I started to write this as a reply to a comment by a member but later when the words became too many, had to move it to this as an article.
The school discussed is Vidya Valley at Sus Village.
There are a too many parts in a comment that needs to be answered one by one:
Infrastructure:
This is an important feature when one looks for a school for a child. I too was initially in the same opinion that a good school must have a good infrastructure. But I am not ashamed to acknowledge that a good school has nothing to do with a good infrastructure hence I was wrong.
Aman Setu school proved me quite wrong. Its a lovely school which is run by a very experienced and conscious lady. Always look at a school’s head and the driving force than the infrastructure. Though Aman Setu is growing literally like a baby does, with a few classess added structurally each year, the school is a phenomena in itself and in the way they teach.
When I checked Vikhe Patil, there is only construction all around. Only imagination works there. The financial status of a school is definitely reflected by the structures like Sharad Pawar International, VPMS, DPS, BISHOPS, ST MARY”S, ST Arnold’s etc. But, mind you if the management is really stable, they will also not ask for under the table in the name of development cost.
Fee / Non refundable development fee / Donations / Bribe:
The fee is directly proportionate to the infrastructure or the age of the school.
If a school is 100 years old, it would have either been funded initially to be constructed by government or missionaries. As a result the fee is always nominal as there is no burden of loan repayment by the school management. Which means that all the fee charged, is actually used for monthly expenditure only. Hence any such school like St Mary’s is there for making good profits as there is no EMI to be paid.
A school which is newly constructed, say in last 7-10 years will have to pay for the loans taken to construct the school. If they bought the land during the land boom time, then poor school will be shelling a huge amount as loan repayment, even considering all the subsidies.
Now how are they going to recover all this cost? No prize for that answer. 
We the parents have to pay for it! And hence the huge development cost that any such school demands and has to be paid for during admission time. Also it is non refundable, as its gone as part of the EMI payment to the banks! How will any school pay you back what they do not possess.!
So that again comes back to those old age school that demand development cost or admission fee. Now that’s nothing but pure profits. And why not ? If it’s a missionary school, these will all be accounted for. Every penny will be well spent. But anything that is transacted under the table will be badaa boom badaa bing…;)
Boards:
Why are there so many international school all over the city? Did it ever occur to you?
Lemme tell you why? It’s easy to get International School affiliation as compared to ICSE or CBSE. CBSE is the longest it takes.
So what is the way to work around? Simple, get an IB or IGCSE board. Wait for a few years and then move to ICSE or CBSE board.
So the benefit is that the school can claim to be IB / IGCSE, follow their syllabus, make the most out of the course and later shift over to the Indian board. That also starts another doubt?
Why do IB/ IGCSE boards charge such a huge fee?
Well the schools have no choice as they have to pay for per student fee back to the IB board, that too in dollars or pounds!
So if you want to put your kid in any school that is IB, make sure they throughly follow that board and its teaching methodology, as definitely I guess that is something that is the need of the hour. A board that does not pressurize our kids into useless subjects and rote system of learning.
Why some schools have compulsory bus?
Well it ensures safety as the school takes the responsibility of the transportation. But it’s the other reason that I prefer the bus compulsion, i.e. arrival of all kids on time. The headache of a parent lessened is definitely one more reason. But if the school is not taking kids out to field trips every month then they are making huge profits. DPS is now overloading the bus with 3 kids in one seat. I think I may have to write to their management, before writing a review.
The last point is the most interesting and I have come across the first time.
The school asking kids to change their subject line from Math n Science to Arts and Commerce!
The school in question, Vidya Valley.
The complaint that the parents of a few students were advised to change the line of subjects of their kids to arts and commerce line from Science and Maths.!!!!!!
I really have no idea if a school can or has the ability to do so! I will definitely look into this matter.
But, that has definitely started an interesting discussion in my mind, which is what I have been toying since last few months.
Suppose I were a parent whose kid was asked to change over from Maths, Science to Arts field, what would be my reaction!
I guess, earlier a few years back, I would have raised the hell! But today I am more sensible and mature to the needs of my kids and their happiness than my own needs. It’s not important what makes me happy, it’s more important what makes my kids’ happy. Trust me, it’s most difficult to let yourself believe that what you want is NOT what they want! So when a school advices me that my kid needs to shift over, it just means the kid is not able to handle these subjects intelligently! The best option would be no doubt for me to help my kid by getting rid of these subjects that don’t make any sense to him!
Why make your kid struggle and waste time on that subject which will be a burden on him life long! A burden that will never be enjoyed, hence your kid will never be happy! And who has ever succeeded in life without following his happiness and passion? Passion is nothing but doing what you love the most and will do without anyone coaxing you ever.
Everything that I see or read or write boils down to one thing. Let your kid follow his heart, no one can stop him from succeeding, even if it’s not being a doctor or an engineer!
And thank that school that is giving an option to the kid to become successful not an average rat.
Well like a friend always quotes, even if we are number in a rat race, we will remain a RAT. So why not take a diversion and be something other than a RAT! Trust me, it’s the most courageous act, yet will be the most satisfying one.
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Hi Madhurie, I have question regarding a new school (alongwith Preschool) coming up in Pune city in Kondhwa (near Wanawadi), Indus World School (CBSE board). Do you have any view on this schhol? They have branches in other cities in India but first in Pune.
I liked the way they are representing, i.e. they have lot of experimental activities through which they teach students about science and math likes subjects. But I am not very sure about its real implementation of what they say. So It would be great for me if you put some light on this if you can.
Thanks in Advance.
Seema
Hi Mam
Your views on Vibgyor High at Undri.I would be looking forward to your comments on the school.
Review about Victorious kids in Sopan Baug
I am looking for a school for my son who is in LKG and would be eligible for UKG. I saw your rating for Vibgyor school but did not see any reviews about the school.
I am particularly intrested in knowing about Vibygor,teaching method. I have heard that there are lot of activities but how the school is in terms of academics. My longterm goal is that I would be sending my son to boarding.
Your response would be much appericiated
Hi Madhuri,
I am looking for the activities conducted by St. Joseph school in Pashan.
Or which all would be the best school for Girls you suggest in pune if i will not consider location as restriction.
I had gone through almost all the blogs but i am more concern about the activities and sports.
Mostly interested to have sports like swimming tennis and SSC board with catholic school criteria.
Regards,
Mangesh.
Hi Madhurie,
I am looking for reviews on Sanskriti school [Mulshi] CBSE. Can you please provide your comments and also let me know if it is CBSE affiliated or yet to get that?
Most schools are not affiliated as it takes 5 yrs for a school after operating to apply and be eligible for the affiliation.
Madhuri,
Gr8 job on a gr8 site.I am a first time mom, new to Pune and have a very young daughter ,she is 11 months old !!!
I keep passing by Bishops and wanted to know if you have had the opportunity to review it yet and what their fee structure is…
When do I start my hunt for preschools and schools?I read your article which says when my daughter is 2.5 years old or so but I am scared being ignorant of school procedures.
Help is always welcome
Hi Veena, That’s really early! Fee of Bishop is around Rs 1500/- month. I have reviewed but will not post. Actually you start going to the schools only when they are running not during vacations. It does not give picture of everything otherwise.
Hi Mam,
We are planning to relocate to Pune. I have two daughters, aged 11 & 5.
My elder girl is studying Tamil as a second language and my younger one is being trained in Chinese.
Would like to know if any schools in Pune offer Tamil/Chinese as a second/third langauge.
Many thanks for sharing your knowledge in this very useful site.
From June 2011 we are starting Chinese Language course at Superindiankid, Kalyaninagar, for kids and adults.
I did see a school called Jyotirmoy at wagholi where they have Language courses but how much that is part of the regular school is not I am aware of.
Hi Madhurie,
I must say, this site is full of useful information. Thanks a lot for doing this.
I am considering to relocate from USA to Pune sometime this year and was looking for a school for my Son who will go to 5th grade.
I heard of Indus international school being a good school but can’t find any reviews on the net. Do you have any info on this school?
Also how about Vidya valley school, saw a lot of positive feedback about this but not sure if that is current.
Thanks
Arun
Both are great schools. VV is ICSE , Indus is IB. So vast difference. If u keep moving in n out of India, IB is good option. Also if u can afford IB is great.
Hi
I work in Dubai and am in the lookout of good school for my son in Grade V. I have heard a lot about Vikhe Patilf ro their allround performance, but I guess they do not have any admissions for Gr V. Could you pleas let me know if their are any NRI quotas is schools in Pune. Please also let me know if the Vike patil in Viman nagar is of the same standard as the one in Senapati bapat area.
VPMS Lohegaon is doing pretty well and much better than SB road branch. I think they will definitely have seats in class V. ALso VPMS is now CBSE International school. DPS does have NRI quota. SO I am sure all schools may have provided they want to exercise this option.
Hi Madhurie,
I would first like to thank you for the immense information and tips that you are sharing with parents like me.
I was wondering if you had a chance to review Loyala School, Pashan. Is there any way you can give me feedback about this school?
Thanks in advance,
Sujata
thanks a lot for your timely help.
hi madhurie,
sorry to bother u again but can u plz give me the contact of gazetted officer in pune from whom we have to get the documents attested. ur help will be kindly appreciated im asking this coz we are new in pune.
U can goto any nearby notary. I know there is one behind Central at DP Road. ALso my friend Rupam rupam13@indiatimes.com
mymoneymapping@gmail.com can be contacted.
Common doubts and questions about schools in Pune. « Reviews of Pune Schools and Products http://t.co/QaF2ZX8 via @AddThis
hello madhurie,
sorry i somehow overlooked some part of ur forum but can u plz clarify me whether st.mary school is having school bus or not?
No bus by St Mary but pvt buses do ply , lots of them. 700/-
Dear parents it will be great if you read the reviews on my blogs first as most of your queries will be answered by then.
hello madhurie,
thanks for the reply.but didnt suggest me the name of the school i should approach and also plz let me know when is admission starting for ukg as some schools are starting their nursery admission from nov.plz reply hope im not bothering u.bye.
If you read my blogs all the questions will be answered
HELLO MADHURIE,
liked ur website keep up the good work.i have one query kindly help we have been living for a longtime abroad but we are now moving to india the thing is tht here due to foreign language we didnt put my son in school but we taught everything at home i.e nursery syllabus and since we are shifting to pune which school should we apply for we are looking for cbse board.will they consider his admission ?now we want him to go u.kg as per his age.do reply soon.
nope, I dont think your son shud have any problem as long as he is talking and answering:) gud luck for LKg though. Ukg he may not be able to cope also in UKg there is a need for previous school certificate. BUT everything can be sorted out by talking. So select the schools and talk to them.
Hi Madhurie,
Thanks for the great information on this site !
Would you have any reviews about Sanskriti, Orchid School – Baner, City International School-Kothrud.
Thanks !
Hi,
How do you compare Vidhya Valley and Sanskriti in the over all development of child apart from the difference in board.
Thanks!
Hi, We are moving to Pune this month in rush. my daughter is 6 years old and will be seeking admission in 1st grade. Are there any schools (ICSC schools)which allows admission in the middle of the session.
Thanks much,
Mamta
Actually all schools have to give admission if they have vacancy even in mid term, by law to any kid coming from another city, country. Its just that schools are packed. But trust me, you will get admission if you pursue 2-3 religiously, as transfers are inevitable
.
Thanks Madhurie,
Do you have any idea about Sri Sri Ravishankar Vidya Mandir, Chinchwad. Please let me know your inputs if you do.
Thanks again.
Mamta
Mamta, I have not reviewed this school.
hi, pls tell which is a suitable kindergarten school in pashan n su road area..my kid is 2 yr old
Hi Chandana, sorry but I have not reviewed any kg in Pashan area. You may try searching pashan on my site, for comments that other parents might have posted.
Any views on Wisdom World School,Wakad…..principal and coordinator is from St Mary’s School(this being the USP) but any other thoughts….thinking of this school as an option for my son for std 1.
Please share your views.
Hi,
My daughter has been admitted to St. Mary’s, St. Joseph Pashan, and St. Hutchings. I am unable to decide between St. Mary’s and St. Joseph. I stay closer to St. Joseph, but am willing to brave the distance to St. Mary’s, if that is a superior school. What’s your opinion?
Thanks!
Hi Mam
Your views on Vibgyor High at Undri.The school looks good though a bit small.I would be looking forward to your comments on the school.
Thanks.