The concept of schooling is evolving in the city with the arrival of nationally acclaimed public schools, offering an array of extra-curricular activities besides quality education.

With an eye on overall development of their children, several parents are opting for such school notwithstanding the fee structure (see graphic). Comfort and security of students are added advantages of these schools.

Some such schools are already in. Some would start conducting classes from April, giving parents more choices.

GD Goenka Public School director Vivek Kumar Singh said: “Our school, affiliated to the CBSE, would start from the next academic session. Besides studies, we would focus on co-curricular activities. From robotics to clay modelling, students would have several options to choose from. We would have maths lab, play stations, swimming pool (baby pool) and yoga centre.”

Highlighting the security aspect of his institution, Singh said parents would be sent text messages everyday after students reached the institution.

The classrooms would be cosy too. “Not only our school would be air-conditioned, we would also transport students in AC buses,” he said.

Litera Valley School is already a sought-after institution in the city not just for the standard of education it offers but also for sports and other extra-curricular activities.

Class VI student Aditya Dixit’s father Rajnish Dixit said: “My elder son used to go to another school till Litera Valley School was established. Once I learnt about the facilities it would offer, I admitted my son to it. The best thing about this school is the special attention paid to extracurricular activities. There is a big playground and a swimming pool. Education is also given due importance. My son has started studying himself and has become responsible. He is not shy anymore. Values have been inculcated in him. These are more important than studies.”

Amit Prakash, the director of Litera Valley School, said: “The quality of education and facilities of a school do matter. Holistic development at all levels is important for a child. So we have a big playground where students can take part in almost all types of sports. Infrastructure does not only mean concrete buildings.”

Bishop Scott Girls’ School and Delhi Public School also offer quality education with stress on extra-curricular activities. Once open in April, Open Mind Birla School and The Tribhuvan School would give them a stiff competition.

The schools of national repute make no difference to some people, though. Reason: hefty fee structure.

Vijay Kumar, a resident of the Boring Road area, said: “I do not have much idea about the new schools coming to the city. Even if they are very good, I cannot send my ward to them because my budget would not permit.”