Access -
Even though that whole area(St.Thomas Church, Christ University, State/ICSE schools, Convents etc) basically belong to CMI, the road leading to the ICSE school itself is narrow and barely fits two vehicles passing each other. This is about the gate facing the main road. I will not even talk about the back gate.
Infrastructure -
Good and cleanly maintained campus, play ground etc.
Academics -
If you are looking for an individual attention and a holistic growth for your kid, this is not the place. School functions on Saturdays and the staff do complete the portions. The whole school is adamant about show casing it mark scoring abilities. As is the practise in the country, pupils are filtered out in the higher classes to State sylabus to maintain their’mark scoring’ ratings. Also, in the higher classes, they start the next years portions in the current year pushing students to an long ordeal.
Extra curricular activities -
There are activities arranged after school hours. They neither have them in school hours nor provide Transport.
Parking -
No access provided to the huge play ground that could easily accomodate vehicles. Instead, we parents get a notification in our WA groups forwarded by the respective class teachers telling us there is "No parking allowed" within the school during PTMs and first day of academics etc.
Staff -
Some of the staff I have interacted over 10 years are really good, caring and show geniune interest. But, most of them are not. I have heard them being rude, incompetent, and most importantly lacking common sense during a situation. There are so called powerless co-ordinators who basically serve as mouth pieces of the Head Master and show no interest/empathy to the concerns raised.
Head Master -
Schools have HMs. Christ School used to have a Principal. Now that has graduated to a’Director’. One word to describe - ARROGANCE in a sheeps/priests clothing. Good luck getting access to put forth any feedback/complaints. Most of the grievences are not even acknowledged and are addressed in a’Take it or leave it’ way.
Communication -
No Parent Teacher Association formed, so that questions as a group are avoided. Information flow is one way. No dialog. Notifications are forwarded in WA asking us parents to follow instructions or follow disciplinary action. Again, no escalation path defined. No way to reach Paul Chandy, the Rector to whom the director reports to. Open days sessions happen and the staff do complete the exercise is an efficient parrot scripted way.
Fees -
Tution fees has to be paid for the whole year in advance but the amount itself is reasonable for Bangalore standards.
Books should be bought new at huge inflated prices from the school or else we need to show proof of purchase. Pupils are threatned to face the’Director’ if same books are bought from outside.
Uniform is a cartel business. It is to anyone’s guess as to why we have only one vendor. This monopoly gets the complete backing of the Director regardless of the numerous complaints.’Friends Garments’ is very expensive, employs aggressive staff, always get their orders paid in advance and gives a convenient non-commital delivery date.
Transport -
The school used to maintain their own fleet but now they have outsourced it to’Infants’. During Christ run days, it was very bad. Rude staff, Un-scheduled no-show, etc. There were no school buses for the initial months asking the parents/pupils to manage it at their own for who ever opted for school transport. Iam not sure if it has improved now as lots of private vans are available.
In short, there is nothing’CHRIST’ about it here. Be it -
Care for students,
Honesty in dealings,
Redressal of concerns,
Interaction with parents,
Support for escalation or
Taking accountability.