FAQs
Choosing a school for your child needs careful thought and consideration.
You must have questions. We have answers.
Enrollment
When does the academic year begin at Tridha?
Our academic year begins in June and ends in April.
At what age can I enroll my child in Tridha?
For admission to our Playgroup or Kindergarten, your child must be 2 or 3 years of age, respectively, by July 31 of that year.
For admission to Grade 1, they should be 6 years of age by 31 July of that year.
For admission to Grade 7, your child should be 12 years old.
For admission to our AS-A Level program (Grade 11 or 12), your child must be 15-16 or 17-18 years old, respectively.
My child has special needs. Is Tridha right for my child?
While Tridha has adopted an Alternative Teaching System based on the International Rudolf Steiner (Waldorf) Education System, it is not a special/remedial school and our class teachers are not equipped or trained to handle children who need special care/individual attention.
Staff
What qualifications do Tridha’s teachers have?
Tridha’s teachers have either diplomas or degrees in education. They are also trained in the Waldorf pedagogical approach. We are committed to their continuous growth and development as teachers. We ensure they stay updated on the latest in the global Waldorf community through workshops, seminars, in-house training programs, teacher exchange programs, and interactions with mentors from India and abroad.
What is the student-teacher ratio?
In our Playgroup, we have a class teacher, an assistant teacher and a didi for a group of 12 to 18 children.
In Kindergarten, there is a class teacher and a didi for 15 to 20 children. There may also be an assistant teacher, depending on the needs of the class.
In Primary and High School, there is one teacher for every 25 to 30 students.
How can the class teacher teach my child all subjects?
The class teacher is responsible for the two-hour Main Lesson every morning and one or two lessons later in the day. She introduces her class to the language arts, sciences, history, mathematics, painting, music, clay modelling, and other subjects integral to the Waldorf approach.
The same teacher can teach all these subjects because we approach education as more than just the transfer of information. True education is about awakening our students’ capacities. Rather than simply transmitting information, our teachers guide students on a path of discovery. They help them develop the ability to think clearly and critically. They enable them to experience and engage with different phenomena in the world. They guide them to make ethical, responsible decisions.
Nonetheless, the class teacher is not the only teacher our students work with. Specialised subject teachers teach handcrafts, instrumental music, and other subjects, particularly Grade 7 onwards.
Academics
Is Tridha affiliated with an academic board?
Like other Waldorf schools globally, teaching and learning at Tridha are based on Rudolf Steiner’s ideas. Simultaneously, Tridha students also prepare for IGCSE and AS-A Level examinations administered by the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) system.
What is block teaching?
Each day at Tridha begins with a two-hour Main Lesson. Over a period or “block” of three to four weeks, a main subject, like English or mathematics, is taught during this lesson. After this duration, another subject is taken up.
Over the years, students experience blocks in traditional academic subjects as well as farming, drama, and the histories of art, architecture and comedy.
What is the Main Lesson book? Are there no textbooks?
The Waldorf approach is distinguished by an active approach to learning. Tridha students engage deeply with the content of their Main Lesson and record their learnings through notes and illustrations in the large high-quality books we provide.
Students make a new Main Lesson book for each block. Students are free to make illustrations and write summaries, notes and stories to create a book and learning experience that is truly their own. In this way, students’ books are not only a means of documentation but learning tools in themselves.
Without regular testing, how will I know my child is meeting developmentally-appropriate milestones?
From Grade 1 to Grade 6, we do not subject students to continuous testing. We aim to give your child a genuine educational experience, one that isn’t measured by test results only.
Having said that, we assess children in basic numeracy and literacy through individual assessments and regular class screenings. Our observant teachers consistently monitor their progress and report to parents through individual meetings and in the child’s annual subjective report.
Tests and examinations begin in Grade 7.
Do Tridhans study foreign languages?
We don’t offer foreign languages as part of the curriculum. However, Hindi and Marathi are part of the curriculum from Grade 1 through to Grade 10.
Why does Tridha teach reading so late? Will my child fall behind compared to their peers?
We offer our students learning experiences appropriate to their stage of development. Evidence shows that children who learn to read relatively late are not at a disadvantage. They quickly catch up with, and sometimes even overtake, children who learn to read early.
Moreover, Tridha students are much less likely to develop a tiredness towards reading that many other children develop when taught to read early.
Ultimately, every child has their own optimal time to get immersed into reading. If a child, of their own accord, shows an interest in reading from an early age, we support that inclination.
Will Tridha prepare my child for the real world? What fields can Tridha alumni pursue?
At Tridha, we nurture a genuine interest in learning, which reflects in our students’ strong academic performances. Our students earn CAIE qualifications that are recognised in India and abroad. They gain admission to prestigious undergraduate courses globally and pursue diverse fields like law, science, medicine, engineering, computer technology, arts, social science, government and teaching.
What if my child is coming to Tridha from a traditional school? Or transferring out into a regular school?
Students who transfer to Tridha between Grades 1 and 4 match our students’ learning levels in reading, math and basic academic skills. However, they have some catching up to do when it comes to posture, bodily coordination, artistic and social activities, cursive handwriting and listening skills. Learning the latter is of particular importance as most curricular content at Tridha is presented orally by the teacher.
Additionally, children used to learning from computers and other electronic media will have to adjust to Tridha’s approach of deferring the use of such devices. Such students who enter Tridha in the middle grades often bring with them lots of information about the world. We encourage the class to recognise and receive this contribution with interest. Students who transfer to Tridha also tend to experience learning as a competitive activity – a habit we encourage them to unlearn.
On the other hand, students who transfer out of Tridha in earlier grades have to upgrade their reading and writing abilities and modify their approach to science lessons. However, they are well-prepared for mathematics, social studies, and practical and artistic activities. If they transfer out during the middle grades, their learning levels are matched – and sometimes even advanced – to those of their new classmates. Our holistic focus on educating the head, heart and hands lends Tridha students a confidence, curiosity and will power that distinguishes them in their new school.
Daily life and community
What are the school timings?
Playgroup and Kindergarten: 7:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Monday to Friday).
Primary School, High School and AS-A Levels: 7:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Monday to Friday)
On Wednesdays, Grades 1 and 2 leave at 12:30 pm.
Our school timings are a bit longer than traditional schools to cover our holistic curriculum which educates the head, heart and hands. We invest the time to prepare your child for the real world by teaching regular subjects in addition to Waldorf elements that ensure their academic, emotional and spiritual development.
What will my child eat at school? Must I send packed meals daily?
Parents take turns to send snacks or lunch for the entire class. We insist that the food is prepared in your own home so that you have control over the ingredients that are used. We only allow vegetarian food, preferably less oily and non-spicy.
Why do we follow this system? One, to foster a sense of community, with every family getting the chance to contribute to the well-being of the whole class. Two, so that our students can enjoy the rituals of planning, shopping and cooking with their families and witness their peers’ satisfaction at relishing a meal that was cooked in their own kitchen. The meal system at Tridha is an integral part of our focus on community, responsibility and experiential learning.
Does Tridha have a school uniform?
Yes. The Tridha uniform is a kurta with the Tridha logo on it. It is available in multiple colours and students are free to wear the colour of their choice on any day. Students may pair the kurta with trousers, knee-length shorts, skirts or capris.
Students must wear this uniform on all days, except birthdays and days of festival celebrations. On these days, clothing should be appropriate and free of advertising logos, cartoon characters or popular personalities.
Is Tridha a religious institution?
Our students come from a broad spectrum of religious backgrounds. Tridha itself is non-sectarian and non-denominational but like other Waldorf schools, Tridha is based on the belief that there is a spiritual dimension to all life. As part of our curriculum, we seek to develop our students’ understanding of all the world’s cultures and religions.
What is Tridha’s policy on electronic media?
We recommend limiting your young child’s exposure to television, video and radio. At Tridha, we aim to stimulate the healthy development of your child’s imagination, which is hampered by the overstimulation of electronic media. Increasingly, research is substantiating concerns about the physical effects of the medium on developing children.
As for computers, we believe the appropriate age for computer usage in the classroom is during high school. This gives them the opportunity, when younger, to interact with one another and develop their creativity, knowledge, skills and inner qualities.
The delayed exposure to electronic media does not hamper their later learning of technology. A survey conducted within our alumni network and alumni’s success in the computer industry are evidence of this.
Are sports a part of life at Tridha?
As with the rest of our curriculum, we have a sports curriculum which is appropriate to students’ stage of development in each grade. All students, regardless of gender, play the same sports. We do not give students extensive training in a particular sport but from Grade 4, we permit them to participate in inter-school competitions.
Is there a school bus service?
We have a bus service. Bus committee representatives from the PTA look after the smooth functioning of the service.
Safety
What measures has Tridha adopted to ensure my child’s safety at school?
At our school, the safety and security of our students and staff are of utmost priority. We have implemented a comprehensive set of safety measures to ensure a secure learning environment for everyone. Some of the key measures include:
CCTV surveillance
CCTV cameras have been installed across the school premises. All key areas, including classrooms, corridors, entry and exit points, playgrounds, and parking lots, are under constant monitoring. This helps us to prevent and address any safety concerns swiftly.
Restricted access
We maintain strict access control at all school entry points. Visitors are required to sign in and wear identification badges while on school grounds. Additionally, staff members and authorised personnel are issued ID cards, ensuring that only those with clearance can access sensitive areas of the campus.
Emergency protocols
The school has well-defined emergency protocols in place to ensure that students and staff are well-prepared in the event of an emergency.
Trained security personnel
Trained security personnel are stationed at key points around the school to maintain a visible presence and address any security concerns that arise. They are equipped to respond to various incidents and emergencies as per established protocols.
Visitor management system
All visitors to the school are carefully screened before being granted access.
First aid and health safety
The school employs a nurse trained in basic first aid to respond to medical emergencies. We also maintain clear guidelines for student health and well-being, including proper hygiene practices and protocols for illness or injury.
Cybersecurity measures
In the digital era, online safety is as important as physical safety. We have implemented cybersecurity measures to protect students' online activities and sensitive information.
Anti-bullying and behaviour policies
The school has a strict anti-bullying policy to ensure that all students feel safe and respected. Regular workshops and counselling sessions are held to promote positive behaviour and conflict resolution among students.
The integral role of Tridha parents
What is my role as a Tridha parent?
The Waldorf approach aims to seamlessly permeate the boundaries of the school to enter students’ home lives as well.
As a parent, you are a part of your child’s journey of discovery. You can supplement their learning by regularly setting aside time to discuss their school work with them. We send the Main Lesson books home on weekends. You can discuss with your child their learnings and supplement that learning with your knowledge of the topic.
This continuation of the learning environment at home enables deep and meaningful learning. It makes learning a way of life rather than a chore to be completed for the sake of exams.
How can we interact with our child’s teacher(s)?
We hold parent-teacher meetings twice every year. These meetings give you insight into the learning blocks, how they relate to your child’s development stage, and how you can supplement this learning at home. These are not one-to-one meetings.
To discuss your child’s progress, teachers may conduct individual meetings with you. If needed, such meetings can be arranged through proper appointments scheduled over email.
How can I learn more about the Waldorf approach?
We encourage parents to familiarise themselves with the Waldorf approach before enrolling their child in Tridha. You can learn more about this educational approach from other pages on our website (The Waldorf Way and Learning Overview).
We also insist that parents attend an orientation session before they express interest in admitting their child to Tridha. You can sign up here.
If you want a comprehensive understanding of the Steiner philosophy and how it applies to education, you can enroll in our Steiner Education Course. We run two batches every year from July to April. You can learn more here.
Sustainability and Green Footprint
Terra
A few years into Tridha’s journey, our team envisioned an offsite campus that would not only serve as a space for outdoor learning but also deepen our connection with nature. This vision gave birth to Terra — a green sanctuary nurtured by students, staff, and parents alike. Together, we’ve planted and cultivated a thriving forest, actively contributing to environmental sustainability. Today, we’re beginning to relish the literal fruits of our efforts and eagerly look forward to welcoming more fauna into this vibrant ecosystem.
Solar panels
Our commitment to clean energy is reflected in the solar panels installed on our school terrace. We are proud to share that Tridha now operates on solar power, significantly reducing our carbon footprint.
E-waste & Paper Waste Initiatives
We periodically organize e-waste and paper drive initiatives, encouraging responsible waste disposal within our community. These drives promote awareness and offer parents an opportunity to participate in our sustainability mission.