Proximity to decide school admissions

Proximity to decide school admissions
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Highlights

Are you planning on changing your ward from one school to another? If you are looking for a reputed school, which is quite far from your home, there is every possibility that the admission will be refused point-blank, no questions asked. This comes amid growing fears that several schools are to swear by the recently conceptualised ‘Neighbourhood Schools’

A new development is being reported across several areas of the twin cities, which does not augur well for guardians seeking admissions for their wards in premier educational institutions. This trend has trickled down to Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam. Many school managements are weighing the options before deciding on its practicalities. The issue might blow into a major controversy in the immediate future

Are you planning on changing your ward from one school to another? If you are looking for a reputed school, which is quite far from your home, there is every possibility that the admission will be refused point-blank, no questions asked. This comes amid growing fears that several schools are to swear by the recently conceptualised ‘Neighbourhood Schools’ which essentially implies that schools would prefer to give admissions to those families staying in the vicinity of the institution.

Parents might have a tough time getting admissions for their kids with the new ‘Neighbourhood School’ initiative

Parents have no other option but deicide to move in to a nearby locality if they wish to have their children in a particular school. School managements are mandating that the pupil-to-be should stay within a stipulated radius. A few schools in Hyderabad have rejected admissions even to toppers of their respective entrance tests, citing the reason that they stay far away from the school.

This rule, which has irked parents has trickled down to cities likes Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada. Reportedly, a few school managements are mulling over this option. Couple of days ago, Rahul a techie met a principal of a noted school in Hyderabad. Despite being a bright student who had performed well, admission was refused on the grounds they were staying very far from the school. He was flabbergasted when he was assured of admission if he shifted his house.

Right now, the man is hunting for houses. To their defense, these schools state that the decision has been taken so as to develop the community in the location. Few even cite health concerns “More than performance, we want to give preference to children living in a radius of 5 km from the school. This is critical in the admission process. If children fall sick, it is easier for them to access their house. Worried parents need not rush from far off places,” reasons Seetha Kiran, principal, DAV Public School, Safilguda.

But, not all school managements are in favour of the move. Few even state that denying admission on the grounds of proximity is unfair to children. “We want the process to be child-friendly. The neighbourhood parameter is a little unfair for children coming from far-off places.

Those who do not have good schools in their locality and want to go to other areas, will be at a disadvantage,” opines Amita Rani, principal, St Peters Grammar School. With admissions season about to take-off, this ‘neighborhood friendly’ schools concept is more than likely to create a controversy.

By:Aditya Parankusam

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