Mumbai schools fall into three main categories: government-run public schools, privately-funded “public” schools, and international schools. Government schools are not an option for expat children. They are extremely insufficient in terms of funding, and hence leave much to be desired in terms of buildings, water supply, teachers, and materials. To paint a picture, some of these schools are hardly more than a group of kids sitting outside on cement with their teachers.
That leaves the other type of “public school,” which, in spite of the name, is a school with fees. Average monthly rates are a low Rs. 1000 per student. English is the second most commonly used language of instruction, with Marahti being most common. These schools are made up of Indian students, because most expat families would rather send their children to one of the many excellent international schools in Mumbai.
International schools offer Baccalaureate (IB) programmes, Primary Years Programmes, Middle Years Programmes, and the Diploma Programme. The standards of education are world class, the facilities are excellent, and the student population is made up of many different nationalities. The American School of Bombay is among the top international schools and charges top prices. All of the international schools present students with a variety of after-school sports and activities.
