As I am shifting to Pune due to transfer in coming March ‘ 10. Can you recommend good schools preferably CBSE. My daughter is currently in Third grade and Son in UKG, looking for admission for 4th grade and first grade. We are preferably looking for schools without third language as my Daughter who will be in 4th Grade will have difficulty to pick up the language suddenly.

Thanks in advance.

Appreciate this site well as it is very informative , still reading and going through the comments posted.

with regards

Lak

- Gunjan

– Gunjan Sahay

This is great blog. Thanks Madhurie.

I am thinking of moving to Pune next year from US when my kids will be entering 5th and 3rd grade. I have read about the boards and so far CBSE is the one that I am inclined to. Do you have any recommendation on school where it will easy transitions for kids brought up in US.

Also, my reading tells me that it’s very difficult to get admission on the desired school in Pune. Is there a different process for NRIs to apply?

Thanks
Uma

I am not able to get to this post :
http://www.madhuriesingh.com/superindiankid/index.php/forum/pune-school-admission-forum/dps-school-admission/#p82

It says comments are closed and does not show me any old comments. I would like to see your last comment in the forum.

Thanks,
Praji

Thanks for your prompt answer. What are my chances of getting admissions next year in DPS, Pune for Prep(KG)? Won’t that be subject to vacancies also since all kids admitted in nursery will continue into KG.

I spoke to someone called Teresa David in DPS yesterday and she told me we could use the NRI quota and take an admission without being physically present. But, this means an extra 1.5 lakhs. Not sure, if I should wait or pay up. Depends on the chances of getting admission next year directly to KG.

Hoping you can help me with the decision.

Thanks,
Praji

Frankly very less chance of getting admission mid term. I doubt after march there would be any seat in DPS classes.
I guess u will have to take admissions in another school till next year admission time.

I was finding for some information about admissions to schools in Pune and found your blogs. Your blog on the health drink is amazing!
We(me and my hubby) are currently on a long term work assignment in US but we are settled in Vimannagar, Pune. We will be coming back in Mar/Apr – 2010. My son is July 2006 born and I wanted to get him admitted for nursery in DPS, Pune. I got some good reviews about DPS, Pune from my neighbors and friends in Pune and of course your blog helped.
It is not possible for us to go through their regular admission process. I was wondering what are the chances of getting admissions mid-session. Will there be vacancies?

Thanks in Advance,
Praji

Ok I think time to tinker the database a bit.

Hope I can manage server and database soon. Mean while you can try logging off and login again to post a forum post.

Thanks for mentioning the bug.

WordPress database error: [Duplicate entry '220.255.7.233' for key 1]
INSERT INTO wpkids_sfnotice (id, item, message, ndate) VALUES (’220.255.7.233′, ’sfmessage’, ‘1@Access Denied’, now())

cheers
Sandeep

I am also searching for good schools for my daughter 4.8 years old in Pune. DPS looks promising, but their site says to check in March-10 for vacancy for 1st std …

The main issue with all the schools admission is deposit which is non-refundable ..so it makes tough to wait for good schools. So need to make alternate arrangements alwyas.

Will be attending your seminar ..again great idea and efforts to connect with your readers.

cheers
Sandeep

I had been to Pawar Public school.
I loved the school and teachers I met.
I could not meet the principal but will meet after I am done with the DPS admission criteria article, which I am currently busy with.
Also I am busy with my son’s half yearly exams who is in 1st std in St Mary’s. So till 14th please bear with me.
I promise from 15th onwards you will see loads of information on schools and admissions.
tk care

I live in Kalyani Nagar, so obviously my initial need was to locate schools near my house. But yes, I now will slowly get to other areas too.
Since I am a full time mother of two kids, managing time with their needs, my blogging and my other part time work which include guest professor at an MBA college, Self Defense workshop for corporates and many other stuff .:) I prioritize my work and attend to important or urgent ones first.

I will definitely visit Sapling Nursery next month as there are other schools too which need to be reviewed here for the benefit of people living in those areas.
I like this concept of mixing montessori with traditional teaching methodologies. Improves and inculcated value system early in kids which is the need of the schools now!
I will contact you next month for the visit.

tk care

Did you manage to get any further updates from your visit to these schools?
– Gunjan

I notice the name of Sapling Nursery (www.saplingnursery.com) on Baner Road missing so far, so thought I’d recommend it positively. It’s only for pre-school (nursery through UKG) but the teaching style is commendable, which includes montessori sessions on certain days. My son has been there since last year and if I continue to live in this area, I intend to have my son “graduate” from this pre-school

Thanks,
Sajid.

Manali

I checked out Pawar Public school today and Vibgyor again.

I loved Pawar Public School. The school is huge and is located in the best location within AMANORA PARK.

I will write a review on my observation soon. Keep checking the site for PAWAR PUBLIC school admission details.

Have you tried checking out Vidya Valley. It’s an excellent school. If I were close to that place I would have chosen this school. Also the principal of that school is the most dynamic and promising one.

You can try Rainbow Montessori for playschool, it will be like a boon to your child.

Yes I re read your mail.

Well for higher classes in ST Mary’s you will have to come by after March 2010. All higher classes admissions are taken care of only in the last quarter as that’s when the schools come to know of the number of kids who will be leaving the school.

I will remember to ask this question also when I goto St Mary’s.

In India people still do not know the difference or rather importance of Montessori school. There is a confusion and people pass off all playschool as Montessori and will not hesitate to even name their schools with the word Montessori. Very few are aware that it was started by Dr Maria Montessori and has special teaching methodologies.

I am aware only one good school called Rainbow Montessori. http://rainbowmontessoripune.com/ . idharth Apartment,
24 Bhosale Nagar
Pune 411 007
India
Phone : (20) 2553-0324
(20) 2553-8481

St Mary’s is the only school for Boys that takes admission in UKg. Others I guess only if someone gets transferred.

The site somehow does not budge. But I had talked to the office lady and she had mentioned very clearly that Jan 2010 will be boys admissions. May be the information will be up earlier as per your viewing. I will check again next week when I go there.

Well I am a big fan of ST Mary’s and DPS. I would pass off Bishops as I have not found any one giving me very good feedback when asked heart to heart. Infact those mothers who are very careful about the selection of schools do not consider this school at all. I would rank Vibgyor higher than Bishops. Symbiosis will be neck to neck with Bishops.

Since you are near Magarpatta, may be you should check out Pawar Public School. I plan to visit Pawar Public, Gurukul MIT and Vibgyor again tomorrow.
Though I am not sure of Pawar Public school.

There is Gurukul Express near ESquare, which is CBSE board. They run day boarding school 8:30am to 5:00 pm with food and sleep.
My friend’s two daughters go there are they all seem to be extremely happy.

The school has train coaches in which the classes and labs are run! I loved the concept and the environment. The fee is arounf 2800/- month inclusive of all.

BUT the space in the school for play area is very small. Infact that is one biggest drawback. They do not have spacious football or basketball ground. After looking at DPS and St Mary’s and even Bishops, I feel sad that Gurukul has not tried to get a good playground. Also the fact that it has to keep kids up till 5 :00 pm, it’s becomes even more mandatory.

My recommendation will be only DPS for CBSE.

( There was an offer from a great school of Delhi to start their branch here in Pune, maybe I might )
DPS has 35 students per class.

Sorry but I will not reco any other school in CBSE.

Firstly Thanks again for this extremely useful blog and your prompt reply. If You remember i had mailed you earlier too.

When should i visit Pune for the admission forms for class V1. Im really keen on St Marys and St bishops.Let me know the the suitable time.

Thanks
MM.

Thanks for your immediate reply.

I am basically looking for a school where in the montessori style of education is followed for lower kg’s. (teaching many things in play way).

And also the child should get some sort of personal attention from the teacher.

I am open for any board.

Can you suggest some schools where there are chances of getting admission in UKG.

Await your reply.

thanks for the information and we would be very interested in attending your seminar. Do keep us posted regarding date/venue details.

Also, your information regarding St.Mary’s is not entirely correct. I copy-paste from their own website:
The Boys’ School
For Class Upper Kindergarten – for the next academic year June 2010 – April 2011 the details will be available on our website, in the month of November 2009.

thanks anyways for all the good work though.
My options as an alternate for Symbiosis Intl are: [in order of preference]
1. St.Mary’s Boy’s
2. Bishop’s Camp
3. Bishop’s Kalyaninagar
4. Vibgyor Intl
I stay near Magarpatta so these are still quite distant places to study for a 4yr old. Do you think or can suggest others that I should consider?

- Gunjan

Can you suggest any other school in and around these places where in a child can get some personal attention from the teacher.

My daughter is currently studying in Bal Bharati Public school in kharghar, it is a wonderful school with good infrastructure and each class has only 25 to 30 pupils. As she got accustomed to that kind of attention from the teacher, it would be very difficult for her to adjust in a mob….

And i am looking for CBSE Board only.

Pls suggets….

Happy living !

Regards, Chandranshu

thank you so much for such an informative bolg.

We will be shifting very soon to Pune from Mumbai, my daughter would be going to UKG in 2009- 2010 academic year.

I am looking for schools in and around Kalyani nagar/vishranthwadi/Pune Railway station.

What are the chances of she getting an admission in any of the reputed schools around this place.

I had my ground work done by talking to few parents whom i know from these places i have got a negative feedback from most of them.

Pls let me know your opinion on the same.

I will keep it all posted

Pawar Public School is right next to Magarpatta city, so commuting will be no worries, but … if I had a choice I would opt for other schools. I do not have any personal experience to share but a friend’s daughter is studying there. My friend is still looking out for St Mary’s. So that should speak about the school. Also it’s a new school, a year or two I guess with ICSE board.

I would suggest you take admission in Vibgyor. And then try for any other school in the month of Nov 09 to Feb 2010. Vibgyor is not very far from Magarpatta. Also since it’s a good school, even if you do not get your choice of school, your kids will end up in good school.

Sometimes the tag of last school attended can become a factor of rejection/acceptance when there is a tie ! you know wat I mean!

I have been reading your blogs for a while now and you rightfully deserve an applause for the reviews posted here.

I have a 3yrs 8mth old son going to kiderbrook at the moment.i will be seeking admission in DPS for next year.Please do count me in for the seminar when you conduct it.

Thanks a lot and keep up the good work.
Regards,
Mouli

I have been reading your blogs quite anxiously. I am relocating to Magarpatta City Pune from Singapore in Oct end. I have a son in class 4th and a daughter 3.5 yrs. As it is a mid session I am little worried fot my son to get admission. Do you know if DPS or other schools do take kids in mid term? Also I called up Pawar Public School in Amanora Park and they told they have few slots available. May I please have your views on Pawar Public School? Will it be good to admit son there?

Regards,

Chandranshu
chandranshu@yahoo.com

I am still not able to venture out as I decided to keep my kids at home for one more week due to the rise in Swine Flu cases in the past week.:(

So hopefully I should start to collect information once they start going to the school. I plan to put up all info possible by end of this month, with additions every couple of days.

Nov 09 is for ST Mary’s Girls admission only. Boy admission starts only in jan end . So relax. You have plenty of time.

I do plan to give a small seminar on admission tips and procedures of DPS and ST Mary’s for parents who are interested. That would be in the month of Oct 09.

Take Care

We was intersted in Bishop’s Camp and St.Mary’s boys, but while Bishop’s website states for last year thy opened up seats only for LKG [my son currently studies in KG2], St.Mary’s site displays that info will be displayed in Aug 09 [er..its Sept 09 already].

Do you have any updates further to what you have posted in your blogs in the last few days?
What tips would you be willing to share for helping us and our child gain admission to one of these school? Appreciate any help you can provide.

Regards,
Gunjan Sahay

There are only a few all girls schools in Pune with good reputation. Most are state board St Felix(State Board) , St Anne’s (State Board) and St Mary’s(ICSE).
I am aware of only these schools frequently mentioned and these are very old establishments. Now in recent past years, I doubt the infrastructure cost would make it feasible to start an all girls school. Personally I prefer a co-ed school.
But, I will keep an eye on any other all girls school and will let you know surely.

Take care

Thanks for not being vaccinated earlier to allow my blogs. My pleasure … infecting you .

Lemme start with International schools. I personally will like my kids to be robust and learn to fight out, as we plan to live in India mostly. And living in India calls for survival of the fittest. International schools provide very protective environment which is very tempting to us parents. But I would not like to trade off my sons ability to handle competition with my motherly concerns. International schools are good if a) you are a globe trotter and your child is following you everywhere. b) If you are a wealthy industrialist who has all future set in family business .
Excuse me if I sound socialist in between the lines.

Yes, I will let you know about schools in undh/Aundh Annex/Wakad/Baner/Pashan area, though they will be probably hearsay or word of mouth. But since I have a good number moms connected with my club, I will definitely sort your confusion.

Take care

I know you have two very sweet boys, so not sure if you keep track of only girls schools, but I will ask any way. We are coming back to India early next year (April) from London and am looking for a school for my daughter (she would be six years old and hence would go to std 1). We know of St.Mary’s and that’s our first preference. Would you know what other schools are worth looking at? – our preference is all-girls.

thanks very much once again – wish i could meet you sometime when we are in Pune.

Mithu

I am a new entrant as a reader to your blogs. And instantly I started getting infected by them . It has become a kind of daily dose for me .

As a Mom of 2.5 year old son, I am also going through the phase of good school hunting and losing my sleep over it. For past couple of years we were in US and have returned just a month ago (amidst of the Swine Flu phase).

I have read your reviews on the CBSE/ICSE school. We are currently staying at Pimple Saudagar( the software slum area, both me and my hubby are into S/W industry). Currently I have taken an extended leave to sort out the school issue and set up the new apartment.

Would like youradvice on schools and daycare centers around Aundh/Aundh Annex/Wakad/Baner/Pashan area.

We are utterly confused with all these new Internation schools around the area.

Waiting for your response.

For kids in Preparatory to IV th there is 5 days school only.
None of the Bishops schools have saturday school. They are also only Mon-Fri.

Cheers
Madhurie Singh

What about all 3 Bishops school? Their website mentions the school timings, but does not say whether the school runs from Mon-Fri or from Mon-Sat. Will it be possible for you to find out?

Appreciate your help.
Kshama

No St Mary’s Boys is only 5 days a week school.

Though they compensate on saturdays for any unplanned holiday. I think next few months there will be no sat off. Thanks to the swine flu.

Quick question, is St. Mary’s a 6 day school for boys? Looks like their girls section is 5 days…that’s what I gathered from their website. Please confirm.

I look forward to getting your inputs on Gurukul.

Thanks!

As far as MIT VG is concerned, I have not had any direct interaction, but will visit the school next month to do a write up on them too.

Any help I can provide, I will as that will help other readers too .
thanks
Madhurie Singh

We will be moving in Oct 2009, which is 3 months after all schools have started. MIT Vishwashanti Gurukul & Vibgyor High are the only 2 schools that have confirmed admission available in 5th grade at that time.

In our last visit to Pune, while we were impressed by Vibgyor high’s curriculum (we would prefer ICSE as opposed to IGCSE), their sports infrastructure wasn’t very appealing. We haven’t visited MIT Gurukul, but from their website, even though they follow IGCSE, their program seems to be more balanced & infrastructure looks just awesome.

Do you know any parents whose kids go to Vibgyor high? Any feedback on the quality of their teachers?

Any help would be highly appreciated!!

Thanks again.

As far as the school is concerned, I am keen to know your logic behind selecting MIT Vishwashanti Gurukul.

I will be doing a round of all international schools too once I am through with the schools which have admissions in november 2009.

Keep a track of this page for more updates.
And thanks for reading.
http://madhuriesingh.wordpress.com/2008/07/23/schools-in-pune-india-dps-st-marys-bishops-lexicon-vibgyor/

It is located about 15 kms from Magarpatta city. Would you be knowing which residential complexes are nearest to school?

Thanks in advance!