It’s that time of the year again in Gurugram.
The air is filled with anticipation and a fair bit of worry.
Nursery admission forms are out, parent WhatsApp groups are buzzing, and the “points system” feels more complicated than ever.
If you are currently losing sleep wondering if you are compromising your child’s future by not getting into that one specific “legacy” school 15 kilometers away, please pause & reflect.
We often treat Nursery admission like a marriage proposal—a lifelong commitment ’till death (or graduation) do us part’.
But here is the relieving liberating truth: The school that is perfect for your toddler or younger one is rarely the same school that is perfect for your older child or teenager.
THE “NURSERY TRAP”: WHY WE WORRY?
We worry because we believe in the “K-12” myth—that if we don’t secure a seat now, the doors to premium education will close forever. Which is an unfounded fear in Gurugram.
We fear that if we choose the smaller, friendly neighbourhood school for admission now, we won’t get into the “Big Brand” school later.
But unlike many big cities – in Gurugram that fear is largely unfounded. As there are lots of schools (with some excess capacity planned by the City planners, to ease its growth) and so shifting between schools is relatively easy here.
SO HERE’S A GOOD WAY TO APPROACH THIS – DEAR PARENT:
PHASE 1: PROXIMITY AND SAFETY
Think of your child’s education like renting your first home or buying a home. You don’t usually buy a 5-bedroom mansion when you are first starting out; you buy or rent a “starter home.”
- What they need (Nursery to Grade 1 or say even upto grade 3 or 5): getting familiar with school operating structure, social engagement, Hugs, naps, play – core foundational education and a quick ride home.
- The Golden Rule: For the early/younger years, the “Best” school is often the “Nearest” decent school.
Every needless minute(s) or hour(s) your 4-year-old spends on a school bus is a minute stolen from free play, rest, and bonding with you.
A CRANKY, TRAVEL-WEARY CHILD CANNOT ABSORB THE BENEFITS OF A “PERFECT” CURRICULUM.
PHASE 2: THE STRATEGIC PIVOT (PRIMARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL)
As your child grows, their needs shift, and more importantly, their psychological build and foundational natural inclinations begin to emerge. So this is the time to stop worrying about the school brand and start focusing on your child’s unique & core developmental needs.
In Gurugram, we fortunately have the advantage of Lateral Entry (changing schools in middle grades) being normalized – owing to excess capacity and lots of migrating/shifting population between cities.
- Primary School Transition (Around Grade 3-5): Re-evaluate based on foundations and exposure. Is the school offering strong, diverse co-curricular exposure? Is the foundational learning solid or in sync with your/child’s needs ? If not, this could be a first natural pivot point.
- Middle/Senior School Transition (Around Grade 6 onward): This is the moment to strategically align their education with who they are becoming – as children discover themselves better over the initial years:
- The Budding Athlete/sports champ: They might thrive in a school with state-of-the-art sports emphasis & better coaches /sports culture.
- The Young Scholar: They might need a school with greater academic rigor, creativity and lots of specialized labs/superb academic teachers.
A pivot at this stage isn’t failure; it’s smart, child-centric parenting that matches their education to their talent.
Internationally in many advanced countries, e.g., Europe – schools are usually organized as nursery schools, primary schools, High schools – and rarely, if at all – they are big campuses all-encompassing schools.
And the model of sending your child to a decent neighbourhood school is popular.
Typically, many kids overseas have switched three schools within the City through their schooling years. Check out linked in education profiles of international citizens in developed countries – and observe that many have moved twice or more during schooling years itself – and for good reasons.
Even in India – kids of parents in transferable jobs – do end up switching schools mid stream, often during their entire schooling years – and most succeed or do rather well in life . After all managing diversity & change is now a core Future skill.
So its perfectly OK to switch schools
THE PERMISSION SLIP YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU NEEDED
Its okay to view schooling in chapters…..like we usually do for our grad & post grad college education
- Chapter 1 (Foundational Early Years: Nursery to Grade 2): Focus your admission energy on the school that is 0-5 km away. Prioritize warmth, safety, core foundations and hygiene. They do not need a sprawling campus, they can’t navigate or a 45-minute or an hour’s bus ride that leaves them exhausted before the day begins…and tired when they return.
- Chapter 2 (Primary Years: Grade 3 to Grade 5): Re-evaluate based on foundational learning and diverse exposure. If the fit is imperfect, pivot now while the transition is still easy): Needs shift to exposure – sports, arts, basic science, environment, diverse peer groups, behaviour and discovering how they learn.
- Chapter 3 (Middle/Senior Years: Grade 6 onward): Look for the specific expertise—the culture, pools, the labs, the board affiliations—that matches your and your child’s authentic interests and their emerging psychological build. The focus only now – narrows to academic rigor, board choices (Cambridge vs IB vs. CBSE), career counselling, and specific subject expertise.
Your child will thrive because of your responsiveness, support, and love—not just because of the logo on their first School uniform.
TAKE A DEEP BREATH. YOU’VE GOT THIS NOW.
And so lets not treat Nursery admission like a life sentence—as if the school you choose for your 3-year-old determines their university acceptance 15 years later.
Parents are commuting their tiny tots across the city, bypassing perfectly good neighborhood schools, chasing a brand name or a perceived “legacy.” – NOT WORTH IT!
Skip the Myth of the “Forever – dawn to pass out in grade 12 – School”
WHY PROXIMITY WINS (ESPECIALLY NOW)
In a city like Gurugram, where traffic is a daily battle, distance is a curriculum.
Every minute(s) your 4-year-old spends on a school bus is hours stolen from free play, sleep, or time with you. Sending a nursery child to a “perfect” school 12km away often results in a cranky, sleep-deprived child who dislikes school.
The Golden Rule: For the early & youngest years, the “best” school is often the nearest decent school.
A happy child in a nearby school learns more than a tired child in a prestigious one.
LEVERAGE THE GURUGRAM ADVANTAGE: YOU HAVE OPTIONS & CAN SHIFT EASILY – RELAX!
Unlike some rigid school systems in older cities, Gurugram is unique. It was built for a migrating & growing population—corporate transfers, expats, and young families moving in and out.
- Surplus Capacity: Gurugram is planned for future growth. There are typically more seats available in the middle grades than there are applicants, because schools anticipate the transient nature of the NCR workforce.
- The “Lateral Entry” Norm: Schools here are used to admitting students in Grade 3, Grade 6, or even Grade 9. Despite what they may say during nursery admissions – you are certainly not “locked out” if you don’t get in at Nursery.
IS IT OKAY TO CHANGE SCHOOLS?
YES. A THOUSAND TIMES, YES.
Changing schools is not a sign of failure; it is a sign of responsive/analytical parenting.
SUMMARY: A STRATEGY FOR PEACE OF MIND
If you are drowning in admission forms right now, take a step back.
- Prioritize Proximity: For Nursery/foundational schooling, look at the 0-5km radius first.
2. Focus on the “Now”: Does the school feel warm? Are the teachers kind? Is there a playground? That is what matters for a 4-year-old.
3. Keep Your Powder Dry: Save the stress (and the heavy commuting) for high school, when the stakes are actually higher and the specific amenities of a large campus may matter more.
SO CHOOSE A MID MARKET GOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD & GOOD CULTURE SCHOOL WITH A DIVERSE CROWD & GOOD CULTURE , VALUES – AND NO SCREENS BASED EDUCATION TILL MIDDLE SCHOOL – SO YOUR CHILD HAS TIME FOR DEVELOPING THE RIGHT LIFE SKILLS & BEHAVIOUR – SO IMPORTANT FOR SUCCESS IN LIFE
Choosing a mid-market neighborhood school isn’t about compromising on quality. Many of these schools are equipped with excellent teachers, modern facilities, and a curriculum that rivals their ‘fancier’ counterparts. What they offer, because they may be even smaller campuses – that the others can’t, is the gift of time – as you & your your child don’t waste precious hours daily to reach that fancy distant school.
Such schools usually end up providing greater focus on each child – as there are fewer children on campus.
By choosing a good culture school close to home, you’re not just saving your child from the stress and fatigue of a long daily commute. You’re giving them the gift of a childhood filled with play, exploration, and connection -in a positive environment .
we strongly recommend that stay away from a school with significant mis match of culture with your own desirable values/ideals.
Engage with teachers, other parents with children in that school and try to ask/look out for these aspects – during the walk through – when assessing a school.
And most of all do not get carried away by the fancy/glitzy BIG infrastructure. We essentially need a good nearby school with good teachers & culture – not a big factory like school with thousands of children.
THOUGHTS?
Do share your insights in the comments below!
we really hope this helps, dear parent!
There are incidentally some great parks/green spots/sports fields near at as well near our school campuses – consider locating a suitable one in your neighborhood, for encouraging physical activity – the seeds of any sports – near say:
- SouthCity1
- Sector31t
- Sector40
- Sushant Lok
- Sector72
- Sector70
- Sectot71
- Sector48
- Badshahpur corridor*
- Leisure Valley
(*) which is right next to the Sixth Element – Tata Primanti campus – and the trees there near our school’s north/east boundary – help filter our school campus air too.
why – the Sixth Element?
Very simply, the Sixth Element was a phrase coined by the school founders 21 years back, to illustrate inculcating the joy of learning – so important for children’s development – as we nurture, and get them ready for the future.
How to Foster a Well-Rounded Child?
While there is lots of operating structure and detailed SOPs in school’s daily /weekly/monthly/annual – schedules – “how” the same is executed is unique – i.e., the Sixth element way of incorporating co-curricular & scientific & artistic activities, project work etc – leading to children enjoy learning & look forward to coming to school each day (and interestingly they do miss school on holidays 😊 ! )
Some examples of what’s done on instilling values & character building:
- Instil values: Understanding differences between right or wrong, is discussed in its many facets often. As also discussing environmental issues, volunteering for community activities, clean-ups, and respecting all living beings.
- Values as a Compass: Values are the moral principles that guide our actions. The Cambridge International Curriculum, with its emphasis on global citizenship and community service, fosters values like respect, empathy, and responsibility
- Embrace sustainability: Reduce waste, conserve energy, and grow your own food together. Encouraging minimalism (BTW we are a uniform school), upcycling, gardening, and exploring green technologies like rain water harvesting, recycling, etc
- Building Confidence: The curriculum’s focus on individual & team achievement (over experiential projects in small groups) and overcoming difficulties – and making progress, encouraged by the teacher helps build self-esteem. By setting and achieving goals, students develop a strong sense of confidence and resilience
- Life Skills for Real World: The curriculum’s focus on independent learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving equips students with essential life skills. These skills are invaluable in navigating challenges and opportunities- building confidence.
THE SIXTH ELEMENT’s commitment to sustainability?
At the Sixth Element, we believe that education should go beyond classrooms. Our green airy, spacious campuses are a living laboratory, where children learn experientially about sustainable practices. From solar panels to rainwater harvesting, recycling & near no plastics usage.
Our curriculum integrates sustainability into every subject, fostering a deep appreciation for nature, science, commerce & the arts – while instilling a desire to protect our planet.
By igniting the joy of learning, nurturing curiosity, confidence, values, and environmental consciousness – we empower children to become not only successful individuals, but equally responsible members of society and global citizens.
Does a unique International Curriculum School like the Sixth Element help?
A progressive holistic school following Cambridge International Curriculum significantly contributes by lots of experiential learning and project-based work.
The Sixth Element School: Where Cambridge International meets India- in an exclusive, low density, impactful format
Reason why we chose Cambridge International curriculum is because the blend of teacher directed as well as learner self-driven learning & research seems to be relevant for aspirational kids from Indian families, keen on preparing their kids to be global citizens of the future – weather based in India or overseas.
Is the Sixth Element School duly registered with Cambridge International?
Yes, The Sixth Element School – is duly registered as one of over 10,000 schools globally – as a Cambridge International school with a global registration number IA 892
Keen to see what a unique school like The Sixth Element School offers? Schedule a visit and see for yourself why it could be the perfect launchpad for your child’s bright, global future!
We started the first sixth element school 21 years back in 2004 @ Gurgaon.
Our schools & afternoon extended school & afternoon ‘activities enriched’ daycare centers are unique, exclusive compact neighborhood green campuses – where a lot of outdoor activities & experiential learning (physical – not digital) takes place with children on most days.
Our unique Smaller campus – with only 2 sections per each class grade – and very limited children on campus, allow us to focus on each child’s growth & development properly.
We are proud of our high quality, committed teachers – the very backbone of any good learning environment.
We raise well-rounded future ready individuals who are prepared to face the challenges of the world with confidence and integrity – with the right methods and practices. As an example – our foundational fitness program delivered in partnership with xfit kids , our gym, our green playgrounds and great coaches – give a great foundational fitness and start to our school kids.
A good understanding and partnership between parents and schools is key to nurturing the future leaders of Gurugram, our great nation and our planet.
THE SIXTH ELEMENT SCHOOL WE BELIEVE IN THE IMPORTANCE OF CATALYSING & ENSURING “THE SIXTH ELEMENT – i.e. THE JOY OF LEARNING ” FOR EVERY CHILD. OUR CURRICULAM IS BENCHMARKED WITH THE BEST INTERNATIONALLY, WHILE DRAWING FROM OUR VERY OWN CORE ANCIENT INDIAN BEST PRACTICES SUCH AS THE GURU SHISHYA PARAMPARA) & VALUES. THANKS TO ITS 21+ YEARS EXPERIENCE AND ITS CORE CHILD DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES DRAWN FROM PIAGET, VYGOSTKY AND BRUNER – WHICH IS INCIDENTALLY THE RESOURCE POOL – FOR THE FOUNDATIONAL YEARS SCHOOL CURRICULUM OF THE UPGRADED NEW EDUCATION (NEP) UNDER ROLL OUT IN INDIA NOW.
So in line with some of India’s top and globally some of the very best : we are now a unique 100% Cambridge International School.
www.sixthelment.edu.in
the Sixth Element School
the school children love
SOUTH CITY 1. TATA PRIMANTI (sector 72)
85272-74695 or 97736-32626
since 2004(20 years)
limited enrolment available in pre-NURSERY, NURSERY, KG & DAYCARE, grade 1 now – in our prenursery to K12 school programs.
@ Gurgaon’s only single section “exclusive” boutique VENTILATED, AIRY, SPACIOUS. GREEN SCHOOL CAMPUSES
