The Peepal Grove School
The Peepal Grove School is a co-educational boarding school and alternative school in India (affiliated to the CISCE Board) located in Gongivari Palli village, Sodam mandal in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh (India). The school was founded by Sri M (Mumtaz Ali), a spiritual crusader, and was inaugurated by the then President of India, Dr. Abdul Kalam in December, 2006.[1] The student population is around 150 ranging from grades 4 to 12 (8.5 – 18 years). It is one of the few schools providing alternative education in India.[2]
| The Peepal Grove School | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Location | |
| , India | |
| Information | |
| Type | Independent school |
| Motto | Samvo Manāmsi Jnānatam (With Our Minds Put Together May We Understand) |
| Established | 2006 |
| Principal | Sunanda Ali |
| Gender | Coeducational |
| Enrollment | 150 |
| Campus | Rural |
| Website | www.peepalgroveschool.org |
Culture
Most students address the teachers as bhaiyya (brother), didi or akka (sister). Almost all the teachers reside on the campus with the students thus staying very close to each other. Freedom 'along with' responsibility is fostered; rewards and punishments are kept to a minimum. The dress code at The Peepal Grove School is 'tidy casual'. Students are drawn from all regions of the country and also from abroad.
Education
The school believes that the "education is founded upon the acquisition of core skills and knowledge taught through integrated experiences." Critical thinking is stressed.
The school is affiliated to the CISCE Board, Delhi. The school has students in grades 4 through 12 (8.5 – 18 years). In grades 4 through 8, the school's focus is on developing the fundamental skills – Explanation, Interpretation, Application, Perspective, Empathy and Self Knowledge. The emphasis is on collaborative learning (rather than direct teaching) which is student centric.
Students are also taught spoken Sanskrit.
In grades 9 through 12, the course becomes more rigorous and there is a greater focus on the ICSE and the ISC examinations. Students make use of multi–media facilities, a library and laboratories. Extra curricular activities, discussions, arguments, socio-eco responsibility, arts, yoga and sports complement the academic work.
References
- The Hindu: Andhra Pradesh News: The President visits The Peepal Grove School, Chennai, India, 3 December 2006, retrieved 25 December 2010
- Alternative Schools: Andhra Pradesh, India, archived from the original on 28 July 2010, retrieved 26 December 2010