Open school more viable, say parents

MUMBAI: City-based parents, who haven't enrolled their wards in any mainstream schools, preferring instead to “homeschool” them, are now showing renewed interest in the newly curated Maharashtra State Open Schooling Board (MSOSB).

MSOSB, which functions under the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, will cater to pupils who could not complete their education, are dropouts or disabled. These schools will have mathematics as an optional subject while sports will be the main subject for those who want to make a career in it.

These schools will not be mainstream but specifically designed for students who want to achieve beyond academics.

“A main reason we did not send our daughter to the regular school is her preference. She likes art more than English or Science. Once enrolled in a school, she will be forced to learn subjects she is least interested in, with very little focus on art. Homeschooling gave her the liberty to choose Learning what we really like is how schools should be functioning, is what I believe,” Sunanda Shekhar, a parent and an IT professional from Ghatkopar said.

Rajeeshwaran Pillai, a businessman and parent, whose son dropped out of school due to lack of attendance, has now enrolled in the open board school. “My son is playing for the state and he prioritises football over everything else. Open school is a blessing for my son because in any case, a certificate is necessary.”