ParentingFUNdas

Archive for the ‘Pre-School Reviews’ Category

Intellitots Preschool is a fun and stimulating experience for young children. The preschool offers a creative learning environment where children are free to explore, express and experiment.  Located in DLF Phase IV close to Galleria, the preschool attracts children of discerning parents who are looking for a world class preschool.  The preschool also offers a high quality afterschool care program with a number of enrichment programs to choose from.

Intellitots preschool is known for their child friendly instructors and very good child teacher ratio. The school boasts of a child teacher ratio of 7:1 and has live music in classrooms with specialized and internationally trained staff for musical drama, storytelling, baby yoga and phonics instruction. The classrooms are air-conditioned and there are a number of specialized outdoor areas for physical activity. Parents are regularly invited to interact with teachers, watch morning assembly  and volunteer for storytelling sessions and other activities.

The child-focused creative curriculum developed and followed by Intellitots revolves around development of vocabulary related to real world themes, with an emphasis on the development of language and numeracy skills. The preschool values the uniqueness of each child as a competent learner who is eager to learn and can be resilient and self-assured given a secure and stimulating environment. Intellitots strives to get children to experience the joy and highs of learning and set them on the path of becoming confident and successful individuals.

Mausmi Dubey, mother of 4 year old Anahita states ‘Intellitots according to me has  a unique environment for young children which is a combination of intelligence, creative skills and affection that helps them to stimulate their young minds. The structure of their programs are designed and formulated to bring out the creative skills in every child and they are committed towards effective child development. My daughter has been associated with them for over a year and we are very pleased with her development. The best part is that she looks forward to coming here every day.’

Landline : 0124 – 4223860
MOB : 9990800892
ADD : Intellitots Learning, 4101 DLF Phase IV, Near Vipul Square(Naivaidyam), Gurgaon
Email : info@intellitots.in

 

Chk out our previous review here https://parentingfundas.wordpress.com/2010/04/12/review-of-intellitots-early-learning-center-pre-school-gurgaon/

The first thing we have in mind when we visit a preschool in context of getting our child admitted is who the person behind this institution is. Many websites are filled with school reviews regarding the fee structure, its curriculum, its methodology and much more (which too is of utmost importance) but how often do we get to know the brain behind all this? As a keen parent I was always interested in knowing the principal, how she interacts with parents while we visit the school and what her background is and many more but couldn’t really find out any way to do so. What better way than going out myself and interviewing them. This is the first in the series of interviews of the principals of Gurgaon pre-schools and formal schools where we give you more information about not only the school but also the person behind it.

We also encourage readers to ask queries, doubts if they have any in mind, regarding the pre-school and education in general. All the queries will be addressed to the principals directly.

Our first principal in this initiative is Ms Shailini Gauba – Hony. Director, Founder and Principal at iDiscoveri Preschool Sector 46 Gurgaon – Idiscoveri Pre School (sector 46) in Gurgaon. Ms Gauba has over 20 years of experience in this field and is the person behind the “best pre-school” in Gurgaon. On visiting the pre-school a year ago, I was showed the school in detail and told about its curriculum etc about which I wrote a review here (https://parentingfundas.wordpress.com/2010/03/14/review-of-idiscoveri-preschool-gurgaon/) .

On my second visit for her Interview – I came to know many new things like the way school imbibes modern values and restores the customs and traditions too. The idea of celebrating “Grandparents Day” reflects the school’s belief in respecting the elders and celebrating their presence in our lives. In today’s world it’s very important to imbibe these core values in kids not only through their parents but also through the school.

On the “Grandparents’ Day” no parent is allowed to come to school but only grandparents of the kids. The way they are welcomed and given due respect is just worth a watch. I saw the pictures and was impressed with the whole idea of celebrating this day.

“Most grandparents have tears in the eyes when they see their grandchildren performing on stage. The whole environment is so emotionally charged,” tell Ms Gauba adding that the school doesn’t have the tradition of inviting any “Chief Guest”.  “This is just waste of time and we believe the only chief guests could be parents in itself.” This is a fresh change from all the schools where you see so many chief guests in the form of politicians and ministers which have no relation to the school. Hats off for this initiative!

Prior to iDiscoveri, Ms Gauba ran a pre-school called “Tender Years” in Delhi from her home as it was the time she was also devoting time to her two kids, who are now in higher classes. The school is now closed and she focuses her entire creative energy on iDiscoveri.

I asked her certain questions that many parents asked me on my blog. First one was regarding her views on cut off age group for nursery.

Me: “My kid is November born and she misses the date of Nursery admission in many schools by one month and would have to wait for entire one year before she gets admission in nursery. Some schools also recommend me to change my kid’s birth certificate and alter her age by 2 months. What are your views on that?”

Ms Gauba: I don’t think there is any need to alter the age of a kid to get her admission in Nursery if she falls short by a month or two. I have two sons, one is born after September and one prior to it. I did not try and tweak the birth certificate of the December born just because he should get admission. Though his cousin and he are same age group and she is one class higher than him, it doesn’t really matter.

I actually feel that the kids who are eldest in their class are actually stronger in their concepts and have better understanding and maturity than the smallest ones. They have strong grasping power and have deep rooted concepts. So it’s always good to let the child be in the same class as he deserves to be in. Don’t try to rush into getting admission early. It won’t help any way.

Another parent on our blog questioned: “My child is just 2 year old and I am scared if I put him to a pre-school, chances are he could get bullied by older kids and would not be able to tell about it to teachers and us. What does a pre-school do to address this issue?”

Ms Gauba: There is usually a child in every group who is hyperactive and may have tendency to bully other kids or kids of younger age. We generally tackle this issue by keeping our student teacher ratio in balance and taking special care of such kids. If ever we find such kid who has the tendency to bully other kids, we talk to the parents and give special attention to the kid.

“My child remains very quiet in class and doesn’t take the initiative to talk and make friends. I am afraid he will become an introvert and would like to know how the school can help me address this issue?”

To this question, Ms Gauba had a story to tell: There was a child in their class who remained quiet and didn’t want to make friends. He didn’t talk to even the teachers. But one of our teachers (who is still with us) took the initiative to take special care of him and get him out of his shell. She asked him to become friends with her. Though the child initially did not show interest in developing friendship with the teacher but later during one of the activities in class the child held the teacher’s hand and is with her during whole time. We published this story in one of the publications after few years and were so touched by it. I am lucky to have such teachers who take this initiative and are ready to help children in every aspect.

Question: “My child becomes attached to his teacher very easily and doesn’t like it when she is absent for long or worst is she gets replaced by other teacher or leaves the school. What does the school do to ensure that the teachers are retained so it doesn’t affect the child’s psychology?”

Ms Gauba: We have teachers who are working with us since the time of school’s inception and we generally try our best to retain them. As a rule the student teacher ratio is 1:10, 2 mentors and 1 maid with 20 students in a class. So if one mentor is on leave the students don’t feel the absence to that extent as they are also used to seeing other one and the chances of both taking a leave together are highly unlikely.”

Like me, all you parents might have numerous questions in mind and also trying to seek answers to it. Please use this forum to address them and we will have more principals on board in future.

Medhaam Preschool (and daycare) Gurgaon

C Block (behind Rakshak towers),

South City 1 Gurgaon, Haryana 122001 – 0124 4379900

Open Weekdays 8:30am-6:30pm; Sat 8:30am-2:30pm

Email: info@medhaam.com

Principal
Ms. Nita Datta
Mobile: +91 96541 22900
Email: nita.datta@medhaam.com

Review/About: Medhaam Preschool is a newly opened pre-school in Gurgaon’s South City 1 and one visit to the school does give you a feel that it is surely going to come up as a promising option in pre-schools in the city in near future.

Following are some of the features that really made me feel that it will be a good choice for parents in future.

a)      Its location – Prime location based in South City 1’s residential complex.

b)      Infrastructure and Building – It’s a 3 story school with really spacious classrooms and a basement area. The pre-school also has open area, play area for kids, gardening etc. Lot of emphasis is given on outdoor games (splash pool, swings, and kid’s toy cars with its own driving area), which is a plus point.

c)      No rigid curriculum is followed but a mix of Montessori method (I could see lot of Montessori equipment like beads etc), Play way and even a lot of emphasis to story telling, puppet shows and they even have an Art Room, which just has art equipment.

d)      The school has a highly experienced Principal Ms Nita Datta, who was earlier with renowned schools like DPS and iDiscoveri in Gurgaon.

e)      Student Teacher ratio – 8:1

f)        I really liked the design of the school w.r.t to washrooms. Each class had a low-height wash-basin (meant for washing hands) INSIDE THE Classroom itself to encourage children to wash their hands every time they come inside the classrooms. And this is done in a singsong manner where a small rhyme is recited (This is the way I wash my hands, wash my hands) every time the child washes his/her hands.

g)      The washrooms have low level toilet seats especially for kids. Separate washrooms for girls and boys, and looked pretty neat and clean.

h)      The school also scores another plus point on security. It has CCTV for round-the-clock surveillance and also uses Swipe Card Entry to ensure children’s safety and security at all times.

i)        All school sends regular weekly updates on Child’s progress and also ensures a PT meet every 3 months. But if a parent has any concerns, they can meet their respective teachers after school hours any day.

j)        The school does have a Day care facility till 6:30 pm.

k)      The school provides meals and the fee charged (see below) is inclusive of all meals. One look at the kitchen does give a neat and hygienic look.

Now A Few Negative Points

  1. If one has to go to activity rooms (upstairs) or the car play area (basement) it needs lot of stair climbing and keeping in mind the age of children, it is a little matter of concern. Wish they find a solution to it.
  2. Because of the rains and new construction, the rooms in the basement had some seepage issues. Though no classrooms were conducted in these rooms and all the activity was going on it ground floor rooms, this is just what I noticed. I am sure they would soon come up with a viable solution to this small issue.
  3. Since the school has recently started functioning, there are very few kids as of now. I could see only one girl in nursery class. And this isn’t really healthy for overall development of kid. So I would suggest waiting a few more months to get your child admitted in nursery class, so they have few more kids. I am sure the school will pick-up pace soon!
  4. The fee is slightly on the high end. My personal view-point, you may differ. But given the facilities and infrastructure the school is providing, one can give the figures a miss!

Human Touch

Ever since I have come back from the school, one image has stayed in my mind and that is of the Principal of the school – Ms Dutta, sitting in the Toddler’s group (classroom) with a small girl in her lap and singing her the poem..Machli jal ki raani hai…. Needless to say, I was impressed (and touched) beyond words.

I have been to so many pre-schools but this is the first time I have come across the Principal of the school sitting so closely with the kid. Most of them are outside in their office, leaving the rest to junior teachers.

Same “human touch” was visible in day care are. The in charge of day care (sorry forgot her name) was a lady who was holding a small baby (must be 1 year old) in her lap and telling her stories, talking to her. This is surely commendable!

I hope that the school maintains such “human touch” even the number of kids rise in future.

Fee Structure (2010-2011)

For TODDLERS

Eligibility Age – 1.5 – 2 years

Admission Form – 500/-

Admission Fee – 8000

Facility – 1500/ – per month

Tuition – 3000/ – per month

Security – 5000/-

Administrative Fee – 7000/- per annum

For PRE-NURSERY, NURSERY and KG

Eligibility Age – 2-5 years

Admission Form – 500/-

Admission Fee – 8000

Facility – 1500/ – per month

Tuition – 3500/ – per month

Security – 5000/-

Administrative Fee – 7000/- per annum

DAY CARE – Full Day – 1.5 – 8 Yrs

Admission Form – 500/-

Admission Fee – 2500/-

Facility – 5700/- per month (for half day it is 4500/- per month)

Security – 2500/-

The school also has other plans for 4 hours, 2 hours and per day basis in Day Care. The school also offers transport facility to kids.

Do let me know what your views on this pre-school are. Looking forward to hear from you.

Euro Kids Pre-School 

School Site No. 1,

Next to H.No. 4912,

DLF Phase –IV,

Gurgaon

Phones – 0124 – 4048812, 4051240

Email – eurokids@airtelmail.in

Review:

Euro Kids started as one of the first players in the pre-school business in India. So it definitely has a first mover advantage in terms of niche clients, franchise models and years of experience. It has more than 500 pre-schools in India across 180 towns and cities. Thanks to the franchise model!

No doubt many pre-schools in India are today following the same franchise model in a bid to expand its brand and increase the brand recognition but in the process do they take measures to maintain the quality? Each franchise owner has its own ideologies and wants to run the school in his or her own way (after acquiring the brand). This is what they refer to as “local adjustments” in school business terms.

So chances are that a Euro Kids in Aurangabad and a Euro Kids in DLF may have many similarities but they can also have differences too, especially in terms of its fee structure and other infrastructure facilities. Hence I was not very surprised to find a couple (who has recently shifted to Gurgaon from Aurangabad) discussing the fee structure at length in Gurgaon school and asking for “corporate discounts.”

The lady co-ordinator who was present in the school on Saturday promised me to waive off Caution money (which is 1500 and is as such refundable) and when she asked me about my husband’s corporate connections, she straight away offered a 25% discount further on Admission fee! (Learn business from them! ..my hubby would have shouted at me)

Well now lets come to infrastructure part. The school is located in one of the costliest areas of Gurgaon, near Galleria Market and Ridgewood Estate ( it is the same school that was there in DLF I in residential area). It has ample green space, good airy and spacious classrooms with ample colour.

The child gets to spend approximately 3 hours (as in all playschools in Gurgaon). The curriculum offered is Playgroup (below 2 years), pre-Nursery ( 2-3 years), Euro Junior and Euro Senior. And yes this particular branch also has Day care facility.

The student teacher ratio is 1:10 on cards and could waver to 1:15/20.

Fee Structure ( for 2010-2011 session) For Playgroup and Pre-Nursery

Admission Form – 100

Admission Fee – 10,000

Registration Fee – 2000

Caution Money (refundable) – 1500

Annual Charges ( April 2010 to March 2011) – 11,000 ( can be paid in instalments of 2750 quarterly)

Tuition Fee ( p.m) – 2500

Transport Facility – max 1000 monthly

Admission Procedure:

 

Please submit 3 photographs of the child

Copy of birth certificate

Immunization chart

Set of clothes

Other Branches:

1. EuroKids Palam Vihar

Address : C – 1,Palam Vihar

City : Gurgaon

Zip Code : 122001

3. Eurokids Sohna Road

Address : Park View- II

Sohna Road

Gurgaon

City : Gurgaon

4. Eurokids-Sohna Road

Address : Park City View 2,

Sohna Road

City : Gurgaon

Zip Code : 122103

5. Eurokids Sohna Road

Address : Park City View 2,

Sohna Road

City : Gurgaon

Zip Code : 122103

 As always, looking forward to hear your views too.

Amiown Pre-School

Junior Wing of Amity International School

Sector 27, Gurgaon.

Contact – Admin 99-711-33582 ( Nancy)

0124-4289401

Age Criteria

For Prenursery: 2+ as on 31st March 2010 (or children born between 1st April ’07 and 31st March ’08)

a)      Forms are only available online. The admission for pre-nursery is over first, then comes nursery.

Review:

Amiown Pre-School is the junior branch of Amity International Schools (they have in sector 45 Gurgaon). When I went to the school, the orientation process (student-teacher-parent interaction) for the pre-nursery classes was going on. Without doubt, so many parents and kids were present there. This pre-school is situated in Sector 27 and it not very far off from the main Amity Int School building in sector 45.

There was a havan ( religious offering to God) going on during the orientation. Many parents I talked too seemed quite happy with this change and way of orientation day. The entire admission process takes a lot of time from filling online forms, submitting them online or by hand, waiting for approval list, selection list and then admission but the parents were saying that the entire process was quite systematic.

Everything was displayed on the school’s reception and its notice board. The school had ample space, spacious classrooms, auditorium, green play area and lawn. The use playway method for the kids.

However, it just seemed like an ordinary playschool. There was nothing that Amiown offers and other schools don’t. What I mean to say is, there was lack of innovation and creativity. Maybe it is too early to say ( as they are just 2 years old in pre-schools) but when you compare them with other playschools in Gurgaon ( read ibambini, idiscoveri etc) you feel there is a lot of room for improvement.

The children who will be admitted to pre-nursery and nursery of Amiown will automatically graduate to Amity International’s formal school ( unline Mother’s Pride and Presidium).

The student teacher ratio is 1:20 with 2 maids. The timimngs for pre-nursery ( as told  to me ) is 9:30 to 12:30 pm.

Here is the approximate look at the fee structure:

For pre-nursery

  1. One time admission charges – 35,500
  2. Quarterly – 14K
  3. Approximately comes to – 7,500 per month
  4. Books, uniform and transport extra.

 

For Nursery – The admission fee is 35,000.

As Always – I would request you to please let me know your views on the Amiown Pre-School and also on Amity International in sector 45 Gurgaon.

Intellitots

Intellitots Learning Pvt. Ltd.
5217, DLF Phase IV, Near Ridgewood Estate,
Landmark – Galleria Market,
Gurgaon
Phone – 9990800892
Email – info@intellitots.in

Review
IntelliTots is a pre-school with a difference as it caters to children from 6 months to 6 years. Run by two US-returned and ex-IITians ( and moms), the centre strongly believes that children can learn and grab the most out of their environment in the early years of development.

Hence it is really important that the kids should be provided with stimulating and most enriching environment that helps them use their curiosity to a higher level of learning.

They have the following programs

1. 6 – 14 months
Parent Infant Program

2. 1 – 2½ years
Parent Toddler Program

3. 2+ years
Pre Nursery

4. 2½ – 4½ years
Music, Art and Drama Club

5. 3 – 6 years
Early Readers & Writers Club

6. 4+ years
Speech and Drama Club

Classes will broadly follow the structure detailed below:

Directed Freeplay
Concept of the week
Art and Craft projects
Baby Yoga
Story Time/Drama/Puppets
Snack Time
Physical Play
Musical Play
Music and Movement
Parachute Play

From their website…. “IntelliTots believes in the importance of stimulation in early years to help children discover their world and develop life long skills of learning and socialization.

All Intellitots trainers are trained in early childhood programs and have extensive experience of working with young kids. All equipment used in classes is age appropriate and the curriculum has been developed in conjunction with international experts and programs.”

The also have a Pre-Nursery curriculum that has been designed to make learning fun. It focuses on following key areas:

1. Language and Literacy
2. Logic and Mathematics
3. Creative Representation
4. General Awareness
5. Personal and Social Development
6. Physical Development

I have met many parents who were quite satisfied with Intellitots and felt that their kids actually learned something from this pre-school instead of just coming there and playing. Most of them recommend the playschool ( or learning centre as they would like to call it) to every other parents.

Fee Structure

Though they have separate fee structure for every program, I am listing below the fee for their Pre-nursery program:

Admission Fee: Rs 6000
Yearly Supplies: Rs 5500
Quarterly Tuition Fee: 13,500

Here are a few pros and cons

Pros:

1. Good administrative staff, always open to questions
2. Programme for all age groups till 6 years
3. Adjustable timings
4. Children actually learn there in the play way method rather than just playing away their time
5. Good infrastructure
6. Happy Parents

Cons:

1. No Transport Facility
2. No Creche/Daycare ( as they are a learning centre and not focusing on pre-schooling in a v creative way)
3. No Meal Provision ( as no daycare)
4. Not much of open or Green Area
5. Fee is slightly on the higher side

As always do let me know your view on the same.

Hi Everyone,

In the next few days you will get to read the review of the following:

1. Intellitots Pre-School, DLF Phase IV, Gurgaon,

2. Amiown Pre-School ( Junior Wing or Pre-School of Amity International School) Sector 27, Gurgaon

3. Euro Kids Pre-School, DLF Phase IV, Gurgaon

4. Happy Faces Creche and Play School , DLF Phase IV, Gurgaon

As always looking forward to hear you view too on the same.

School Assessment Framework

  In this post we shall discuss some of the key consideration for arriving at a objective assessment of schools. This is a major step as school once chosen, could become the foundation for yoour child’s future. So we have tried to make an excell sheet where in you can put the values and access the school.

School Assessment Excell Sheet

Note: Please note the following points while you may like to use this sheet (a very basic tool)
1. Please fill only the grey coloured cells, the blue cells will get filled based on the grey cells
2. The weightages given to the three area may differ on individual needs so please change it according to your needs, just the sum of all three needs to be equal to hundred.
3. Please rate all the factors mentioned in the grey cells on a scale of 10 based on your judgement.
4. Once done you can use the Table 2 to develop an evaluation table to see all school together.
5. Once again this table is only indicative and any suggestions to improve the same are most welcome.

Why Pre-school Education?

Most of us, the parents of toddlers I mean, ask ourselves, is it really necessary for us to get our child admitted to Preschools/Playgroups? Are they really necessary for our kid’s growth or do they really enhance the learning skills of a child?

The answer we get from our elders is – In our time we just went for Junior Kindergarten (Jr. KG) and prior to this all education was at home. If we can learn everything at home till age of 4 years and be a good human being then why do the next generation of kids need to be in pre-school?

Business Prospects

Do you know that Preschool is the fast growing market in India currently and has become a major business for housewives and other investor? The playschool market is also attracting many private players through the franchise model.  

According to one estimate, the preschool market is set to cross $1billion by 2012, registering a high 36 percent annual growth. “With low entry barriers, low penetration of preschools in India and evolving franchise model to scale up operations, Indian preschool market is set to flourish in the coming years,” says the estimate.  

Scientific Causes

The human brain is known to grow at a phenomenal rate till the age of 5 years. Pro-preschoolers believe that this is the best time for the child to grasp new learning. Other facts also state that the grasping power is quite low in the case of adults, so by around 4 years (which was the age earlier) much of the valuable time is lost. 

A child graduating from a preschool has better cognitive and learning skills and can easily adapt to new environments than his other counterparts. Skills taught at a preschool are essential before the beginning of statutory education.

However, in countries like India where basic education is still out of reach for the majority of children, many of the mushrooming so-called playgroup centers in the cities are income generating opportunities for housewives and business people.

The Growing Trend Globally vs in India

This trend has grown really been over hyped since most parents just copy what ‘everybody’ else is doing. The preschools in India do not follow the Montessori pattern of education. Abroad, the children have a choice of activities to pursue, separately, at the same time.

In India, most of the teaching is more of classroom type wherein all children perform same task collectively. Thereby each student does not pursue the activity independently and the learning is guided.

Playschool Trend in India

Preschool is addressed by different names. A preschool could be called a playschool, day-care, pre-primary, pre-nursery or kindergarten. The basic skills developed at this age last throughout a child’s life.

Now, parents are eager to send their toddlers to schools as soon as they turn two. Not only because they feel these pre nursery schools are safe but also because toddlers seem to learn faster when they interact with children of their own age. And play schools in India are definitely witnessing a boom as leading international preschool chains choose various cities in India to set up their operations.

Tips To Choose

  1. Check on its authenticity- whether it is run by a trained professional or some lady with a maid helping her. The person running it as well as the teachers teaching should have all taken proper training in childcare.
  2. Check out the why the person is running a play school and how he chooses to be different from other pre nursery schools.
  3. If the play school is following the correct student – teacher ratio. It is ideally 1: 10.
  4. Take a round of the school and to see if the rooms are big and spacious and if they are well ventilated.
  5.  Check if they have proper maids who can handle the children when they have to go to the washroom.
  6. Ensure that the distance to the pre nursery school is not too much from your home.

 

Major Indian Playschools

Some of the major play schools in India with a nationwide presence are:

Euro Kids: Euro Kids is one of the most popular pre-schools in India. An offshoot of Euro Kids International Private Limited, Euro Kids advertises itself as a “second home for kids between the ages of 2-4 years.” It also produces children’s book segment in India and operates through franchisee outlets in all parts of the country. The emphasis is on all round development of the child through age-appropriate activities.

Shemrock: Started in 1989, Shemrock boasts of 90 branches across the country. This chain was started by a husband wife team of Dr. and Dr. (Mrs.) Arora. Shemrock also seeks to provide all round development in a harmonious environment.

Mother’s Pride: Dr. Sudha Gupta started the school few years ago and is running several branches across India now. This play-school has state-of-the-art facilities like theatre, swimming pools, excellent learning aids and books that encourage a child’s aptitude and potential. Some of its centers also boast of a computer lab where the kids are introduced to computers and certain age-appropriate activities are included.

Kidzee: With over 600 centres all over India, this Zee Interactive Learning Systems Limited initiative in the field of children’s education is also an established brand name in the field of pre-nursery education. As their advertised line “ Where Learning is Fun” goes, this brand lives up to its name by providing a fun-filled activity center for kids between the ages of 2-4 years, ensuring that kids receive a harmonious atmosphere in which to play and learn.

TreeHouse

The Tree House is India’s largest and fastest growing chain of branded pre schools, having grown from 1 centre in 2003 to 40+ centres currently, with more than 2500 children present. This playschool plans to expand to 200 centres across the country in the near future.

Other major players in this field are Maple Bear, Daffodils, Ananda Play School, Bacchpan, Scoobees Jumbokids, etc.

I would like to hear your views too. So please feel free to write.

While searching for various playschools in Gurgaon for my toddler, I also came across certain terms like Reggio Emilia approach, playway method, Montessori Method of teaching and much more. For eg, iBambini preschool in Gurgaon follows the Italian method of teaching
(Read About ibambini here)
while Panchatanta Montessori School (Read about Panchatantra here) follows the Montessori method.

I always asked the teachers about the difference between various approaches and how good or bad is one method. Most importantly, are the schools actually following the method what they are talking about? I came across Shalom Hills School (Read About Shalom Hills Here) and discovered that though they have named their classes as Montessori I and Mont II, Mont III, they do NOT follow the Montessori Method of teaching.

While other not so particular schools  Read Presidium just go with the playway approach (easier to explain!) No I am not biased against any school but yes I am more interested in knowing about all these methods as a recent study, published in the journal Science, has found that Montessori education method, which is actually a hundred years old, is more successful than traditional teaching methods.

Another article on WebMD also goes on say that children who attend Montessori schools may have an edge over other children in terms of both academic and social development.

So this topic definitely needs more probe. Here is what I found about Montessori Method on Internet and also a list of schools that apply this method.

The Montessori method is an educational approach to children based on the research and experiences of Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori (1870–1952). The Montessori Method is a way about thinking about who children are. It is a philosophy that respects the unique individuality of each child. Dr. Montessori believed in the worthiness, value and importance of children.

“I have studied the child. I have taken what the child has given me and expressed it and that is what is called the Montessori method.” Dr. Maria Montessori. It arose essentially from Dr. Montessori’s discovery of what she referred to as “the child’s true normal nature” in 1907.

The method came into form in the process of her experimental observation of young children given freedom in an environment prepared with materials designed for their self-directed learning activity. The method itself aims to duplicate this experimental observation of children to bring about, sustain and support their true natural way of being.

Montessori works in a methodical way. Each step in the process leads to the next level of learning. When a child plays, he or she is learning concepts for abstrast learning. Repetition of activities is an integral part of this learning process.

It is also an approach to education that takes to heart the needs, talents, gifts, and special individuality of each child. It is a process that helps children learn in their own way at their own pace. The main concept of Montessori is to promote the joy of learning. This joy of learning develops a well adjusted person who has a purpose and direction in his or her life. Children, who experience the joy of learning, are happy, confident, fulfilled children. In essence, Montessori helps bring forth the giftedness of each child.
Another important skill it teaches is self-reliance and independence. It helps a child to become independent by teaching him or her life skills, which is called practical life. Montessori children learn to dress themselves, help cook, put their toys and clothes away and take an active part of their household, neighborhood and school.

To Conclude: The Montessori method of education is basically a unique approach to learning. Rather than “teaching” the child concepts, an environment is designed to stimulate the child’s interest and facilitate his understanding and learning capacities spontaneously with little or no adult intervention.
Today, Montessori is the single largest pedagogy in the world, with over 8,000 schools on six continents1.
In India

Although there are some schools that provide courses for the elementary, middle and high school level, most Montessori schools in India are meant for children in the age group of 2-6 years.

Major Montessori Schools in India

1. l’Ecole Montessori
Unit 21 A / J Laxmi Estate
Off New Link Road
Andheri (W), Mumbai 400 053
Tel: 9223908073 / 022-64508073 Email: l’ecolemontessori@hotmail.com

2. Alpha Montessori school,
515-E (A-347), Buddha Marg, Mandawali Fazalpur,
Delhi-110092
Mr.Rajesh Batra

Ph: 011-65252810, 09312812220, 09212112220

3. Sharma Montessori School
Lodhi Road
New Delhi, 110 003, India
Programs Offered: Middle School

4. City Montessori School
12, Station Road,
Lucknow
Ph: 25638738, 2638606
info@cmseducation.org
http://www.cmseducation.com

5. Sacred Heart Montessori
D-1/121, Janakpuri
New Delhi, 110 048
India
Programs Offered: Toddlers, Early Childhood

6. Bal Bharati School
(Ms.Manu Gupta)
Maniram Road
Rishikesh,
Uttaranchal ? 249201
Ph: 0135 ? 2430586

7. Bambino Montessori House of Childern
(Juergen Eisenberg & Indira Eisenberg)
C-1192, Aravalli Marg,
Indira Nagar, Lucknow – 226016
India, Ph: 0522-4000630
http://bamohoc.googlepages.com

8. Modern Montessori School
29, South Anarkali Ext.
Delhi, 110 051, India
Ph: 011- 221-2996/ 22434999

9. Modern Montessori School
48, Surya niketan
Delhi, 11092, India
Ph: 011 214-2537

10. Montessori World,
(Nidhi Mohunta)
S-179 B, Pancheel Park,
Ground Floor, New Delhi – 17
Ph: +91-11-26014483 / 85

11. Auroville Nursery School
M-54, Kalkaji,
New Delhi-110019
Mailing Address: Kalkaji
New Delhi, 110 019, India
Ph: 0 11 64-37559
aurovilleschools@hotmail.com
Programs Offered:
Early Childhood

12. La Montessori School
2289, Arya Samaj Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi, 110 005, India
Ph: 011 25721926

13. Adarsh Montessori School
G-14 A, Mansarovar Garden
New Delhi, 110 015, India
Ph: 011 554-7631

14. Montessori Middle School
Lodhi Colony
New Delhi, 110 003, India
Ph : 011 2461-8838

15. Oriental Coaching Centre
P-294, C.I.T. Road, Scheme – VIM.
Calcutta-700 085.
Phone- 2682-8557
A Unique Montessori house cum Coaching Centre

16.K.B. Roy’s Montessori Home
9F, Suren Sarkar Road.
Calcutta-700 010.
Phone- 2350-3169

17. Maria Montessori House
8/1A, Talbagan Lane, Park Circus.
Calcutta-700017.
Phone- 2283-2696
Cellular- 98311-04363

18. Froebel Day School
11, Park Circus Row.
Calcutta-700 017.

19. Ankur
21/1, Ram Road.
Calcutta-700 008. Shreyas Foundation
Near Shreyas Railway Crossing
Ambawadi
Ahmedabad ? 380 015

20. Sri Siddeshwar Montessori House of Children
Siddeshwar Peth
Sholapur ? Maharashtra

21. Maria Montessori House of Children
R.G. Baruah Road
Guwahati, Assam

22. Kisalay Montessori house
I/B Sadulganj, Dungar College Side Road,
Bikaner,
Rajasthan – 334 003

23. Casa Bambino
95, Khatau Mansion,
Oomer Park, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai, 400036,

24.Casa Montessori
214, Ocieana, Subhash Road,
Marine Drive, Next to Marine Plaza Hotel,
Mumbai, 400020
Mrs. N. Dubash,

25. Vishwabharati Public School,
IDEA-Sheetal Plaza Main Road,Rukhmini Nagar Amravati(MS) 444 606
aubajpeyee12@yahoo.co.in

In South India

26. Chennama Memorial School
#68, Mission Road,
Bangalore ? 560027
(P.R. Smitha) Usha Montessori
B.T.M. Layout
Bangalore ? 560076
Ph: 080 ? 2223201, 2120359, 2277443

27. V.E.T. House of Children
15, Vasavi Temple Road
Visvesvapuram
Bangalore ? 560004

28. Vijayaniketan Montessori House of Childen
21, D?Costa Square
Cooke Town
Bangalore – 560008 Little Buds Montessori School
Opp. C.O D Office
1 E Palace Road
Bangalore ? 560001

29. Rainbow House of Children,
3rd Cross, Malleshwaram
Bangalore ? 560003

30. Athena Montessori House of Children
(Caroline D?Cruz)
No. 801, 7th Main, 1st Cross
HAL IInd Stage
Indira Nagar, Bangalore
Ph: 080 ? 5274669
Mob: 98450 00181

31. Ankur Montessori House of Children
(Reshmee Basu)
71, Nagavarapalayam
Off Old Madras Road
(after NGEF, Opp Salarpura Silverwoods)
CV Roman Nagar
Bangalore ? 560093
Ph: 080 ? 25343252/ 25247141

32. Child’s Day Montessori House of Children
(Archana Ravindra)
Padmanabhanagar
Bangalore
Ph: 26390901/ 2690931
childsday_1@yahoo.co.in

33. Trotters Stop
No.60, Da?costaq Square
2nd Cross, Cooke Town
Bangalore ? 84
Ph: 080 ? 51250722
Mob: 9342500980
Soniajoseph@trottersstop.com
http://www.trottersstop.com

34. Abacus Montessori School
2, Thirumalainagar Annexe
III Main Road, Perungadi
Chennai ? 96
Ph: 24960904 / 24963823
info@abacusnow.com

35. Valsalya Montessori House
(Monisha Lohia)
AH ? 151, 3rd Street
Anna Nagar, Chennai ? 600040
Ph: 044 ? 26223102, 26223446, 26203862
vmh@vsnl.net

36. Baalyaa Montessori
(Ms.rama Anantha Krishnan)
13/15, ?Prashaanthi?
Bharathnagar, 1 Cross Street
Madipakkam
Chennai ? 600091
Tamilnadu.
Ph: 044 ? 22474756
22470242
baalya@rediffmail.com
http://www.baalya.freeservers.com

37. Margadarshi Montessori
No.15, BDA layout
Behind BDA Complex
3rd Block
Nagar Bhavi, 2nd Stage
Bangalore ? 72
Ph: 080 ? 3582736
Suma_adi@yahoo.com
Srinath_ramanna@yahoo.com
connect@vsnl.net

38. Sharanalaya Montessori School
No.10, Jambulingal Street
Nugambakkam,
Chennai
Ph: 2822 9427, 52137651
Mob: 98400 29494
info@sharanalayascool.com
http://www.sharanalayaschool.com

39. Indian Public School
(Ms.Indira Baus)
H ? 72, Priyan Nagar
Erode ? 9 ,Tamilnadu.
Ph: 2257123

40. Pebble Creek Montessori House of Children,
C-16, 3rd Main Road, Sainikpuri, Secunderabad, 500094
Ph: 040-40216993

41. Kirth Montessori
(Anuradha)
No:62 / 7, Suchitra Apartments
Coles Road, Frazer Town,
Banglore – 5
Ph:25573984

42. Vijayanjali Public School
Cholanayakamahalli,
R.T.Nagar
Bangalore ? 560032
Ph: 080 ? 23544891
Vijayanjali_school@yahoo.com

43. Joshika Montessori House
(Shamala Swamy)
643, 11th Main, V Block
Jayanagar, Bangalore ? 560041
Ph: 080 ? 6641652, 6643406
joshila@bgl.vsnl.net.in
http://www.eduempire.com/joshila

44. Avalahalli,
Anjanapura Post,
(via Konanakunte)
Bangalore – 560 062
Ph: 28436048, Fax: 28436577
tmtindia@vsnal.com

45. Vidyaniketan Public School
Ullal Cross Road,
Ullal Upanagara
Bangalore-560 056

46.Kingsbury Montessori House
Devonshire House,
Higgins Road,
Udagamandalam,
Nilgiris ? 643 001
47. Vidya Niketan
11, Clarke road,
Richards Town,
Bangalore- 560 005

48. Ankita Montessori House of Children
Behind KNS Mill
Amarjyothinagar, Tumkur
Karnataka ? 5

49. Santa Maria Public School
127, Main Road, Crawford Colony,
Tiruchirapalli,
Tamilnadu – 620 012
K.R.E. Society?s House of Children
Bidar
Karnataka- 585401

50. Akshara Montessori House of Children
15, Tamarai Kannan Road, Murphy Town
Bangalore East, 560008
Phone: (080)25363312
Ankita Montessori House of Children
Behind K.N.S. Mill, Gandhinagar
Tumkur, Phone: 958162201658/958162200190

51. Anweshana Montessori House of Children
154, 9th Cross, Prakurthi Layout,
HBR V Block Extn (Near 38th Cross, Diana Ice cream Factory)
Hennur, Kalyan Nagar Post,
Bangalore North, 560043
Phone: 99452-35225

52. Arunoday Montessori House of Children
871/B, 7th E Main, 6th Block
Koramangala, Bangalore South, 560034, Phone: (080)25532400
Balanandana Montessori House of Children
No. 13, Ranoji Rao Road
Basavangudi, Bangalore South, 560004, Phone: (080)26570312

53. BNM Montessori House of Children
27th Cross, 17th Main
Banashankari II Stage
Bangalore, 560070
Phone: (080)26713243

54. Prayag Montessori House of Children
No 59, 5th Main, Near Deve Gowda Petrol Bunk, Opp Deve Gowda Hospital, Puttalingaiah Main Road
Padhmanabhanagar, Bangalore, 560072

55. Prerana Montessori House of Children
1341, 10th Cross, 10th Main,
2nd Stage Indiranagar, Bangalore East, 560038
Phone: (080) 25295116 Mobile: 9341405116/9342645116

56. Prerana House of Children
772, BEML Layout, 5th stage
Rajarajeshwari Nagar
Bangalore
Phone: (080)28602714

57. Child’s Day Montessori House of Children
Shanthinikethan, No. 17, 15th Main, 16th Cross, Padmanabhanagar
Bangalore South, 560070
Phone: (080)26390901

58. Gurukul Montessori House of Children
Avalahalli, Anjanapura Post
Bangalore North, 560062
Phone: 080-28436237/28436048 Headstart Montessori House of Children
851, 16th Main,
Block III Koramangala
Bangalore South, 560034
Phone: 080-5537025/5532721

59. Discover Montessori House of Children
181, 24th B Cross,
Jayanagar III Block
Bangalore South, 560011
Phone: (080)26639085 Mahila Mandali Montessori House of Children
3rd Cross, N.R. Colony
Bangalore, 560019
Phone: (080)26678486

60. Mystique Montessori House of Children
370, 13 A Main
Yelahanka New Town
Bangalore, 560064

61. Shishu Griha Montessori House of Children
Yenkay Education Society, HAL II Stage, No. 3, New Thippasandra
Bangalore South, 560076
Phone: (080)25213940/941 Touch Internationale Montessori House of Children
702, 5th D Cross, 7th Main, 80 ft Road, HRBR Layout, Kalyannagar, Bangalore North, 560043, Phone: (080)55306843/56909483

62. First Step Montessori School
46, fifty feet Road,
Krishnaswamy Nagar,
Ramanathapuram, Coimbatore,
Tamil Nadu- 641 045

63. Ms. C.N. Devayani,
Subba Rao Montessori Illam, Somandurai,
Coimbatore Dist,
Tamil Nadu- 642134.
Vruksha International Montessori School,
2nd Main Road Kanagasabai Nagar Chidambaram,
Tamil Nadu Pin-608 001
Phone:0414422737
nirmalak@gmail.com

64. Patasala Montessori School
Bhavani Kumar (Principal)
24, Ramanthan Street, Mahalingapuram,
Chennai – 600 034. Tamilnadu
Phone: +91 44 28175310
patasalamontessori@gmail.com

65. Mac Leod English School
(Jenny mac leod)
Poomala
Sultan Bathery ? 673592
Wynad Dt.
Ph: 04936 ? 220243

66. Genious Montessori
Opp.Bharath Matha College,
Sea Port – Airport Road,
Thrikkakara,
Kochi – 682021.

67. Daffodils Montessori School
Chandar Vihar (CC No:43 /1914)
Jawahar Nagar,
Kochi – Ph:0484 – 2721121

68. Alfeen Public School
(Lucy Kurian, Rosamma Varkey)
26th Mile, K.K.Road,
Palampara.P.O.,
Kanjirapally – 686518
Ph: 04828 205910,206797, 205851

69. Dreampark Montessori Playschool
Nr. G.H.S jn palace road , Attingal ,
Thiruvananthpuram, India Pin:695101 dreampark@rediffmail.com
http://www.dreampark.in


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