Kindly help me understand the Gurgaon schools a little better. I will soon be shifting to India from US, so I really need help.

I want to give a very SIMPLE, stress-free education to my kids. I don't believe in rat race, or brand name. I want to look beyond the 'foreign kids pictures' and peer pressure about selecting a school. I want it to be about just plain old rich education, experiential learning, good infrastructure, knowledgeable teachers. I don't want to overwhelm my kids. I want to just let them learn their ABCs in peace. I don't want to bring insecure agendas about the school 'brand' popularity. Not to mention the scary factor of rich kids syndrome. Despite our philosophical approach that it all depends on parents - there is an enormous peer pressure, that we can't ignore.

I guess a lot of schools do an excellent job in PR, media placements, internet - creating that 'good school, international aura' - which may blur our ability to see the 'real' deal. Others may completely miss out on that opportunity and 'appear' to be 'not-so-good' schools. So which are the 'Real' schools? I am sure with so many wonderful schools and visionaries in today's Gurgaon - there already are some great 'Institutions' out there, which we all are looking for.

I visited Shikshantar and Scottish High when I was in India last year. Both of them didn't leave a good impression. I thought that they were all talk and no show. I could easily see the glaring lapses.

My kid recently joined Mother's Pride nursery and contrary to the popular belief (maybe) - I found them to be truly truly amazing (new branch). So I was excited about their extension Presidium (Delhi website looked promising too). And, they have not used money fishing ideas with us YET (again, contrary to popular belief). So I need to know the popular belief about them - education wise, so that I can form better opinion.

In this respect, I would highly appreciate your feedback on schools in Gurgaon. What are your experiences/impressions about the following and WHY:

1) Ardee
2) Shalom
3) Presidium

4) American Excelsior
5) Heritage
6) Shriram

Kindly help me understand your personal experiences with these schools, or any other you may want to recommend.

Regards