August 02, 2013
Rating
I have been associated with Stepping Stones International School since its inception, in the capacity of a teacher. I am going to give you an unbiased opinion of the school.
At the outset, let me tell you a little about the founder, Ms. Seetha. Having studied and worked as a teacher abroad, she has practiced her methods of studying and learning for many years. More importantly, these methodologies have been proven to work time and again. SSI has tremendously knowledgeable staff who are very passionate about teaching kids age-appropriately. From personal experience, I would like to add that the curriculum at SSI is challenging. Phonics is given utmost importance and children start to read by the end of LKG! Children also work on advanced math. Where else would you find a 5-year old learning to stitch or do science experiments as part of their school work? Good communication, team work and the consistency in delivering the best, contribute to the holistic development of the child.
Having worked so closely with the school, I was quite disturbed to see some of the views of a few parents. I would like to clarify a few issues.
As parents and educators, we all know that children come in all kinds of shapes, sizes and behaviour! It is not the schoolâs intention to remove a child from school based on any of the above. In fact, the teachers try their best to make sure the child adjusts and in certain situations the other children also adjust to the child. It is never the teacherâs intention to alienate the child. Let us face it-every parent finds it difficult to accept issues related to their child. So, after talks and discussions, the parent is invited to either sit in the class or observe their child from a distance. There have been instances when child psychiatrists have been called to observe the child. Only, and I repeat only if things go too out of hand is the child asked to leave. This is done with much regret and never with any personal malice.
SSIâs policies have always been clear and transparent. They never charge extra for anything. The school starts its academic year with fewer working hours and then gradually builds on to 3-3.5 hours. This is done so that children ease into the school routine. Ms. Seetha looks into every detail personally. There is no âblame gameâ for anything that happens at school. With this said, I hope I have made myself clear. Do not base your judgement on a few rash views. If you are a parent looking for a âhead startâ in your childâs life this is the school. I am sure there are plenty of parents out there who would agree with me. Like a parent has commented-the âWOWâs outnumber the âoopsâ (if at all there are any âoopsâ!)