Choosing the Right Place

When we were looking for our microschool location, we focused on three main things: accessibility, safety, and a pleasant environment. We wanted a place that was easy for everyone to reach, whether by public transport or on foot. We also looked for safe walking and biking paths nearby, which we found encourages our students to be more active.

Safety was our top priority. We made sure our buildings were secure and had safe play areas. We also checked out the neighborhood to make sure it was free from any potential hazards. We thought about emergency situations too - how quickly could help reach us if needed? Could we easily evacuate if necessary?

We also paid attention to the feel of the place. We looked for a spot with lots of natural light and good air quality. We were lucky to find a place with some green space nearby, which has been great for outdoor learning and just letting the kids run around and be kids.

This was a tough decision for us. We had to weigh the pros and cons of renting versus buying. Buying a property meant a big upfront cost, but we liked the idea of having a stable, permanent home for our microschool. Renting, on the other hand, required less initial investment and gave us more flexibility to move if we needed to.

We also had to think about how our choice would affect our ability to grow. With ownership, we could expand on the same premises. With renting, we could more easily move to a bigger place if we outgrew our space.

Maintenance was another factor. Owning meant we'd be responsible for all repairs and upkeep, while renting often puts that responsibility on the landlord.

We also had to navigate some tricky legal and regulatory issues. In Mumbai, we had to make sure our chosen location was zoned for educational use. We learned that different cities have different rules - for example, in Chennai, schools need to be in specific educational zones or get special permission to operate in mixed-use areas. We also found out that property taxes can vary a lot depending on the location and use of the property.

If you're starting a microschool, we'd recommend talking to a local legal expert or real estate advisor who knows about educational regulations in your area. They can help you understand things like getting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local educational board and making sure your property meets all the required standards.

If you decide to rent, make sure to read the lease agreement carefully. Check that it allows you to use the property as a school and negotiate any changes you might need to make to the space.

When we were setting up our classrooms, we focused on flexibility. We got furniture that we could easily move around, which has been great for changing between individual work and group activities. We've found that this adaptability really helps us meet all our students' different needs.

We also made sure to set up good technology in our classrooms. We have reliable internet, smart boards, and projectors. We made sure there were enough power outlets for all our devices too. This has really helped us integrate digital learning into our teaching.

We put a lot of thought into the atmosphere of our learning spaces. We used calming colors like soft blues and greens, which we've found help our students feel relaxed and focused. We also tried to get as much natural light as possible, and we have adjustable indoor lighting for cloudy days.

Our outdoor spaces have been a big hit with the kids. We have a small garden where we do hands-on science lessons, and a play area with safe equipment for PE and free time. These spaces have been great for helping our students develop in a well-rounded way.

Finding the right place for your microschool is a journey, and it might take some time to find the perfect spot. Don't get discouraged if it doesn't happen right away. Remember, the most important thing is creating a space where children can thrive, learn, and be themselves. Whether you end up renting or buying, in a bustling city center or a quiet suburb, what matters most is the learning environment you create within those walls.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided here is based on our understanding and interpretation of current regulations. This should not be treated as legal advice. We strongly recommend consulting with legal professionals or relevant authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding your specific situation.

Please reach out to sai@comini.in if you have any questions, suggestions, or any other feedback!

← Previous Page Next Page →