Schools

I feel compelled to write this, just to get my thoughts in order. Its almost a note to myself. As I've mentioned before, I was born and grew up in Chennai and went to school, high school, undergraduate and graduate school here. I only changed school once after my 10th grade, and even then I loved it. I can't say the same for others, but doesn't everyone have fond memories of their schools? Can anyone really tell me "I hated my school"? I think its almost universal that everyone you ask will say they loved their schools, no matter where, no matter how good.

I've been thinking very very hard and talking to lots of people about where to put my daughter in school. She currently attends Kids Central which is now a pre-school. I think its fabulous and my daughter loves it. She recently started attending school on her own and the separation was very hard, but the school was tremendously supportive and she loves it now. But Kids Central ends at the 1st grade. What then?

Since I was in the same school for the first 12 years of my life, I wanted the same for my daughter. So she could have the same friends and same teachers and same environment to foster a sense of belonging. But I can't for the life of me decide on a school. I really want her to do the ICSE board, which is what I did, and I thought it was a tremendous learning system.

The American School is not really an option since they don't allow non-US citizens. Sishya was a choice, but I've heard that the waiting list just for the lower Kindergarten is 100. People are registering their kids while they are 2 months pregnant! Since I didnt get a head start, it seems almost impossible now.

Its difficult. Does anyone have any insights into the Chennai school scene? How do others decide on a school?