Parents are crazy about the elite school situated at the center of the city. It calls itself a global school which of course means that its infrastructure is world class and its academic standards, the school claims, are at par with the international schools in Switzerland.
Parents are crazy about the elite school situated at the center of the city. It calls itself a global school which of course means that its infrastructure is world class and its academic standards, the school claims, are at par with the international schools in Switzerland. Nobody can verify it, but it impresses crazy parents who demand the best in the world for their precious darlings. My wife insists that our daughter deserves to be admitted into that school, into that school only.
"But their fee structure is crazy, darling. I don’t think we can afford it." I said.
"Let us not assume the worst before actually visiting the school. Let us go and meet the Principal."
The receptionist, when I phoned the school, said that we could meet the Principal by appointment only. "I will call you after consulting her. Meanwhile please visit our web site, download the application form and mail it to us with your bio data quoting your annual income for the preceding three years."
I laughed derisively. "Darling, do you still want to admit our Sushma in that school."
"All the more" she said. "This kind of school will prepare our child to face the digital future."
On the appointed day, we went to the school with our child and wondered at the massive infrastructure. Large glass-and-steel US type buildings dotted the vast landscape covered with acres of green lawns, and the reception hall itself was neo-modernistic, whatever it means ; we were asked to wait in the AC lounge and offered very good coffee by pretty girls.
After nearly thirty minutes, we were ushered into a large AC chamber where a middle aged lady was seated behind a large mahagony table. Everything seems large in the campus which itself is large.
"I am the Vice Principal Ms. Elizabeth Lawrence. Let me acquaint you with the details of the school before you meet the Principal" she said. "How old is your daughter?"
"Four years, Madam" my wife said.
She called Sushma who was standing shyly near her mother, patted her back and gave her a chocolate.
"She cannot be put in the first standard," the Vice Principal said. "We can admit her in the UKG class. If she is good, we will take her into the first standard next year"
"She does not go automatically to the First standard?"
"We have our own methods of assessment. They are closely modeled on Lousanne in Switzerland. We aim at grooming the child into a perfect citizen ready to face the world."
We were impressed.
"Are you aware of our fee structure, syllabus, text books, uniforms, transport, etc? Let me tell you we charge a school development fee of Rs.2 lakhs for each new admission."
"You mean donation?"
"We call it School Development Fund. For daily uniforms, special uniforms, sports attire, ties, ID cards, note books, picture books, color pencils, two pairs of shoes etc, the annual fee is Rs.30,000/-"
We sat dumbfounded.
"The child has to use our transport only. If your residence is below 10 km away, the annual bus fare is Rs.35,000/- If it is more than 10 km, the fee is Rs.45,000/- Remember all our buses are air-conditioned."
We sat dumbfounded.
"The child has to reach the school before 8.00 am, and we provide breakfast in the school and it is compulsory."
"Is it free?"
"The child has to pay Rs.20,000/- per annum. However we provide free milk and biscuits at 3.00 pm"
We sat dumbfounded.
"The child pays Rs.5,000/- as caution deposit against any damages to school property. Which of course will be refunded at the end of the academic year if she does not break or damage anything."
We were silent.
"We have facilities for horse riding, swimming, trekking, etc., for which you have to make extra payment."
"Trekking for UKG students? Is it compulsory?"
"One of the three is compulsory and you make the payment as per your choice."
"How much will it be?"
"Not less than Rs.5,000/- It is an annual fee."
We sat dumb founded.
"There will be incidentals like School Day dance program, toy-making competition, participating in inter school science exhibitions, a jolly trip to the Black Thunder, birth day cakes, sweets for the class children, etc., for which you can pay prior to those occasions."
"How much will it come to?"
"I am not sure but I guess it will be around Rs.10,000/-"
We sat dumbfounded.
‘We take the children to Ooty in the summer and it will cost you less than Rs.4,000/- but it is not compulsory."
We sat dumbfounded.
"Each child contributes Rs.1,000/- to the bonus fund for servants, menials like sweepers, the non teaching staff, etc., for Pongal and Deepavali."
We sat dumbfounded.
"For late-blooming children, we arrange special classes which will be handled by specially trained teachers from Switzerland"
"Separate payment for that?"
"Of course. But it will be reasonable."
"For all UKG students there will be a Graduation Day and a Parade, and your child will join it compulsorily. It is only Rs.3,000/- for the robes to be hired and Rs.2,000/- for dressing and make up."
We were dumbfounded.
"For a group photo with the Principal which will be glossed and framed, you have to pay the photographers, not the school."
We were dumbfounded.
"A medical caution deposit of Rs.2,000/- is to be paid in advance which will be refunded at the end of the academic year."
Again we were dumbfounded.
"We have many programs like musical chairs, tug of war, debates, farewell dinners, etc., for the parents on the Parent-Teacher Day celebrations"
"Separate payments to be made?"
"Of course." She said and paused. "Please understand we issue no receipts for all these payments except tuition fees. If you feel we are charging the parents too much, let me tell you we are a global school and we have to maintain our standards both in academic and non-academic issues. But we deliver."
We still sat dumbfounded.
"I have not yet told you the tuition fees."
"How much, Madam?" my wife said.
"Please, both of you drink a glass of water each, before I tell you how much is the tuition fees."