School:

There are numerous options for schools ranging from the basic to the very high end. Schools like Oakridge are international schools with fully a/c buldings, a reception that beats any 5 star hotel and top of the line infrastructure. Other schools in that category are Orchids (not recommended by many folks) and Sreenidhi (does not have that feeling of a school though the new school which is remote might be good).

We decided on Future Kids which is in Nanakramguda village and is remote. The access to the school is also via a “Kacha Rasta”. This school was recommended to us by a few expats and once we met the director, principal we were not disappointed. The school infrastructure is barebones and nothing fancy. Well ventilated classrooms, rocks all around, open spaces and so forth. All kids generally seemed very happy. The curriculum followed is ICSE 5th grade onwards. Prior to that they have their own curriculum which is a mix of ICSE and western education philosophies. The director, Shailaja Rao, seemed a very passionate person and has a great vision. The biggest selling point though was Anurag. As soon as we went there and after he checked out the school he insisted on enrolling into that school. Also since then every single morning he cannot wait to get to school and is so excited on the way back. He has managed to survive and also start liking the lunch provided there which is always a different kind of rice, followed by curd rice and a sweet. The snack is something different everyday. He has a lot to talk about the day. Another thing he is super excited about is the school uniform. He also had a great time with the 15th Aug celebrations. Overall we would highly recommend this school. I will keep posting more about the school as the year progresses.

We started Anushka in Euroschool as Future Kids didn’t have openings. Overall a good school with a philosophy in line with the western schools. Anushka does not like it though so far and misses her school in the US. The fact that there is less play time and more studies is not jiving too well for now. Lets see how it goes, other wise we will have to look for options. She is definitely going to Future Kids next year.

Some other schools are Chirec, Meridian, DPS etc which we didn’t venture out as there are no openings and the management is typical Indian where you don’t get to talk to the top guys unless you are some one important. We ruled out Oakridge as we heard from several sources that the kids in that school end up being spoilt brats from the very wealthy families or politicians. There is no "Indianess" if you will to this school. Plus there were no openings so it was an easy decision as the infrastructure is definitely very bery impressive.

Other school that did catch Pallavi's eyes was “Shloka”. This school is based on some Waldorfian philosophy. It is kind off similar to Montessori based education. Kids from 4 to 6 are in the same class and per them both end up learning from each other. There is no academics at all till 1st grade I think. Also all the toys are natural made of wood etc. No plastics or artificial toys at all. I personally am not too keen on the Montessori based education and also they were in middle of a move to a bigger place and expected us to share the cost if we enrolled the kids there. So we decided against it.
Schools here are pretty expensive. For more details and specifics feel free to email me (shahlalit@gmail.com) and I will share any information I have.