Choosing the right school is one of the pivotal decisions you can make for your child. After all, not only does the child spend a significant portion of their formative years in school, but it is also where the foundation of their academic success is built. Besides learning academic skills, a school is typically a developmental ground for learning socio-emotional and life skills. In other words, the impact of school goes on to shape the person that one is and how he or she tackles the ups and downs of life. It is essential, therefore, to make an informed choice. Typically, we tend to look at the school’s academic record alone. However, it is necessary to consider things holistically and figure out whether the ethos of the school ties in with your overall parenting objectives.
Here is a handy list of the top 5 CBSE schools in Gurgaon. These schools are known for their focus on holistic student development. Read about their ethos, the facilities they offer, and more to make an informed choice.
1. Pragyanam School
Nestled in the heart of Gurugram, Pragyanam School isn’t just your average K-12 school. It is a dynamic institution set to redefine education. The school was launched to ensure that every child can rise to his or her fullest potential and, importantly, that all children achieve the goal of happiness and contentment that underpins all our desires.
To this end, one of the school’s unique aspects is that its captivating curriculum integrates life skills and learnings that enable students to easily navigate the ups and downs of life. Guided by the World Health Organization’s endorsement of 10 essential life skills, these skills are incorporated into the curriculum.
Besides this, the school is known for its academic excellence and a rich tapestry of co-scholastic endeavors. These include various sporting activities and arts, participating in cultural events, or embracing leadership roles. Run by IIT-IIM alumni, the school believes in unlocking the boundless potential within every student.
Located in Sector 65 in Gurgaon, this is the go-to institution for assessing a child’s overall growth and development.
2. Lotus Valley International School
Situated in Nirvana County, in South City II, Sector 50, Gurgaon, the school is committed to helping students develop well-rounded personalities and become good citizens. The school aspires to develop its students’ self-awareness and a strong social consciousness.
Armed with effective pedagogical practices and state-of-the-art facilities, the school helps meet the individual needs of learners from pre-nursery to grade 12. The school aims to help learners discover their passion and find learning joy.
3. Delhi Public School
Located at Sector 45, Gurgaon, this school is part of a well-known brand. The school provides quality education to students from Nursery to XII. The school’s mission is to ensure that students succeed in every aspect of life and become wholesome human beings who believe in service before self.
The school has a committed teaching staff that believes there needs to be a harmonious partnership between the home and school.
A healthy student-teacher ratio, intelligent classes, and community outreach programs are hallmarks of the school.
4. Shiv Nadar School
Established in 2012 under the aegis of the Shiv Nadar Foundation, the school is affiliated with CBSE, IB DP, and IGCSE Boards and offers classes from Nursery to Class XII. The school has science labs, a library, and sporting facilities. The school aims to help children develop holistically, not just academically.
It is known for its experiential learning and community approach. Parents are called upon to contribute to children’s growth and development. The interdisciplinary curriculum inspires creativity and critical inquiry in its students.
Located at DLF Phase 1, sector 26A, Gurgaon, its nurturing environment makes it a Home away from Home for its students.
5. K. R Mangalam School
Located in South City-1, Sector 41 in Gurgaon, the school is affiliated with the CBSE board and offers classes from Nursery to Grade 12.
The school focuses on the holistic development of children as well as experiential learning. Beyond academics, the school offers various extracurricular activities, including sports, debates, arts, music, drama, and much more. The school is committed to broadening students’ horizons and giving them an enlightened worldview. The school also believes in fostering unity yet celebrating the uniqueness of everyone.
Making the right choice
The above schools offer unique advantages when it comes to the growth and development of children. Beyond conducting secondary research on the schools, visiting the schools of interest is also advisable to get a first-hand overview of the environment. Remember that the right school-student fit is one of the most prominent markers of the child’s overall well-being. Another essential aspect to note when choosing a school for your ward is understanding the philosophy of the school’s founding team. If you find the founding team credible and their philosophy in line with your own, that is half the battle won. The other half lies in speaking to existing parents of the school, for they will be able to give you first-hand information on their ward’s progress and whether the school can execute its mission. A parent testimonial goes a long way in offering complete peace of mind to a prospective parent. When parent testimonials confirm that the school functions like a parenting partner, you can rest assured that you are making the right leap of faith.
The thumb rule also focuses on schools offering holistic education, not just academic prowess. We live in an increasingly VUCA world marked by volatility and uncertainty. In times such as these, children need to be taught how to navigate the ups and downs of life. This can be a significant marker of success and overall happiness. Children who are not prepared for the road ahead tend to find it challenging to find their feet. Whether it is building a career or relationships, they struggle to adjust. In times such as ours, we need to be mindful of the fact that we are indeed preparing the child for the road and not the road for the child.
Therefore, when choosing a school, you need to make sure that, in addition to looking at the hygienic factors of proximity from home, the school undertakes safety measures, and more, you are also sure that the school is indeed equipped to offer children the skills that will help them thrive in the 21st century.
Making your choice of school ensures that you look for information on their admission criteria and the timelines of admission so that you do not miss out on the critical dates. What is also essential to look for is their fee details so that you are well within your educational budget.
Stay tuned to this space for more informative articles. At the Pragyanam Blog, we help you make the right parenting choices.
Here’s to a happy parenting journey with your choice of parenting partner!
Purvesh is a multidimensional leader at Footprints Childcare. As a TED speaker and IIT-Delhi alumnus, his passion for education is fueled by his experiences as a certified life coach and parent. He goes beyond traditional parent engagement activities, creating meaningful connections through insightful parenting workshops and open communication channels. Purvesh’s commitment to empowering parents, teachers, and students is the foundation of everything we do at Footprints. What motivates Purvesh? As a parent himself, the challenges his son faces in the educational system are the driving force for him.