For instance, Veena V, spent one month scouting for the right school for her 2 1/2-year-old son. Though she has got positive response from a couple of schools, she is cautious about the school where she admits him.

“I would like the school which is spacious so that children have place to play. I also want a school where there is more emphasis on Indian values and culture as I feel children these days have more Western influence,” she said. If co-curricular activities and academics is what some parents look for, others prefer their child gets strong lessons in personality development. “Some schools charge so much but their infrastructure is pathetic. For instance, if they want to conduct some programme, they have rent a hall for a day in a nearby place. What’s the use of putting a child in such schools where they don’t even have space to conduct activities?” a parent asked.

Echoing similar views, Mohana Sundari, a scientist in the defence ministry, said she wants her 3 1/2-year-old son to get admission in school which focuses on physical development, self-discipline, confidence building and effective communication. “I want all-round capability for my children. My daughter, who is studying in a prominent school in Bangalore, is doing really well. She is disciplined and also learns to speak in various accents — British and US — which are taught in her school. She is God-fearing. Though a bit of religious instruction comes in as she is studying in convent, we can ignore it,” she said.

Interestingly, religion was another aspect that most parents looked at. Considering that a few school preach religious practices, parents did not want to take any chance. “When I was looking for admission for my daughter, I ensured that it was not religion dominated schools besides other priorities,” Jeyo Karankumar, an employee in software firm.

Though parents have many priorities, the one that tops their list is proximity. Most parents want to put their children in schools close to their home. “We admitted the child to a school near our house as both my husband and I are working. In case there is a problem, the travel time is not very long,” Dr Aparna Sham, a paediatrician, said.

Aparna, like many other parents looked into other aspects like moral activities, training for children like brushing teeth, toilet training, etc. On their part, schools are gearing up to meet the expectations of the parents by introducing yoga, giving importance to Indian art or even introducing Sanskrit slokas. Not to forget, the sense of oneness among children.

Chenraj Jain, chairman, Jain Group of Institutions, said the emphasis in Jain International School was on Indian hymns like Sanskrit slokas and sports. They even have mini-Olympics for the kids. Agreeing that parents have high expectation from schools, he said: “Parents are aware what they want from the schools. And they also expect complete report of the children in regular basis. This is good as schools will be always on their toes.”

Bishop Cotton Boys’ School principal Col. John Ellis said when a teacher enters the classroom, students stand up from their seats and wish her. “This is also our culture. We also talk about various Indian festivals, display Indian artwork by students in our annual exhibition. For excursions, we send students to various places of historical prominence across the country,” he said.