even capable of teaching in primary classes. They spell incorrect, their basic grammar is out of place and yes, they teach at lightning speed, whether students grasp it or not. Hitting is a norm, you give a solid fight for your child, then she will be singled out. And you will even get an explanation to why the ward is being hit!! I mean, schools dont see it this way that to survive a long way, they should actually start thinking about how each one of their institution is behaving with the student/parents. Otherwise in due course of time, they are bound to get washed down the drain.
ReplyDeleteAll this magazines/newspapers coming out with their own surveys and creating their own lists of top 10 schools or whatever are not to be considered seriously is what i think. Just imagine, someone coming to your house to give it a rating for which, in turn, you get to earn more-- what is the first thing that you do? get things straight. I believe firmly that every person has a different perspective when it comes to finding out the right school for the child and active forums are what we need to make parents aware of things happening in different schools. This way finalising on the schools in which you wish to admit your child becomes easier.
ReplyDeleteHas any one experienced home schooling? In this time and age the commercialization of education and in turn schools are making schools redundant as they are are more interested in completing the syllabus. I have seen children going to tuition after school or parents are teaching children again at home because they could not understand things at school due to various reasons . What is the need of school if children still have to go to tuition?
ReplyDeleteHi Atanu,
ReplyDeleteThe information in your blog has proved to be a life saviour. I am in the process of relocating from Delhi to Gurgaon and searching for the right school became a nightmare. My daughter is currently going to Queens Valley School in Dwarka and it is a good school and she is well adjusted there. Now shifting her to a new school and finding something good enough became a headache like no other. I am definitely going to give LVIS a good look and see if they will accept her mid term.
Thanks again.
Zoya
Hi Atanu
ReplyDeleteIt's very thoughful of you to start this blog. We've relocated from the US and looking for a school in Gurgaon. It's a close call between Scottish High and Heritage for us. What do you recommend?
Hi Sunita
DeleteI would suggest for Meenashi public school and other one is pathway in gurgaon
Hi Atanu,
ReplyDeleteWe are very happy that you are stand for us to guide,
My son's DOB is 23.01.2009 and we are seeking for his admission but we are affraid that if we go for for his admission for session 2013-14 in KG standard that would he be able to compete with those who are already studying in that school since nursery/pernursury.
Again we are looking for a school so that there shall not be change in school till 12th standard, till an unavoidable condition.
My preference is SHALOM HILLS international as in DPS-45 and other schools are giving admission on interaction round and i am affraid for result as in which school he is going it is not so standard and just ......
could you shed some lights on my selection on shalom hills and please suggest if you have any opinion for other school.
Your response would be much appreciated thanks in advance
Regards
Chetan Panchal
Atanu - I am looking for a school which has a decent academic coverage, more likely conventional schools by your definition. However unsure to rate between manav rachna nad lotus valley. Haven't seen much reviews about manav rachna here. Do we know more about it ? thanks
ReplyDeleteHi Atanu,
ReplyDeleteMy child is around 3.5 yrs old and I am looking for her admission in K.G, You have somewhere mentioned that the quaterly fees for Shiv Nadar school is around 45k quarterly, However the school site has a different story to say, As per the fees they have mentioned for the GGN branch, it is should not be more than 25K quarterly.
Please help.
Thanks & regards
Hi - I have interacted with the school as well and their fee schedule says 25k quarterly, not 45k.
Deletehiii...m looking for a pre school for my daughter ...selected few of thm 1. The sixth element, 2. the shri ram global preschool, the sriram early years. please m really really confused pls rate thm and suggest me wch 1 is better.
ReplyDeleteHi . My daughter goes to Anand.It is a preschool on Arjuna marg Dlf ph 1. It's an excellent school.I am a very satisfied parent. You must go n have a look!
DeleteYou can go for Leens Nestling in Suncity Sector 54. Its really a very good Pre school.
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteIs anyone considering upcoming schools (which will open next year) Shalom Presidency, GEMS, Amity Global and Kunskapskolan?
Hi - i was interested in Kunskapkolan but came to know after speaking with them that their building is going to be ready only by March 2013. Also, they are asking for admission fee of about Rs 1 lakh which seems to be high considering they are just starting out.
DeleteI have now deleted Kunskapskolan from my short list as the fees are quite high, the annual fees and the quaterly fees are increasing as per classes and I am afraid it will become a school for the kids of the Rich with holidays abroad and what not. So its off my list for now.
DeleteI am looking for the admission of my kid for next year who is currently in mothers pride Pre School. give me feedback if anyone has any views on school gems international, shaloms hills and manav rachna... which one is better... reply me
ReplyDeleteHey....did you get reply on this??
DeleteMe too searching for a school...
Gems International is closer from my place...not sure how good it is.
One thing that concerns me about this school is that this is not the CBSE board.
Hi ,
ReplyDeletePlease guide us,We are looking for admission of my son in nursery class in Gurgaon,So please suggest which is best school.
DPS sushant lok Gurgaon
OR
Shallom Hills school
Regards
Tarun
9873470970
Salwan Public School appears in Grade 1 and Grade 3 under Conventional Schools section.
ReplyDeleteHow come?!
Reviews of Lotus Valley Noida aren't encouraging...This makes me skeptical of LVIS Gurgaon in the longer run...Shalom Hills has good internet reviews but this blog suggests that it could be misleading. I had considered these 2 for my kid's pre-nursery...Any other option in/around South City II?
ReplyDeleteHi anonymous....well my sources from noida rate LVIS noida to be a gud school. It will be really nice if you can share your view point , the thoughts you are holding back against the noida school
ReplyDeleteI Am seeking admission for my 3.5 yr old. The schools on my mind are suncity n lotus valley! Now, on the face of it both the schools are good in terms of infrastructure, facilities available, student teacher ratio etc. Suncity has been in the business for a couple of years now.I have spoken to a couple of parents and they all on an average seem to be satisfied with the progress of their wards in the school. Also, personally when I visited the school on a working day, kids appeared to be very well behaved( they wished me and made sure to talk softly to each other while I was standing in the corridor)which created a gud impression.
ReplyDeleteLotus valley of course has a better infrastructure and they are coming up with a huge sports complex which definitely is a thumbs up for me.The only hitch is that it's relatively a new school. I am nt too sure of the competence of the faculty which is most important to me than anything. Also ,since there are a lot of seats so anyone and everyone is getting admission ! I am kinda confused which one to opt for!
Atuna you have done a lot of research work on schools,so I would like to knw your viewpoint on both he schools. Thx a lot
Hi everyone,
ReplyDeleteI am a confused mother. My child currently studies in Shalom Hills, in KG. I opted for this school last year as i felt it was close to my house, paid individual attention to kids and had everything basic and a non-ac environment and found many parents who were having good reviews about it. Plus they took her in KG while other schools took her in Nursery.
However I am not very satisfied with it now. They DO NOT have any emphasis on extra curricular activities. All stress if on giving 2-3 home-works to a child. Huge amount of holiday homework was given were we as parents were suppose to teach the basics of Hindi language and English cursive too ( nothing was done at school) . many more issues too.
My question is - How difficult it is to get admission in class 1 in many schools here? Any experience ?
Do suggest me. My choices are - Shikshantar, Heritage, Scottish ( i wonder how tough it would be to get admission there in class 1) , Manav Rachna, Suncity and Shiv Nadar. Do suggest. Thanks
Hi
ReplyDeleteI am looking for admission of my daughter in scottish high school mainly because it has a day boarding.
Can someone provide me the feedbackj of the school, stress level there and quality of day boarding...
Will really appreciate a quick response...
Aarti
I want to know the reviews of Heriatge school gurgaon. How are the results of class 10th and 12th?
ReplyDeleteDid a lot of research for my kid for nursery this year. For all those seeking out admission for next academic year go for the following
ReplyDeleteRidge Valley - very good foundation; located in heart of the city; good principal; good attention to students; students across all classes were happy
SunCity - good infra; good acadamic results; good crowd
Scottish High - good for both working parents
Don't go in for newbies like Shiv Nadar or Lotus Valley - no reputation - the only students here are those who wanted transfers from other schools for variety of reasons - so even if you ask them - the parents give a good feedback.
Did a lot of research for my kid for nursery this year. For all those seeking out admission for next academic year go for the following
ReplyDeleteRidge Valley - very good foundation; located in heart of the city; good principal; good attention to students; students across all classes were happy
SunCity - good infra; good acadamic results; good crowd
Scottish High - good for both working parents
Don't go in for newbies like Shiv Nadar or Lotus Valley - no reputation - the only students here are those who wanted transfers from other schools for variety of reasons - so even if you ask them - the parents give a good feedback. Otherwise like for Shiv Nadar even the building is not ready and will take 2 years; the current building is temporary and will be demolished as per school inputs only.
Can anybody pls tell me which is a better school between amity international or dps sector 45 ? I need to put my daughter in cbse affliated school only..any other good cbse school around?thanks
ReplyDeleteAlso if anybody can guide between dps gurgaon second 45 and dps dwarka sector 4..any information which is better
ReplyDeleteAny one has feedback on Sherwood Convent school DLF ph-2 ?
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is in Banyan tree KG class , I am not satisfied with the school, as school is not organised, Half the year has already passed but kids have not been provided with books. Further the number of students in her class is also very less.. I am considering Shalom hills or LVIS. Can someone please guide me.
My son is currently at Shalom Hills School. Being an expat, we were told that his English needs to be " indianized" or else he won't be able to compete in public speaking activities. We chose this school last year as it was close to our residence and also because we were told that the emphasis here is on teaching and speaking in English. However, my son who doesn't speak or understand English, has complained on several occasions, that the teachers speak in Hindi when addressing the class. He is very confused and had to ask his teacher to please speak English as he couldn't understand. When we met with his teacher recently, she spoke in Hindi knowing that we don't understand the language. Now we are considering shifting him to a school where the main focus is really on speaking English and learning Hindi as a second language. I would however recommend this school for pre-nursery as my son was very happy here until now:( Please help with any recommendations for schools in Gurgaon or Dwarka as we plan on shifting if need be. Christian schools are also welcome as I've heard they place emphasis on the English language.....Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Atanu,
ReplyDeleteI am looking for admission for my son in Amity/Shalom/LVIS.
Which should be my first choice.
Do we have any feedbacks for LVIS for senior classes .Are parents satisfied whos childres are in class8 or 9
I have started hunting for good school for my son and to be honest did not realise that it would be extremely competitive to get your child to good schools. It came as a shock that Scottish High put their shutters down within 2 hours of opening and people had queued up since 4 am in the morning to get the forms.
ReplyDeleteI am a little confused on the admission process. Would I have to pay up that 50k-100K admission money the time the admission results are out for a particular school or will I have the convenience to choose among results (I know we have to be lucky for that)? Also could someone explain what typically is the refund policy for different schools? I am looking at Heritage, DPS S-45, Amity International, Shikshantar and Suncity.
Hi Amit - to answer your question, the convenience of choosing among your preferred schools arises only if they declare results around the same time but this rarely happens. So, if school no 1 declares its results on Sept 1 and school no 2 declares on 20 Sept, you will have to either forego the admission in school 1 if you opt for the latter OR if you do not want to take risk, will end up paying the admission fees in school 1 at the cost of losing it should you finally opt for school 2. Refund policy is different for diff schools but my assessment is typically 20-30% is all you get refunded if you withdraw your child's admission from any school, after having gone through the entire admission process.
Deletehello,
ReplyDeletewe are shifting in mid term from Bangalore, my 3.6 year old daughter goes to Delhi Public school in Bangalore. Is there a possibility if she can get admission in mid term in some school? Need to know the reviews about panchtantra and manav rachna internation school.
Thanks,
Nidhi
Please tell me whether DPS Gurgaon Sector 45 is a franchaisee or real DPS. Is transfer facility available over here?
ReplyDeleteAll DPS in GGN are franchises of the original one... and there is no transfer facility available
DeletePls share your views about OLF ( our lady fatima school) sector 14 and salwan public school
ReplyDeleteHey any feedback on Indus world??
ReplyDeleteI couldn't find anything here
Hey any feedback on Indus world??
ReplyDeleteI couldn't find anything here, though the website looks interesting.
A friend's kid studied there and they are quite happy, but am not sure...
Heard that they are coming up with a campus on Golf Course extn rd...
Went for an orientation session at Indus today and although they are new and do not have the brand that DPS or Shriram has, they seem to be doing a lot of things right. Like, focusing on the child's interests instead of going all out on academics from day 1. Also, didn't look like a commercial venture which so many schools in Gurgaon are. I think I will go for them.
DeleteHey thanks...
DeleteI also felt the same when I went there
Academics seems to be OK and look very progressive...
...Anyone knows a little more about them...still confused!!!
Pls help
Hi
ReplyDeleteWe attended Shiv nadar school's orientation today (noida) and came back satisfied. Though we know there is no feedback as its new but I am willing to take this chance with this school for nursery admissions.
Does anyone has some information that can actually help us make a final decision on Shiv Nadar School, Noida?
After this, Somerville stand 2nd in our list followed by Amity International
I know its a personal choice but would appreciate some guidance on selection.
Hi Atanu,
ReplyDeleteI have read the blog and information shared by all the parents. I am returning to Gurgaon after living in Sydney for 3.5 years. My daughter was in KG in Amity International Gurgaon. I am looking for a school for both of my kids (year 4 and year 1) in Gurgaon. I want a school which is maintaining a balance between academics and co curricular activities. Also their Hindi is not that good as I was teaching them Hindi a little bit at home so I don't think they would be able to compete in the entrance test in Hindi. Your suggestions are awaited.
Thanks
Rajni
Atanu...seems to have become the go to man for everyone here in Gurgaon:). Good work Atanu!
ReplyDeleteAtanu also seems to have dropped off the radar after 16th May and has stopped responding to the queries posted by anxious parents. Wonder why!
Deletehi atanu, last year i shited to gurgaon and putted my child in swiss cottage school..she did pre nursery,and now in nursery .. she has learnt a lot over there..children of her age doesnt knows things which she knows.. she is mar 09 born..but people say that swiss cottage is not a gud school, i am planning to change her school.. i have thought manav rachna,blue bells and gems international.. requst u to gimme the feedback of bluebells as well as gems international
ReplyDeleteAnyone want to give feedback on Gems International?
ReplyDeleteIf you know someone whose Kid is studying there or your Kid, may be...can you please share your thoughts?
Would be a great help. Thanks!
I too admitted my son in nursery in lotus valley. I liked the school infrastructure, principal's solid experience, teachers were polite and helpful to give information about the school, very positive feedback on internet.
ReplyDeleteI am hopeful this will be in top 10 schools in coming years. One thing I wanted to ask was that LVIS took my son's original certificate during admission. They said they are going to keep till he is in this school. Though they said I can take it for any purpose anyday and return. Is this a normal practice in LVIS and other schools?
Ashish-good or bad, this is the way schools have decided to discourage parents from school hopping. So, while I know a couple of schools doing what LVIS did, I also know that it's no big deal to get unlimited number of 'original' birth certificates from the municipal corp, you have to just pay a couple of hundred bucks!
DeleteHi, thnx for coming up with this space. Really appreciate the effort.
ReplyDeleteI am also looking for my kid (born in July 2010) for next year. But I am confused whether he should start with the formal school right from next year, means 2013-14 session OR can we wait for one more year and admit him in a nearby play-school in 2013?
Please advise whether it is good to wait OR not advisable.
Regards!!
My child is 2 years 8 months. I m planning to put him in panchtantra ,sushant lok 1 in
ReplyDeletein pre nursery. The fee is quite
high. Can somebody please give me a genuine feedback about the school. Have lately read a few bad reviews about the school.
Please guide me on Suncity or Shikshantar..Preference would be international board/gud extra curricular activities/good sports facility/student teacher ratio
ReplyDeleteGo for Shikshantar
ReplyDeleteHello, we are looking to get our daugther admitted to Suncity world school, Sec-54 in Pre-nursey. The school is very close to Sec56 where we stay. Does anyone has any reviews/feedback for Suncity? It is worth admitting the child in pre-nursery we should wait to get her admitted to nursery next year.
ReplyDeleteHow would you rate Suncity World school compared to Lotus Valley, DPS, Shiv Nadar.
Thanks!
I am amazed by the extensive reseach that you have put in ... my son will be admitted in nursery 2013-14 session . I am seeking more information about kunskapsskolan .. i went to the edufair held at epicenter ggn ... and this school was present there ... turns out its a joint venture with some indian school named gyan devi / darshan or something ... Also, please give me feedback on KR Manglam as i liked the school but they dont have a big play ground ... PLEASE HELP !! AND ALL THE BEST TO THE PARENTS FOR THE SCHOOL RUSH :)
ReplyDeleteCan anyone give me a detailed review on 2 schools for a friend & myself: Blue Bells and Suncity?
ReplyDeleteIs there too much academic pressure in Suncity? How would you rank these schools: Suncity, Heritage, Shiv Nadar? Thanks.
I have been to The Maruya school today & found that it has great infrastructure. The student teacher ration is also good. A little confused now as which school to choose - The Maruya or the Manav Rachna.
ReplyDeleteThanks a TON - Atanu. Very good work.
ReplyDelete- sk
Hello Atanu,
ReplyDeleteIt is by accident that I came across your blog and I am so glad that I hit the button. One, you write so well - it was a pleasure reading thru some posts and what struck me was that you articulate it as well too.
I live in Noida and am going thru admissions process for my 3.3 year old son. We have got thru Lotus Valley International and most probably will appear in the Amity International list also. DPS interaction will happen after 15th. And as any first time parent, and on top of it being new in Noida I am confused abt the schools and respective methodolgies for Nursery/KG classes.
Any feedback/gyan/information would be very helpful.
Thanks,
Urvi
Hi Atanu,
ReplyDeleteIts by accident that I came across your blog and am I glad that I hit the button! :) You write very well and also the articulation is very good.
I live in Noida and have shifted here last Feb. At present I and my husband are going thru the admission process for my 3.3 year old Son. He goes to a pre school now and is eligible for joining formal school nursery starting next April. As the first time parents, we are confused reg the school. The well established school like Amity, DPS, etc are yet to select the students. For us Step by Step is out of the list as they take students only in Pre nursery. We have already got thru in Lotus Valley International.
Any insights you have on schools in Noida will be more than welcome. I find that Gurgaon has better schools and also Montessori schools such as Ardee.
Over to you...
Regards,
Urvi
09958001292
Hi Atanu,
ReplyDeleteIts by accident that I came across your blog and am I glad that I hit the button! :) You write very well and also the articulation is very good.
I live in Noida and have shifted here last Feb. At present I and my husband are going thru the admission process for my 3.3 year old Son. He goes to a pre school now and is eligible for joining formal school nursery starting next April. As the first time parents, we are confused reg the school. The well established school like Amity, DPS, etc are yet to select the students. For us Step by Step is out of the list as they take students only in Pre nursery. We have already got thru in Lotus Valley International.
Any insights you have on schools in Noida will be more than welcome. I find that Gurgaon has better schools and also Montessori schools such as Ardee.
Over to you...
Regards,
Urvi
Hi Atanu
ReplyDeleteWe are awaiting admission results from the following schools for our child:
DAV
Amity
Salwan
Blubells
Manav Rachna
After reading your blog i understood the meaning of a true international school and Amity International doesnt seem to fit into the defination. Which school from the above list should we go for if our focus is holistic education?
Can someone please give me a review of panchatantra school located in sushant lok
ReplyDeleteHi, Atanu. Gr8 work. However there are few other schools which will be functional next year. Considerably Vasant Valley, Millenium, GD Goenka etc. Shri Ram Millenium is doing extremely well in Noida. I agree that English as medium of conversation is not given due importance in any of the schools. Presidium is good in branding but has disappointing set of teachers who suffer because of extreme business pressure and suffers from lack of emphasis on english, specially 57 and DLF. Infrastructure is not as good as in LVIS, MRIS in alternate schools. I strictly believe that teachers should be left to teach and not pressurised to do business becoz business comes in the way of imparting education. Teachers have been missing classes to fulfil their business duties. Also here teachers have lifted their hands on students.
ReplyDeleteIs this thread still active? I haven't seen any more comments from the author? Any parent review of suncity will be highly appreciated .... Is it really academic?
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to know your feedback between lotus valley and shiv nadar. My son has cleared nursery admission for both.
thanks
Dear Mr. Dey
ReplyDeleteYou are a messiah for all worrying parents and thanks for the article. I am moving in Nov 1st week to Gurgaon. My daughters are studying at 2nd and Jr KG. Do schools like Lotus Valley entertain admission in middle of ongoing session or I should shift family only in Q1, 2013? Also when do they start admission for next session (like issuance of forms, tests etc)
Regards
Sanjoy
Hi, Thanks for producing the best Gurgaon school info by far! We will be relocating to Gurgaon soon, living close to DLF golf course. Looking for a good international school, IB, mix of good amount of expat and local kids for 2 children - 10 and 8 years old, currently in the British System and likely to return to it for University. Not worried about fees, want great facilities, smaller class sizes, and they are very into sport so need good sports options. Want a school that has a large amount of space and land if possible.
ReplyDeleteIf you had to choose 4 to look at what would they be?
Thanks very much if you can help.
Hi Atanu
ReplyDeleteThis is a very informative blog.
I'm shifting from Mumbai to Gurgaon in 1st week of December'12 and looking to get my daughter admitted to a school in Gurgaon in 1st week of Jan in Standard 3. I'm looking at a CBSE/ICSE board preferably with progressive middle class values. My Shortlist has Salwan, Lotus Valley, Manav Rachna, DPS Sector 45 and Ryan International. I have kept Shiv Nadar as a backup as its a new school and admissions are open.
I have not been able to visit any of these schools but over telephone, Salwan/Lotus/Manav Rachna have told us to submit the form.
I would like to know your stance on Salwan Vs others as well as how is Shiv Nadar School currently on the facilities? there is no clarity on what facilities are currently operational and what is the level of teaching there currently. Its a pretty expensive school and its not possible to change schools every year and pay heft admission fees.
Tks
Sharad
My 3 yrs 9mths old daughter has got thru Shri Ram Global nesr galleria for nursery.I mrt the principal,they hace 11 acre infrastructure undr construction for junior n senior school.
ReplyDeleteI am confused about how farely they will live upto their promises. Pls advice
Thanks
Do have an idea as to the fee structure of Amity International School?
ReplyDeleteHi, How is the Bhavans public school in gurgaon? I will be moving to Gurgaon by december end and would like to admit my kids (1st class and LKG) into bhavans public school.
ReplyDeleteVery informative blog...Thanks for sharing....
ReplyDeleteThe rules would have far reaching 'detrimental' consequences on the CBSE and ISCE managements and would curtail their freedom and hamper smooth functioning.
ReplyDeleteICSE Schools in Mumbai
Hi
ReplyDeleteWe are shifting to gurgaon from mumbai. And we have got positive responses from Shallom Hills/Mother's Pride/Presidium/St. Angels/DPS Sec 45.
Based on my visit and discussions with few parents, I found shallom hills as preferred option. But on reading above blog I would also like to now your suggessions on the preference out of Shallom Hills/Mother's Pride/Presidium/St. Angels/DPS Sec 45 in Gurgaon.
SPecifically do anyone has experience with St Angels (Sector 45)?
I forgot to mention that we have two kids first kid will be 5 years by March 2013 and younger one will be 2.5 years by March 2013.
ReplyDelete