Remember every child doesnot need the same care, facilities and support.So, be aware and choose your child's school, syllabus and environment accordingly.
1. Syllabus - ICSE or CBSE or IB. Rather than your strong opinions, see how suitable it will be for your child, how it helps children to fare in competitive exams in future.
2. School environment, teachers, admission procedures, kind of children/peers who study in the school, their cultural and monetary backgrounds - all these matters in framing your children's attitude and personality.Be careful about this.
3. Talk to school going children's parents, how a typical school day goes, before you take admission.
4. Parents normally engage their children on different coaching and training classes for dance, tennis, badminton, cricket, other sports etc. This should take care, if your school does not have enough space for sports and would have their focus on academics. Check this anyway and how it suits you.
5. For any franchisee playschools, teachers and principal/franchisee pedigree and commitment should be the criteria , rather than just the chain name like eurokids, zeekids etc. Do personally visit, talk to few parents, how a typical school day goes before you take admission.
6. Incase of relocation, check more about each of the school shortlisted by you, before you come to Bangalore itself, in the net.(Use specific search in google with their name)
7. Take appointment and see the principal personally by J&R and check for any vacancies.
8. In case of transfer, get a good school leaving certificate and reference from current school, assuming you would have to seek readmission there later if needed :)
9. Parent Teacher Association(PTA) may not exist in some schools, but normally it doesnot matter if professionally run. Do check this anyway.
10. Some schools, have heavy advertisements but their school buses are not disciplined and mostly would reach school after the school starts. Be warned of such schools! Check this factor too!
11. Some other schools, as heard from parents and read from internet that they take money but generally give receipts much later. Be warned and sort this out with other parents.
12. In some schools, where so many people throng the school and receptionist for admissions, they might come across sometimes rude to you! Never mind - be prepared and aware of the same! :)
Happy go lucky! Best wishes!
Please do write in your comments and share your opinion, suggestion and useful experiences with other readers!
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You have researched and found a suitable school for your child's abilities and now how to ensure admission for your child? Few guidance and tips from experience for successful admissions for self, colleagues and friends:
1. Ensure that your preferred school is not by hearsay but well researched.Look for schools with focus on education, facilities to nurture talent, good and experienced teachers, effective administration and well paid staff.
2. Getting a right and reputed playschool close to the preferred school matters a lot. Check the effectiveness by verifying the list of playschool's alumni who got admission into your preferred school.Do get this school's certificate and seal.And submit this along with your application form.
3. In case of school transfer, get a good school leaving certificate and reference from current school. It will also help you to seek readmission there later if needed.
4. Attach a good photograph of your child, even if not asked for in the application form.
5.Find a best way to mention if your child's sibling or close relatives are alumni or studying or working or associated with the school. Also, do mention the academic background and designation of parents in the application form.
6.Staying very close to the preferred school and mentioning that address in application form matters a lot.Also let the powerful 'receptionist' know about it. If your house is far, consider moving to a rented facility very close to the school.This would help your children anyway!
7. Do personally visit the school several times, enquiring and keeping a watch on admission procedures and dates.Also this will help to get your face familiar to the receptionist, who in many schools would have key roles.
8. Do take an appointment and see the principal personally with the children and parents together. Appriase of your situation and check for any vacancies and possibilities for admission.
9. In some schools, where so many people throng the school, principal and the receptionist for admissions, they might come across sometimes rude to you! Never mind - be prepared and aware of the same! :)
10. Talk to the school going children's parents and find out what extra things would help you. Go in the morning time to school, where parents comes to drop their children or when they come and wait to pickup their children. This will give you information on any entrance examinations, interviews, contacts and other essential information needed for the admission.
Good luck!
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Relocating to a foreign country as an expat? Or you have come back from a foreign country where you child had international schooling and look for the same in your own country? Or simply, you want your children to have the best global education and facilities and hence looking for an international school? Here are few tips from my experience on getting admission in one of the best international schools for my children, during an on job relocation, sponsored by the company.
International schools are private schools that generally follow a curriculum that is international like IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) or IB(International Baccalaureate).You will find international schools that admit children who are native (would be from wealthiest families who could afford the fees) with a good international mixture of students. Your child will possibly be going to school with students from all over the world and this can be a great learning experience for them in terms of being exposed to other cultures and learning how to get along with different people.
Generally, kindergarten to grade 12 are taught at the international schools and extracurricular activities are encouraged just as they probably are at your child’s current school. In most schools, English is the primary language spoken and used as a teaching medium.Not all children need the same things so it is really important to find the best fit for your child.
Here are a list of things to study and verify with respect to the international school for your child:
1.Ask for a list of alumni from the school.
An easy question to ask and this reveals much of information about the track record and history of school.
2.How is the attrition of teachers in the school?
Find this from other parents and teachers in the school
3.Is the school accredited and licensed, with a good service experience?
4.What calendar year, the school follow - U.S. or Indian or European school year?
5.Ask to see the academic and cultural backgrounds of the teachers in the school?
6.What kind of standardized tests are there to gauge academic progress, in line with their native education system?
Does the school have a way to measure student achievement and is it communicated to parents? Standardized tests, within the grades, are not the end-all of instruction: You should know what your child understands and can do, beyond the taking of tests, so a portfolio including your child's work, in secondary as well as elementary and middle grades, is an important part of assessment.
7.Will transportation be provided by the school for your child?
8.What extracurricular activities are facilitated by the school?
9.What are the classrooms like - air conditioned?
10.Check out the various facilities on the campus like gym, play area, cafeteria, etc.
Is the school physically attractive, the buildings and grounds clean, neat and well lighted?
11.What quality of food is available in the cafeteria?
12.What kind of Parent-Teacher interaction and meetings are there?
13.How does the school help your child adjust to his/her new environment?
14.What is the students to teacher ratio?
15.Does the school offer any options or camps for the summer?
16.Do you get to do any voluntary work or even a paid job in the school?
This will help you to spend your time effectively when you need to go and pick up your children or help you to be occupied and close to your kids.
17. MOST importantly,do think about the possible schools and colleges your children might get admission, when you are back to your native place, after the relocation.
I had seen many colleagues and friends in India who went abroad, got their children one to three years of international education and when they came back didnot get admission in reputed schools as they couldnot pass Hindi.Finally they end up compromising on some schools which took them or ended up paying a fortune by sending them to some 'affordable' International schools available.
18.How is the school administration and management? What is their reputation?
19.How is the school fees structured? How do they justify the fees and charges?
20.Are there high standards for your child and all students in the school? Does the school provide the support that children need to succeed? Are there Advanced Placement (AP) and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) programs offered? Is there any scholarships or assistance programs?
Teachers must be well prepared to provide that support; this includes ongoing staff development and access to the physical resources necessary to meet the needs of all students.
Best Wishes!Hope this compilation is useful. Do write in your comments as it will help other readers too.
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Best and most sought after international schools in Bangalore, India is listed below from personal experiences like Munich International School and from friends who have their children admitted to these schools.
Caution: There is a genuine and widespread demand of International schools with IGCSE syllabus and many substandard operators and real estate builders, commercialise this opportunity to make some fame and quick money.So, beware of the simply 'international' tags in school names.
Important: To see if the school is really international, just check the mix of international students to native students ratio.Do ask for it. Also, see bangalore.sneham.in: Selecting a genuine International School for your child
1. The International School Bangalore (TISB)
Rated in 2009 as one of the best International schools in the world. National Public Schools (NPS) chairman is in the managing board. NAFL Valley, Whitefield - Sarjapur Road, Near Dommasandra Circle, Bangalore - 562125 Karnataka State, India, 080 22634900.Website: TISB
2. Canadian International School
One of the oldest and well known residential school in Bangalore.Survey No. 4 & 20, Yelahanka ,Bangalore, Karnataka, 560064,080-6451-4001/01/02/03/04/05/06/08 principal@cisb.org.in. Website: CISB
3. Ebenezer International School
Singena Agrahar, Huskur, Hosur Road,Near Electronic City, Bangalore, Karnataka – 560100, 80-41464326, 41464327 ,Email: info@ebenezerinternationalschool.org Website: ebenezerinternationalschool
4. Sarala Birla Academy
Bannerghatta, Jigani Road,Bangalore, Karnataka – 560083,080-41348200, 080-41348203/04
Sarala Birla Academy is a leading educational institution for children belonging to internationally minded families.Website: saralabirlaacademy
5. Jain International Residential School
Jakkasandra PO,Kanakapura Raod,Bangalore, Karnataka - 562112 ,80-27577050 / 60 / 70 / 80, principal@jaingroup.info. Website: JIRS
6. Mallya Aditi International School
121, 3rd Cross, Yelahanka,Bangalore, Karnataka – 560064, 080-28462850
7. Indus International School
Billapura Cross, Sarjapur,Bangalore, Karnataka – 562125, 80-22895900, mail@indusschool.com
near Electronics City, Bengaluru: Hulimangala Post, Jigani Hobli, Bangalore South, Karnataka - 562104, 080-27803006, 9972399041, info@treamis.org Website: Treamis
9. Bangalore International School
Hennur Road, Kothanur Post, Bangalore, Karnataka – 560077, 080-28465059, 28465060
10. Inventure Academy
Whitefield-Sarjapur Road,Chikkavaderapura Gunjur Post,Via Varthur, Bangalore, Karnataka – 560087, 080-7822102 / 27802600 / 27802606, info1@inventureacademy.com Website: inventureacademy
Hope this listing is useful for you. Do comment with your inputs and experiences as it will help the readers.
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Here is a list of most sought after top schools in Bangalore, compiled from personal experiences as well as from good opinions and references heard from known people and other parents - during school search for self or for close acquaintances in Bangalore.
It is wellknown that irrespective of the school, children will come up in their life for their talent, skills, hardwork and attitude.However, 'Your recommended Bangalore schools for admission?' is a most sought after question to me from friends, relatives, colleagues and acquaintances alike. Hence sharing it for you - see and research more on boldened school names below.
Please do comment to this blog - with your experiences and suggestions. It will help the readers to add any recently opened schools or to enhance this list!
Top Schools in Bangalore - Wellknown and Most sought after!
1. National Public School(CBSE), Indiranagar/Koramangala/HSR/Rajajinagar
One of the best school around and everybody wants to get admission here; Focus is on academics and best asset is their professional management, excellent teachers and very low attrition. Sports activities, Taekwondo, Classical dance etc are available for students in the school. NPS also have a much disciplined school bus service. Most parents also seems to have excellent academic background and working class. See NPS website for details.
2. Sri Kumarans, Jayanagar. Website:kumarans
3. St.Josephs European school - for boys. One of the prestigious and wellknown in Bangalore. St._Joseph's_Boys'_High_School
4. Vidhyanikethan, Hebbal vidyaniketanhebbal
5. Bishop Cottons - for boys is the most famous (ICSE).Business class parents, mostly. Official website
6. Clarence High school, Richards Town, Bangalore -05. +91-80-25470868
7. Royal Concorde, Outer Ring Road, Banasawadi ncfe
8. National Centre For Excellence - NCFE Bangalore, Malleshpalaya - good school and teachers, however a bad reputation for administration and management.
9. New Horizon, HAL 2nd stage, Indiranagar, Bangalore: newhorizon
10. Sophia Girls (one of the erstwhile prestigious schools; now attrition of teachers is heard as a problem!) Sophia_High_School
11. DPS, Hebbal & Basavanagudi dpsbangalore
12. Baldwins Girls
#90, Richmond Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025080 Phone: 080- 2221 1743
13. Sacred Heart – for girls
25, Museum Road, Bengaluru - 080 22293057
14. Cluny convent, Malleshwaram
11th Main, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru - 080 23341316
15. Bethany High School, Koramangala bethany
16. Bishop Cottons for girls (business class parents, convent english speaking, mostly) cottongirls
17. Vibgyor High, Marathahalli vibgyorhigh
18. Frank Anthony Public school - FAPS, Ulsoor fapsbangalore
19. CMR NPS school, Kammanahalli cmr school
20. Ryan International School, Whitefield ryaninternational
For the top and reputed best international schools, see bangalore.sneham.in: top-international-igcse-ib-residential
Do write in your comments as it will be very useful for readers.
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Bangalore offers you a variety of bookstores and hangouts for the latest releases to those rare to find and cheap second hand books.
 ACR Towers, Opp. Gateway Hotel, Residency Road, +91 80 2558-2411-16. Landmark:Above Hyundai car showroom. One of the favourite ambiences for a bookstore and hangout. Books of various genres combined with seating areas, spacious racks- music and movie section, children's section and a coffee shops; this proves to be a wonderful hangout to read, browse and shop. crosswordbookstores
Also, on 12th main, HAL II stage, Indiranagar, as given in picture.
1st Floor, Manipal Centre, Dickenson Road, +91 80 2558-0000. Best known for the latest releases in art, design, architecture and all at good prices. Strand conducts book fairs every year which boasts of a huge collection as well as upto 80% discounts.strandbookstall
Church Street,off Brigade road (parallel to MG Road),+91 80 2559733,+91 80 25320400. Landmark:near Coconut Grove Restaurant. There are three floors of those rare, hard to find old books. All second hand, good condition and at low rates. You definitely won't leave disappointed.blossombookhouse
72 M G Road, +91 80 2558-6743, +91 80 2558-7277. Four floors crammed with books makes this book store one of the largest book store in India.
68 M G Road, +91 80 2558-7359, +91 80 2558-6574. This bookstore has a good selection of maps, postcards, guides and novels.
In Forum Mall, Koramangala, +91 80 2206-7777 / 78 / 80 - a modern retail store for books and gifts.landmarkonthenet
Off Brigade Road Behind Curzon Court Hotel, Brigade Road.Also, available are a collection of lithographs, stained glass paintings and collectors copies of antique books.
At the Leela Galleria (Hotel Leela Palace) - Has some of the latest collection of books and magazines but, doesn't offer any discounts. A Chai Bar attached offering many different blends of tea. oxfordbookstore
This is a large bookstore on 3rd Main road, near Kamat Yatri Nivas, Gandhi Nagar (Walking distance from Majestic Bus stand). They also have branches in three other locations Sadashivnagar, Jayanagar, and Indiranagar. Sapna Book House also provides online book delivery.sapnaonline
At the Indian Institute of Science, Malleswaram - Has a large collection of technical books, on which it offers a flat 20 percent discount. Lots of books in a small place. Also worth visiting just because it is in IISc.tatabookhouse
This is a great bookstore to explore the feminist literature and activism that is being produced in India, as well as other texts on the research and work of Indian NGOs. The atmosphere is relaxing and inviting. The bookstore is located at 33/1-9, Thyagaraja Layout in Jaibharath Nagar, telephone: +91 80 2549-2783.
Provides online renting of books & movies. Vast collection of both books & movies at one place. Free Pick up & Delivery all over Bangalore.
Other recommended book stores
- Axis Books, 330/9, Domlur Inner Ring Road, +91 80 40383838,41526657.
- Reliance Timeout, Cunningham road, Bangalore
- DC Books, 100 feet road, Indiranagar dcbooks
- Book paradise, 4th block, Jayanagar, Bangalore
- Recently I saw a new library opened in Indiranagar HAL II stage 12th main.Once I get the details, will post here.
Happy reading!
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