HT Top Schools survey: The 10 best schools in Navi Mumbai - Hindustan Times
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HT Top Schools survey: The 10 best schools in Navi Mumbai

Hindustan Times | By
Sep 19, 2015 09:51 PM IST

Take a look at the list of the top 10 schools from Navi Mumbai that were ranked highest on our survey based on diverse parameters

Hello readers, we have ranked the top 10 schools in the west zone in Mumbai. Some of these also figure in the list of top 10 schools in Mumbai, published on Monday.

2015 Hindustan Times-C fore Top Schools survey
2015 Hindustan Times-C fore Top Schools survey

Parents give a lot of thought and time to selecting a school for their child. Curriculum, teaching standards, school infrastructure, fees, location, safety — all are crucial while making that choice.

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Earlier, there were few options in curriculum and a small list of old and established institutions to choose from. Now, new-age campuses and legislation, such as the Right to Education Act, are revolutionising school education. With an explosion in the number of schools and a wider choice of Indian and international curricula, the task of finding the best school is tougher than ever. We hope our list of the top schools in Mumbai will help you arrive at that important decision.

The methodology used to select Mumbai’s top schools involves a formula that has proved its efficacy since 2009, when HT first gave you a list of Mumbai’s best schools. Over the years, some of your suggestions have been incorporated in the selection process.

Over the next few days, we will also list the best schools in the south zone and Navi Mumbai. Apart from the rankings, we will have profiles of the top institutions in each zone, followed by a series of reports next week that will track the trends and developments in school education.

Here is a list of the top 10 schools from Navi Mumbai that were ranked highest on our survey based on diverse parameters:

1. Delhi Public School, Nerul
Sector 52, Nerul (West) | Website: www.dpsnavimumbai.edu.in

History: The school was established in 1999 by the Delhi Public School Society, New Delhi, in the heart of Navi Mumbai. It is located near the NRI Complex, CIDCO’s model township. The campus is spread over eight acres.

Unique features: The school ranks first among CBSE schools in India. It has been the topper among all DPS schools in India and abroad, for last three years. It offers a student-exchange programme with Germany, and other foreign countries.

“We nurture students to contribute to nation-building and ensure their holistic development." ~ J Mohanty, principal

Highest ratings for: Academic Rigour, Teachers, Selection Process

Board: Class 12: CBSE | Annual fee: Rs 60,000

Students: 3,500 boys and girls | Student-teacher ratio: 20:1

2. Apeejay School, Nerul
Sector 15, Nerul | Website: www.apeejay.edu/nerul

History: The school was promoted under the aegis of Apeejay Education Society, Delhi, in 1986. It was the first school in Navi Mumbai to offer the CBSE curriculum.

Unique features: The school provides a web based e-learning module called Moodle to all teachers and students. It is the recipient of the International School Award by the British Council and Rotary Inter-School Competition for the last eight years. The school holds activities such as youth parliament, MUN and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

"Our purpose is to give back to the society citizens of highest professional standards fortified with values and ignited minds." ~ Rakesh Joshi, principal

Highest ratings for: Academic rigour, Infra-structure and facilities, Teachers, Social Engagement, Sports, Parent Participation

Board: Class 12:CBSE | Annual fee: Rs 36,000 to Rs 55,000

Students: 2,600 boys and girls | Student-teacher ratio: 26:1

3. Avalon Heights International School, Vashi
Sector 19-B, Vashi | Website: www.avalonheights.org

History: Starting out as a playschool in Kopar Khairane in 1998, the school has grown in the past 15 years. It works on child-centric education through creative teaching and learning techniques.

Unique features: The school focuses on experiential learning to give students a hands-on experience of concepts. The school also carries out silent teaching sessions every week, in which students and teachers converse through sign language and power-point presentations. The idea behind the concept is to take a break from noise.

“We believe academics is just one quarter of teaching, the other three are learning, spreading love and leaving behind a legacy.” ~ Simi Sharma, director

Highest ratings for: Infrastructure and facilities, Teachers, Academic rigour

Boards: Class 10: ICSE | Annual fees: Rs 70,000

Students: Around 1,300 boys and girls | Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

4. Father Agnel Multipurpose School & Jr. College Sector, Vashi
9A, Vashi | Website: www.agnelhamara.net

History: The Fathers of Agnel Ashram established the school in 1982.The school believes in inclusive education. Three autistic students appeared for the SSC exams from the school this year and scored well.

Unique features: Application process for admissions went online two years ago, nursery admissions done by drawing lots. A Class 10 student won the gold medal at the 9th International Olympiad on astronomy and astrophysics in Indonesia. It is the only school in Navi Mumbai with Gavel’s Club –a junior version of the International Toastmasters Club.

“We are an inclusive institution where children are nurtured to be caring individuals with a deep sense of values." ~Snigdha Roy, principal

Highest ratings for: Sports, Academic rigour, Selection Process

Board: Class 10: SSC, Class 12: HSC (science and commerce)

Annual fee: Rs 17,400 (English-medium section), Rs 16,200 (Marathi-medium section)

Students: 5,100 boys and girls | Student-teacher ratio: 30:1

5. DY Patil International School, Nerul
Sector 7, Nerul (East) | Website: www.dypisnerul.in

History: The school was founded by Padmashree Dr DY Patil. Dr Ajeenkya DY Patil is the chairman and Mrs Pooja A Patil is the chairperson. The Nerul school was established in July 2010.

Unique features: The school is equipped with smart classes. Students are encouraged to use iPads and podcasts are used to enhance their creativity. The school has Creativity Action and Service (CAS) and community service as a tool to sensitise students.

“Our school provides a supportive and stimulating environment, in which teaching and learning take place in a delightful and agreeable manner." ~ Nivedita Sinha, principal

Highest ratings for: Safety, health and hygiene

Boards: Class 10: IGCSE, Class 12: IBDP

Annual fee: Nursery: Rs 1,44,000; Fee for other classes: not available

Students: 744 boys and girls | Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

6. Bal Bharti Public School, Kharghar
Sector 4, Kharghar | Website: www.bbpskharghar.com

History: The school was set up by the Child Education Society on September 1, 2000, with the aim of imparting quality education. It was originally started in CBD Belapur, from where it was shifted to Kharghar in 2004.

Unique features: The school stresses on healthy interaction between teachers, students and parents. All classes have advanced tech-based teaching tools. There is full-time in-house doctor, nurse, counsellor and special educator in the school.

“We strive to continuously evaluate our resources and practices. Not losing the positives from the past while adapting to modernity makes us relevant." ~ Ganesh Parameswaran, principal

Highest ratings for: Teachers, Academic rigour, Breadth of vision

Board: Class 12: CBSE | Annual fee: Rs 43,000 (approx)

Students: 2,550 boys and girls | Student-teacher ratio: 54:1

7. Apeejay School, Kharghar
Sector 21, Kharghar | Website: www.apeejay.edu/kharghar

History: The Kharghar school was established in 2000 and comes under the Apeejay Education Society, New Delhi. The group runs 13 schools.

Unique features: A thematic curriculum is used for nursery to Class 1. The school is equipped with child-friendly furniture, sports facilities, a science park and a mini rock garden with lily pad. Ten students represented the country in Pertille Cup, Sweden, in World Handball Championship, 2015. Its sports coach was nominated as brand ambassador of the handball team of India by World Handball Federation. Trips to United States and NASA are organised. It celebrates festivals with an orphanage - Balgram.

“We give equal emphasis on sports, co-curricular activities and social initiatives.” ~ Indu Mathur, principal

Highest ratings for: Academic rigour, Teachers, Social engagement

Board: Class 12: CBSE | Average monthly fee: Rs 3,500 (approx)

Students: 2,240 boys and girls | Student-Teacher ratio: 45:1

8. DAV Public School, Airoli
Sector 10, Airoli | Website:http://www.davairoli.ac.in

History: The school was founded in 1998. It upholds the motto of imparting modern and technology-oriented education blended with Indian culture and ethics.

Unique features: The school is focused on activity-based and practical learning, involving illustrative audio-visual presentations and theme-based displays. Moral education is an integral part of the curriculum. There are various clubs and activities throughout the year.

“We help students imbibe qualities such as team spirit, leadership, sharing and cooperation." ~ Suruchi Kataria, principal

Highest ratings for: Academic Rigour, Selection Process, Teachers

Board: Class 12: CBSE | Annual fee: Rs 30,500

Students: 4,600 boys and girls | Student-teacher ratio: 30:1

9. Ryan International School, Kharghar
Plot no. 1, 2 and 3, Sector 11, Kharghar | Website: www.ryaninternational.org

History: It was the first ICSE school in Navi Mumbai. It started functioning on June 13, 1999, with 89 students and eight teachers. The first batch passed out in 2006.

Unique features: The students have the opportunity to participate in international exchange programmes, Indian Model United Nations (INMUN), International Children’s Festival of Performing Arts(ICFPA) and visits to NASA, among others. It has been accredited with the International School Award from the British Council. The school has also received the best school award from CIDCO and the Second Best school in India for Future Readiness by Engineering Watch.

“With academic excellence, we provide students opportunities to develop as global citizens through co-curricular activities." ~ Alice Vaz, principal

Highest rating for: Life skills education, Academic rigour, Teachers, Selection process

Board: Class 10: ICSE, IGCSE, Class 12: ISC, A Level | Annual fee: Rs 38,000

Student: 4,223 boys and girls | Student-teacher ratio: 40:1

10. DAV Public School, New Panvel
Sector 10, New Panvel | Website: www.davnewpanvel.com

History: The school was established in 1997. It is managed by DAV College Managing Committee New Delhi, one of the largest NGOs in the field of education and social welfare.

Unique features: It offers a wide range of programmes for the holistic development of students’ personality. Quality education is imparted in a stress-free environment with emphasis on strong character building. Career guidance is provided to students in the secondary and senior secondary sections

“The school makes efforts to provide the necessary support to each individual by analysing their strengths and needs." ~Jayashree Khandekar, principal

Highest ratings for: Teachers, Academic rigour, Educational philosophy

Board: Class 12: CBSE | Average annual fees: Rs 28,000 approx

Students: 5,483 boys and girls | Student-Teacher Ratio: 38:1

Methodology

Hindustan Times commissioned research organisation C fore to conduct the survey to rank top Schools in Mumbai. The assessment parameters and corresponding weightages were set by HT and were the same as were used last year:

The 18 parameters on which the schools were rated are: Educational philosophy; attitude towards learning; breadth of vision; social engagement; academic rigour; innovative teaching; teachers; teacher-student relationship; sports; cultural activities; life-skill education; infrastructure and facilities; safety, health and hygiene; diversity; selection process; governance; parent participation; and value for money.

A perceptual survey was conducted among a carefully selected sample of teachers and parents using a structured questionnaire. In all, 5,356 teachers and parents participated in the survey. While simultaneously collecting objective data from various schools, the respondents were asked to evaluate the schools that they were aware of on 10-point scale against 18 parameters Hindustan Times set.

C fore researchers visited each school shortlisted for ranking based on the objective and perceptual data collected. The data gathered was also audited by talking to parents and students. To arrive at the ranking score, the figures of perceptual and objective data were combined. In case the objective data was not available, the perceptual data scores were extrapolated to rank top 10 schools of each of the five zones of Mumbai namely North Mumbai, East Mumbai, West Mumbai, South Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.

Notes

1. Despite employing such a comprehensive process, we at HT believe that such rankings cannot be completely objective because people will have different opinions of what they believe constitutes good education. Some parents might be looking for a school that allows them to be closely involved, while others may want the opposite. Some parents might want schools that focus on sports, while others may want one where academics dominates.

2. We believe that beyond a particular threshold, it is difficult to rank schools in an objective manner. Indeed, as we have already said, our survey includes some subjective, perceptual inputs. We have, however, ranked the top ten schools overall in the city and will, from this year, rank the top schools in six zones because many readers have asked us for this kind of demarcation.

3. In any case, we advise parents to look carefully at how schools have scored against the various parameters instead of going just by the overall rank. These scores will indicate to parents which school might better suit their specific aspirations. Indeed, a school that is ranked lower in the Hindustan Times list might actually be better suited to a parent and his or her child/children than the top-ranked one.


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