Why We Made This Choice

The world has changed enormously. The resources available to a curious, motivated child today are unlike anything that existed even a decade ago.

Ryan is already building projects using AI tools, experimenting with cloud-based development, and has independently used AI (Google Gemini Learning mode) to learn and clear German A1 level exam. He pursues these things not because anyone asked him to, but because he genuinely loves learning.

And yet, school was getting in the way.

That’s a hard thing to say. But let me explain.

While school matters on some aspects: the social interaction, the friendships, the shared experience of growing up with same age kids. We don’t dismiss any of that.

But the academic side of school was simply not keeping pace with who Ryan is. Concepts that he could genuinely absorb in a week were being stretched across six months. Subjects like Hindi remain largely unchanged from thirty years ago: the same syllabus, the same approach, the same frustrations. Watching a self-driven, relentlessly curious child sitting through that, day after day, was difficult.

This isn’t about fast-tracking his education or pushing him harder. It’s the opposite. It’s about giving him the space to be a child, to follow his curiosity wherever it leads, to explore finance, software, chess, language, or whatever catches his interest next, without the weight of a system that wasn’t built for someone like him.

School, at its best, should fuel curiosity. For Ryan, it had started to suppress it. That was the moment we knew something needed to change.

We had been discussing this for a while. With AI and abundant learning resources now available, the timing felt right.

The Decision: One Year at a Time

After exploring the options (with generous help of various AI research tools), we’ve decided to enrol Ryan in the NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) system, starting with Grade 8. Rather than committing indefinitely, we’re treating this as a one-year trial.

At the end of Grade 8, we’ll conduct a formal review together to decide whether to continue or transition Ryan back to a regular CBSE school.

NIOS OBE Level C (the Class 8 equivalent) is recognised by the Government of India, so switching back, if needed, is straightforward.

This approach gives us a balance: trying something new while keeping Ryan’s options open.

What We’ll Be Watching

The review at the end of Grade 8, and every six months through Grades 9 and 10, will look at four things:

  1. Emotional well-being and motivation: this comes first, always
  2. Discipline and self-management: following a study plan we create together with Ryan
  3. Screen-time management: responsible, balanced use of devices
  4. Academic performance: maintaining 80% or above in NIOS

If any of these areas show serious concerns, we’ll revisit the arrangement early.

Grade 8 Targets (Beyond NIOS Coursework)

Open schooling creates time and space that regular school doesn’t. Here’s what we want Ryan to work towards in Grade 8, ambitious, but balanced:

  • NIOS OBE Level C — complete and pass all 5 subjects (the formal Grade 8 milestone)
  • RD Sharma Mathematics, Class 9 & 10 — advanced maths keeps all future paths open, whether science or commerce
  • German — up to A2/B1 level (B1 is a stretch goal; we’ll assess what’s realistic in Grade 8 vs. Grade 9)
  • App development: a significant time investment, and one he’s genuinely interested in.
  • Finance: His decision, any course or topic he wants to explore
  • Chess: 2–3 tournaments if he’s interested
  • Daily reading: This is my requirement. I absolutely love reading and I want him to build habit of reading. He is free to pick whatever to read. Only rule: not textbooks. Preferably novels. I love the saying: “You should read what you love till you start to love reading”.
  • Daily physical activity: No surprise again here, my ask. Anything: swimming, cycling, walking, badminton, dance whatever works. Every day, in some form. (In school, kids move around naturally; at home, we need to make this intentional.) He’s attending dance classes 3 days a week, which provides half of the physical activity goal.

Class 9 Physics and Chemistry have been intentionally left off this list. Ryan’s current interest is in commerce, and advanced Maths already keeps the science route available. We’ll revisit this if his interests shift.

Looking Ahead: Grades 9–10 and Beyond

Six-monthly reviews will continue through Grades 9 and 10 to catch any concerns early.

For Grades 11 and 12, we’re aligned that NIOS works well provided Ryan is enrolled in a structured coaching programme: VMC, FIITJEE, Allen, or an integrated CBSE school (similar to what Riya is doing). We’ll explore options closer to the time.

One open question worth exploring together as he grows: science stream vs. commerce stream. His current goal is an MBA in finance, which is achievable either way. Via science, he’d also have the option to explore AI, CSE, robotics, or ECE, especially relevant given his interest in software development. We’ll have this conversation properly when time comes. Too early to decide either way.

What Happens if Circumstances Change

Open schooling requires more supervision and presence at home. If either parent’s work situation changes significantly: requiring regular office attendance, we’ll revisit the arrangement. For temporary situations, we’ll explore adjustments before considering a school change. We both are corporate people, and our agreements are detailed and thorough. This is a big life change, and clarity is key.

We’ve also agreed that if either of us faces a long-term health issue, or a serious health situation involving our parents, we’ll revisit the schooling model together and decide what’s best for Ryan at that time.

A Note on How We Made This Decision

This plan came together through honest, back-and-forth discussion; two parents with different perspectives, trying to do right by their son. We don’t agree on everything automatically, but we’re aligned on what matters: Ryan’s well-being, his motivation, and keeping his future wide open.

Some may view this as a courageous decision. Our view is it is a conversation everyone should have in today’s time and age. Not sitting on high horses and saying more people must do it; each situation and circumstances are different. But we owe it to our kids to at least have a conversation about this.

Written in March 2026. To be updated as the journey unfolds.