Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who established Bala mandir Schools?
Bala Mandir Satyamurthi High School and Bala Mandir Vidyalaya Nursery & Primary School were started by Bala Mandir Kamaraj Trust.Inspired by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, Bala Mandir was started in 1949 by late Sri. K.Kamaraj and Smt. S. Manjubhashini. It is today a premier Social Welfare Organisation, which has over the years sheltered thousands of children in difficult circumstances – orphans, destitute and socio-economically deprived children (https://balamandir.org)
2. What curriculum do these schools follow? What is the medium of education?
Both the schools follow Tamil Nadu State Board curriculum. Both schools offer education in English Medium
3. What is the fee structure?
Both schools don’t collect any fees from the students because the purpose of the schools is to impart high quality education to students from the economically weaker section of the society.
4. What Co-curricular activities do the schools offer?
Bala Mandir Satya murthi High School has a Vikalpa Lab which is extensively used by the students to try out scientific experiments. Both schools have Libraries with an appropriate collection of books and students are encouraged to read. The schools have a Science Lab, Math Lab where students can practically learn various concepts. Bala Mandir Vidyalaya Nursery & Primary School has designed the KG curriculum as a blend of Montessori and mainstream lessons. Both schools engage students after school hours also. As part of this engagement, the students spend an hour engaging in activities like reading, mental maths, quizzes etc. Value Education is part of the curriculum.
5. Do the schools provide food to the students?
Students are offered healthy, nutritious breakfast, lunch and snacks during the after school programme free of cost. The food is cooked in Bala Mandir Kamaraj Trust campus under hygienic conditions.
6. What Extra-curricular activities do the schools offer?
Both schools conduct art, dance, yoga classes by trained volunteers. Cricket and Football coaching are offered after school hours by professional coaches. As part of the after school programme, children play games for one hour every day under the guidance of trained teachers.
7. What facilities are available in the schools?
Both schools have well-ventilated classrooms with adequate fans and lights. Every classroom has a smart TV which is used by the teachers to show videos related to education. Primary school has Montessori rooms, Computer Lab, Maths Lab, Library, Yoga hall and a dining hall. The high school has a Science Lab, Computer Lab, Library and a dining hall. Both schools have large playgrounds. A large auditorium is under construction.
8. How do the schools offer all these services without compromising on quality?
Bala Mandir Kamaraj Trust, the founder of the schools, is a 76-year-old social welfare organization which is well known for its services to children. We are fortunate to be supported by Corporates through their CSR Programmes and by Individual donors. We don’t have more than 35 students in any section of a class. We employ an adequate number of teachers and staff to provide a holistic education with donations received.
9. Are there volunteering opportunities available in the schools?
We welcome volunteers to teach children one on one basis to improve their academic performance. In addition volunteers can teach music, dance, spoken English or any other skill that is useful to the students
10. Does the school charge for text books and notebooks?
No. Samacheer text books, Notebooks and additional work books are given free for all students.