It can be hard to find the right school for your child in Ahmedabad, especially if you want them to thrive in both their Gujarati background and their English skills. Congratulations, you live in Ahmedabad, which has a lot of great schools that offer both English and Hindi as a second language.
Why teaching in both Gujarati and English makes sense
Let us face it: your child needs to be able to speak and write English well in order to get a job, but keeping their Gujarati roots alive is just as important. The best schools know how to strike this balance and make sure that kids can do well in both languages without having to give up one.
A lot of parents fear that letting their child learn in Gujarati will hurt their chances in the future, but that is not true. Some of the most successful workers in Gujarat and beyond are happy to have gone to school in Gujarati and then learned English through experience and practice.
The best schools for both Gujarati and English
The best school on this list is Jay Somnath Higher Secondary School in Maninagar East. They have different classes for English and Gujarati, so you can pick the one that works best for your child. I love how this school uses smart classes and government support to teach in a way that is both useful and hands-on. Their prices are fair, and they really care about growth as a whole.
Another great choice is SGVP International School on SG Highway. Even though they mostly teach in English, they put a lot of emphasis on learning Gujarati culture and language. As a part of CISCE, it provides a unique mix of faith, sports, and study. The property is lovely, and the emphasis on building character is great.
In Ahmedabad, the Sheth CN Vidyalaya (also called Shishuvihar), run by the Sarabhai Trust, is famous. With beautiful traditional buildings, they offer both Gujarati and English as languages. Extremely high academic standards make it one of the best schools in the whole state.
Families in Ahmedabad have been going to Hiramani School for years because it has good classes in Gujarati. They stick to traditional ideals while using new ways to teach. The school is known for making kids well-rounded and has many branches.
If you want to learn Gujarati, Uma Vidhyalaya on Naroda Road is also a good option. For academic and artistic activities, they have a good name and have been around for a long time.
How to Choose: Things to Look For
First, go to the places yourself. Do not just trust websites and handouts. Talk to other parents, watch how teachers deal with kids, and look around the school.
Think about what kind of person your child is. Some kids do better in schools with a lot of rules, like Sheth CN, while others may do better in schools with a more relaxed setting, like Jay Somnath.
Check out the extracurricular pursuits that are available. Schools that are good should have strong programs for arts, music, sports, and other cultural events. This is very important for keeping that traditional link to Gujarati people.
Fees and Other Important Factors
In Ahmedabad, government-run schools usually charge between ₹15,000 and ₹35,000 a year for Gujarati medium. Depending on the school and grade level, English medium fees can be anywhere from ₹25,000 to ₹85,000 a year.
When making a budget for your child's schooling, do not forget to include costs like clothes, books, transportation, and events outside of school.
Do not forget that the "best" school is the one where your child is happy, pushed, and cared for. Trust your gut, take your time, and do your study. The schooling of your child is an investment that will yield returns for all time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What's the difference between Gujarati medium and English medium schools in Ahmedabad?
Gujarati medium schools conduct classes primarily in Gujarati with English as a subject, while English medium schools teach in English with Gujarati as an additional language. Both prepare students well for higher education, but the approach to language learning differs.
2. Which schools in Ahmedabad offer both Gujarati and English medium options?
Jay Somnath Higher Secondary School, Sheth CN Vidyalaya, and several other schools offer both mediums. This gives parents flexibility to choose based on their child's comfort and family preferences.
3. Are Gujarati medium students at a disadvantage for competitive exams?
Not at all! Many successful professionals and students clearing JEE, NEET, and other competitive exams come from Gujarati medium backgrounds. Strong conceptual understanding in your mother tongue often leads to better comprehension of complex subjects.
4. What are the typical fees for good Gujarati + English medium schools in Ahmedabad?
Fees vary widely - Gujarati medium schools typically charge ₹15,000-35,000 annually, while English medium can range from ₹25,000-85,000. Schools like Jay Somnath are more affordable, while premium institutions like SGVP charge higher fees.
5. How important is the school's location in Ahmedabad traffic?
Very important! Consider daily commute time and traffic patterns. Schools in areas like Maninagar, SG Highway, and Satellite have good connectivity, but rush hour traffic can be challenging. Factor in transportation costs and time.
6. Can my child switch from Gujarati to English medium or vice versa?
Yes, but it requires adjustment time. Most schools allow transfers between mediums, especially in lower grades. However, the transition is easier when done earlier rather than in higher classes.
7. What extracurricular activities should I look for in these schools?
Look for schools offering cultural programs (especially Gujarati folk dance, music), sports, debate competitions, science fairs, and art activities. This balance helps preserve cultural identity while building overall personality.
8. How do I evaluate the quality of Gujarati language instruction in English medium schools?
Ask about dedicated Gujarati teachers, cultural celebration involvement, Gujarati literature programs, and whether they participate in Gujarati competitions. Good schools will have structured programs, not just basic language classes.
9. What documents are needed for admission to these schools?
Typically birth certificate, previous school records (if transferring), Aadhaar cards of child and parents, recent photographs, medical fitness certificate, and address proof. Some schools may have additional requirements.
10. Should I choose a school based on board affiliation (GSEB, CBSE, ICSE)?
Consider your long-term plans. GSEB is cost-effective and works well for students planning to stay in Gujarat. CBSE offers more mobility across India, while ICSE provides comprehensive education but at higher costs. Choose based on your family's needs and budget.
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