These schools claim they provide quality education in sync with overall development.
Surat, these days, is attracting representatives of residential schools based outside the city. They are holding seminars and interacting with parents in an attempt to get Surti kids for their schools.
The representatives of these schools are trying to market themselves among parents and follow up with requests to admit their wards in their schools. Since their fee is high, they selectively target parents who can afford to spend good money on their children's education.
"Surat has schools of high reputation, but parents still look for better schools outside the city. Many students from the city are studying in Panchgani, Matheran, Ooty and Dehra Dun. Parents are able to pay high fees among other expenses and this is what helps schools from outside Surat get the students admitted to their schools," said Rupin Patchchigar, ex-chairman of Sarvajanik Education Society. Residential schools promise all-round development of the children and charge high fees from the parents.
"We provide all types of extracurricular activities at the school, apart from delivering quality education. We are in Surat because the city has so much to offer. Many Gujarati students, particularly from Surat, are pursuing their studies in Maharashtra. We also hope to receive the same response here," said Vijayan Ravi from IFFS.
India First Foundation School (IIFS) is based at Karjat in Maharashtra and is looking for students from Surat. According to Ravi, the school is expecting 25% occupancy from Surat. She admits that the fee is high, but claims that good education comes at a price.
These schools from outside Surat claim that the city lacks in international quality education. They show their school's tie-ups with international varsities and institutions and present rosy pictures before the parents.
"Our education system is much more advanced than what is currently being practiced in Indian schools. We have designed our syllabus keeping in mind future requirements. Students in Surat too have a right for quality education and which is why we are here," Leena Ashar, founder of Billbond International School, said. Ashar operates her school in Vadodara.
The parents don't mind spending high amount to send their children to these schools. "To me, the education available in Surat is traditional in nature with little focus on future requirements of students. I am ready to pay more if I find a school of high reputation and excellence," said Rajesh Agarwal, a textile trader.
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