OH CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN East Delhi's schools have put emphasis on a mix of teacher training and use of technology to provide its students with an education at par with the best Because of the friendly interaction between students and teachers, I think study is just a mat- ter of play.

J A I D E E P S I N G H , student Studies are not a burden for us at schools in the area. The various activities in school take the stress away.

D E S N A S R I M A N I , student
The Commonwealth Games may have given east Delhi a fillip (and some headaches) in terms of roads, housing and other infrastructure, but the area's schools didn't need any such reason to upgrade their own facilities to keep pace with the demands of today's students and parents.

The parameter-wise results of the Hindustan Times C fore Top School survey highlight the various strengths of the schools here. DAV, Sreshtha Vihar has topped in the `sports' category, while Somerville School, Vasundhara Enclave has the highest `value for money' score.

One of east Delhi's most well known schools, Ahlcon International, Mayur Vihar, has been ahead of the curve in many respects. Though the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) of the CBSE came into effect this year, the school has always placed emphasis on a balanced, overall development for its students, and not just high marks. “Art, music, dance-all are compulsory till class 8,“ said Ashok Pandey, Principal.

Many schools here believe in application-based education -allowing students to innovate and invent. “Other schools are engaged in one or the other activity but Ahlcon stresses everything equally,“ said Charu Sood, a class 10 student. Ahlcon International topped the survey in the `innovative teaching', `extra-curricular activities' and `competence of teachers' parameters, among others.
TECHNOLOGY AND TRAINING The school also maps each student's progress electronically. “From grades, to which books they are checking out from the librarywe use it all to take decisions about the child. Data reduces subjectivity to almost nil in student evaluation,“ added Pandey.

Equality of opportunity is something many schools here stress, particularly since parents want their children to participate and excel in various activities -be it dramatics or sports.
Favouritism, being a 'teacher's pet', are trends on the decline.

Schools are also trying to provide good exposure to students. Exchange programs with schools in Germany are a matter of pride for Salwan Public School(SPS), Mayur Vihar, PhaseIII, among others. “It is important to get a global perspective, which is why tie-ups with foreign schools are important,“ said Desna Srimani, a student at the school. Salwan topped the `individual attention to students' and `infrastructure and facilities' parameters.

Teachers at SPS have attended workshops at various IITs, IIMs and even Harvard University in the United States. The mantra here is to provide excellent training to its teachers, which benefits students in turn.

Which is probably why students such as Mayuri V Raman of SPS said, “I can't live without my school.“ METHODOLOGY The survey was conducted in three phases. In phase-1, schools were invited to provide information on academic and non-academic facilities, performance of students and profile of teachers. Then research agency C fore shortlisted schools for the second round, in which a perceptual survey was carried out with a sample of 3,000 parents and teachers across the city's six zones. They were asked to assess schools they were aware of on a scale of 10 against 14 parameters.
Results of the perceptual survey were combined with objective data from the first round to rank schools. In phase-3, C fore researchers visited the schools to conduct an audit and finalise rankings.
Perceptual data scores were extrapolated for schools that did not participate. DISCLAIMER: The survey data is a copyright of HT Media Limited. Any use of this survey data would lead to infringement of the copyright and may result in legal action against the Infringer.
*These schools did not participate in the survey. Their scores are based on the perceptual survey conducted among parents and teachers as mentioned in the methodology.
Nursery fee figures, provided to HT by the schools, are approximate. They include annual fee and development charges (transport fee is variable). For the total fee amount, please contact the schools. TOMORROW To find out which West Delhi schools come out on top in various categories, look out for the Top School survey in tomorrow's HT THEY TOO MAKE THE GRADE...
They might have not made it to the top 10, but hold as much promise as their crowned counter parts. Here is a list of other options. SCHOOLS TO LOOK OUT FOR MAYUR PUBLIC SCHOOL I P EXTENSION The school infrastructure includes an auditorium, well-equipped laboratories and a vast library .The students are sensitised to environmental concerns and communal harmony VIDYA BAL BHAWAN SR. SEC.
KONDLI GHAROLI ROAD, MAYUR VIHAR-III The school's philosophy is hard work and enabling students to overcome obstacles in the journey of their future with dignity and elegance.
MOTHER TERESA PUBLIC SCHOOL PREET VIHAR The school's philosophy is to provide holistic education, rational thinking and building good character in the students.
It provides students with good sports infrastructure.
ST ANDREWS SCOTS SR SEC PATPARGANJ The School boasts of an impressive building with spacious, air-conditioned classrooms, modular furniture, latest educational aids like overhead projectors, T.Vs etc.
SNEH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL NEW RAJDHANI ENCLAVE This new age institution provides modern, IT-based, diverse educational opportunities for development of Gen-next with special emphasis on enhancement of communication skills. OTHER GOOD OPTIONS QUEEN MARY'S SCHOOL MAYUR VIHAR This all-girls' school encourages students to take part in various co-curricular activities to ensure the complete development of the children.
DAV PUBLIC SCHOOL EAST OF LONI ROAD The school makes available to its learners infrastructural facilities that include well-equipped labs, a well­stocked library and medical, computers, art, music, multimedia and sports rooms.
STAREX INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL VASUNDHARA ENCLAVE Well qualified teachers & well-equipped facilities are raising the reputation of this school. Students are meaningfully involved in designing the school curriculum and its effective transaction.
BHARAT INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC KARKARDOOMA The school is associated with various N.G.Os and other organisations working on various social causes such as providing free education to all.
HILLWOOD ACADEMY PREET VIHAR The school seeks to develop values and strength, commitment and devotion in each student. It strives to create an atmosphere of honesty and intellectual curiosity. The school also has an astronomy club.