Our daughter was growing fast and was past two years; she visibly seemed bored at home. We desperately wanted to send her to a playschool to match her energy and enthusiasm. But by the time we returned from Germany it was late December and all the big schools in Bangalore had closed admissions by Nov-Dec for the forthcoming academic June. We did try our best but had no choice left but to hunt for a good Montessori to spend her initial three years.
First thing we decided was on the education methodology – Montessori Education system than the traditional nursery. I read and heard from my friends about the benefits of a Montessori system and was more impressed when I personally visited such schools and witnessed how Montessori materials trigger practical learning against the traditional bookish learning.
We did quite a lot of research with respect to various criteria like Education Method, Commuting Distance, School ambience, and ofcourse not ignoring the quality and reputation of the school. We visited more than 10 schools in and around our area and it took more than 3 weeks to decide on a playschool; just to remind you my daughter is not even in the age of entering pre-nursery. Few schools call themselves Montessori but follow the traditional system. I always made sure to talk to parents whose kids were already studying in the school; the major factor to my decision making.
Here’s my opinion on few of the schools I visited; hope it would be of some help to the school hunting parents.
Akshara Montessori School, Ulsoor, Bangalore : Though I was shocked at first on its location on the traffic prone main road; the ambience inside was cool and cosy; I liked it very much and even the reputation is good, but distance was a hurdling stone.
Geetanjali Montessori, Kagadasapura, Bangalore: New school premises at Kagadasapura is good and even the parent’s opinion was good compared to its branch in Jeevanbhima nagar. I personally liked it, but again distance was a hurdle.
SSB International School, IndiraNagar, Bangalore: I was not impressed about the school ambience and the Montessori campus of theirs was pathetic.
Little Feat Montessori, Koramangala and Kuddle Kids, HAL 3rd Stage have my positive ratings.
Finally coming to the point on where I decided to put my daughter was into Casa Maria, Montessori House of Children, Airport Road; a small but cosy place to opt. My daughter seems to enjoy her time at school, a sigh of relief for couple of years before we start school hunting again.
Here’s a useful website which has information and reviews on Bangalore Schools http://www.bangaloreschools.net
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