Understanding Fee Structures at Leading International Schools in Dahisar
Choosing the right international school for your child involves weighing multiple factors—academic reputation, extracurricular offerings, faculty expertise, and, of course, fees. For families in Dahisar, a suburb of Mumbai known for its mix of residential calm and urban connectivity, international schools have become increasingly popular. But what does it cost to enroll a child in one of these institutions at the primary or secondary level? Let’s break down the fee structures of Dahisar’s top international schools to help parents make informed decisions.
The Basics: What’s Included in the Fees?
International schools typically bundle costs into tuition, registration, and annual charges. However, the specifics vary. Most schools include core academic programs, access to libraries, labs, and sports facilities in their base fees. Extras like transportation, meals, uniforms, field trips, or specialized clubs often come as add-ons.
To simplify comparisons, we’ve categorized fees for primary (Grades 1–5) and secondary (Grades 6–12) levels across three of Dahisar’s most sought-after institutions.
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1. Dahisar Global Academy (DGA)
Primary Level (Grades 1–5):
– Annual tuition: ₹1.8 lakh–₹2.2 lakh
– Admission fee (one-time): ₹75,000
– Additional costs: Transport (₹25,000–₹40,000/year), tech fees for digital learning tools (₹15,000/year)
DGA emphasizes STEM education and project-based learning. While the tuition is mid-range, parents appreciate the transparency in billing. The school offers installment plans, allowing families to split payments into three terms.
Secondary Level (Grades 6–12):
– Annual tuition: ₹2.5 lakh–₹3.2 lakh
– Lab and activity fees: ₹30,000/year (covers robotics, debate, and science clubs)
– International exchange programs: Optional, costing ₹50,000–₹1.2 lakh depending on destination
DGA’s secondary fees reflect its focus on college preparation, including SAT/ACT coaching and university counseling.
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2. Greenwood International School
Primary Level:
– Annual tuition: ₹2.4 lakh–₹2.8 lakh
– Registration fee: ₹1 lakh (non-refundable)
– Extras: Music and arts programs (₹18,000/year), language classes (French/Spanish at ₹12,000/year)
Greenwood stands out for its holistic curriculum, blending the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme with local cultural modules. The higher fees account for smaller class sizes (15–20 students) and personalized learning plans.
Secondary Level:
– Annual tuition: ₹3.5 lakh–₹4.2 lakh
– IB Diploma fees (Grades 11–12): Additional ₹60,000/year
– Career counseling and internship support: Included in tuition
Greenwood’s secondary program is pricier but appeals to families prioritizing global exposure. The school also partners with NGOs for subsidized community service trips.
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3. Silver Oaks International
Primary Level:
– Annual tuition: ₹1.5 lakh–₹1.9 lakh
– Admission fee: ₹50,000
– Mandatory charges: Annual development fee (₹20,000), smart classroom maintenance (₹10,000)
Silver Oaks offers a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality. Its “learn through play” philosophy for younger students includes gardening and theater workshops at no extra cost.
Secondary Level:
– Annual tuition: ₹2.2 lakh–₹2.7 lakh
– Science and tech labs: ₹25,000/year
– Sports academies: Optional fees for specialized coaching (e.g., tennis: ₹35,000/year)
While Silver Oaks’ fees are lower, its secondary program still delivers rigorous academics, with a track record of strong ICSE and IGCSE results.
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Hidden Costs to Watch For
Many parents overlook smaller but recurring expenses:
– Uniforms: ₹5,000–₹8,000 annually (varies by school).
– Books and supplies: ₹10,000–₹15,000 for workbooks, art materials, and digital licenses.
– Parent-teacher associations: Voluntary contributions (₹2,000–₹5,000/year) for event funding.
Some schools also charge penalties for late fee payments (2–3% monthly interest), so clarify payment deadlines upfront.
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Scholarships and Financial Aid
Several Dahisar international schools offer merit- or need-based scholarships:
– DGA: 10–25% tuition waiver for top performers in entrance exams.
– Greenwood: Full scholarships for students from underprivileged backgrounds (limited slots).
– Silver Oaks: Discounts for siblings (10% off the second child’s fees).
Always inquire about application deadlines and eligibility criteria.
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Is It Worth the Investment?
High fees often correlate with infrastructure quality, teacher-student ratios, and extracurricular diversity. For example, Greenwood’s IB program prepares students for universities abroad, while Silver Oaks’ affordability suits families prioritizing local affordability.
However, cost alone shouldn’t dictate your choice. Visit campuses, talk to current parents, and assess how well a school’s values align with your child’s needs. A ₹4 lakh/year school might offer coding labs and debate clubs, but a ₹2 lakh/year institution could excel in fostering creativity or emotional well-being.
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Final Thoughts
Dahisar’s international schools cater to a range of budgets and educational philosophies. While fees for primary grades average ₹1.5–₹2.8 lakh/year and secondary levels climb to ₹2.2–₹4.2 lakh/year, the key is to balance affordability with long-term benefits. Use school open days to ask detailed questions about payment plans, hidden costs, and academic outcomes. After all, the right investment today can shape your child’s opportunities for years to come.
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