THE INDIAN SCHOOLING SYSTEM
The Indian schooling system continues to be a quandary for most parents as they try and chose the best school for their children. The choice of a suitable school in India oscillates between two extremes. There are schools that boast of either American or European model of education and are out-of-reach for the middle-class Indians, who form a core of the section that seek admissions to schools. The success of such foreign-styled schools lies solely in the affordability factor. It thus gives rise to a situation where there is an increasing elite population of a few fortunate schoolchildren. The other extreme is the government-run schools. These schools represent the apathy shown by our government towards the education system that prevails in our nation. Such schools are financially handicapped in terms of providing a quality education.
An Overview of the Type of Schools
A school in India usually falls under the broad classification that includes public, private schools or government-run schools and residential or boarding schools. In between these categories lie a large number of establishments that are run by charitable or religious organisations, which tend to make a huge compromise on the quality of education provided.
Public Schools: A Solution
Among the various kind of schools in India, international and public schools are reputed to offer the best quality of education. Private schools generally follow a curriculum that is international and most of them cater to the non-resident Indians for whom the exorbitant fee is not an issue. In such a scenario, most parents prefer to send their children to public schools. Public schools cater to a variety of households. The affluent section of the society can chose top-ranked public schools that are at par with international schools in terms of every imaginable facility.
Most of the middle-class families prefer to send their children to other, smaller public schools. An average public school in India is usually located in a nearby area, provides day-boarding facilities and affordable transport facilities. The medium of education is English but native languages like Hindi are also taught. For some parents choosing a public school is the most informed choice they can make and for most the most affordable and convenient one.
School in India – A Critical View
A school in India, today, represents an increasingly competitive educational environment. Both schoolteachers and parents are unable to cope up with the voluminous syllabi. The relatively outdated examination system means that parents are forced to look out for schools with the best merit lists and home tuitions have become deep-rooted across the psychology of parents and student. For the average parent, a school in India should ideally provide a blend of education and affordability.
