Kharadi's Victorious Kids Educares blends IB curriculum with Vedanta-based outlook

Victorious Kids Educares (VKE) has a distinct identity among Pune's international schools. It runs on the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework but adds ideas from Vedanta philosophy. The school says its aim is not merely academic excellence but to produce children who are curious, independent, think for themselves and recognise their own potential.

For parents, the question is not whether a school offers the IB. The real question is whether the combination of IB teaching, Indian philosophical thought, a child's own initiative, learning by asking questions and all-round development suits their child.

The school is at Survey Nos. 53, 54 and 58, Hissa 2/1A, Fountain Road, near Pune-Nagar Road, Kharadi, Pune 411014. It is a private, co-educational day school with English as the medium of instruction. It began on January 6, 1997, and has been an IB World School since September 8, 2008. Its IB school code is 002846 and the head of school is Reneesh Devasia. According to the school, it started in Koregaon Park, then moved to a larger site before the present Kharadi campus was built.

Learning here begins before the usual school age. The Early Years Foundation Programme is for children from 6 weeks to 3 years. The IB Primary Years Programme is for roughly ages 3 to 11, the Middle Years Programme for roughly 11 to 16, and the Diploma Programme for roughly 16 to 18. A child can thus stay within one IB framework from early childhood to Class 12. The IB directory lists authorisation for the PYP, MYP and DP.

The school describes its outlook through the 7 Fs: Fun, Freedom, Flexibility, Fearlessness, Fortitude, Focus and Fly. It stresses giving children initiative in their learning rather than tight control over everything. For young children, it says it draws inspiration from educators such as Howard Gardner, Loris Malaguzzi, Glenn Doman and Maria Montessori. It also describes an Abhimanyu concept, which extends to development in the womb. This is the school's own stated philosophy, not a separately established academic standard.

The MYP offers subjects such as language and literature, mathematics, science, arts, design, drama, music and dance. Each year there is at least one collaboratively built interdisciplinary unit. Languages include English, Hindi, French, Spanish, German and Marathi. The Diploma offers subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, economics, psychology and business management. Students choose six subjects, usually three at higher level and three at standard level.

Facilities listed include a robotics lab, labs for physics, chemistry, biology, food technology and design technology, a two-storey library, a swimming pool and playgrounds. The library holds more than 30,000 books, which is the school's own claim. The IB directory names Bhavika Gangwani as university and career counsellor. The school also has a written policy for children with special educational needs (SEN).

On admissions, the school says enrolment is open for 2026-27. The fee structure is visible through an OTP-based login on the school's online system, and the full grade-wise fees are not given on a public page. Parents should therefore ask the school directly about fees. To confirm a seat, an admission fee, caution money and a confirmation amount must be paid. According to the school, the confirmation amount is part of the annual tuition fee and is non-refundable. The process involves an enquiry, an appointment, a campus tour, a meeting with the leadership, an assessment of the child, documents, fees and seat confirmation.

Finally, there is the question of fit. A child who thrives on curiosity, freedom and discussion may suit VKE's approach. A child who does better in a tightly structured, exam-focused environment may need a different kind of school. Parents should ask whether VKE's way of learning is right for their child and, before admission, ask to see samples of pupils' actual work.