Public Schools Guide for Expats
Most expats decide that an international school is the best, and easiest transition, route for their children. However, if you prefer to immerse your children in a more Indian than international stream, you may wish to consider either Indian private schools, or the alternative schools. Since families that can afford a private school opt for that route for their child’s education, the focus here is on private Indian schools.
Indian schools can be difficult to enrol in since they often have waiting lists and require entrance exams (even for six year olds) and interviews with parents. Registration is usually required several months in advance, generally in October or November for the following year’s June start. Since most schools use English as the primary language, children whose first language is not English may also be required to take a language competency test. As Indian schools are difficult to register with (they have a fixed number of admittance, which fills up long before the school year begins), entry into schools mid-year is rarely allowed.
Some private Indian schools to consider:
- New Horizon Public School http://www.newhorizonindia.edu
- National Public School http://www.npsinr.com
- Venkat International Public School http://www.vips.ac.in
Bangalore also offers a few ‘alternative’ academic options, which are also popular with expats. Both the Centre for Learning (CFL) and the Valley School follow the philosophy of Krishnamurti (similar to the Steiner method), which emphasizes a holistic arts and humanities education. These schools cost less than the international schools, have a small number of students and are a good option for parents seeking a less standard education for their children. These schools generally admit students based on interviews with the parents and child to ensure a proper fit of ideologies.
Alternative schools:
- Centre for Learning (CFL) (South Bangalore) http://www.cfl.in 80 students; Cambridge IGCSE & A-levels
- The Valley School (South Bangalore) http://www.thevalleyschool.info 350 students; ICSE
