Dr. Raymond Ravaglia is former dean of pre-collegiate studies at Stanford University and currently co-founder of AccessUSA
While the best Western schools may not always match the academic rigour of India’s best schools, they outpace them in stimulating creativity, critical thinking and well-rounded student profiles.
Raymond Ravaglia
When comparing schools across international borders, the biggest challenge is choosing appropriate metrics for comparison. Depending on the analyst, one could focus on any number of inputs: the physical infrastructure of a school, labs and available resources, qualifications of teachers, the curriculum and opportunities provided to students to pursue their passions. The problem with input metrics is that while they may shape the experience of students, the ultimate measure of the quality of a school is the quality of its alumni.
After all, the goal of high school is not to provide a retreat from the world but to prepare students for future success. This means not only helping them find suitable college placements but also providing them the skills to succeed once they arrive at college. Moreover, it means laying a foundation for long-term success in their careers and life.
The strength of Indian high schools is academic rigour. One area where the best schools of India shine compared to the best of the rest, is academic rigour, particularly in foundational subjects such as mathematics, science, and analytical reasoning. Indian students from the best schools consistently excel in domestic and international standardised tests. It’s common to find students from India ranked among the highest scorers in international competitions, math olympiads and science fairs, a testament to the rigorous training in the country’s top schools.
The curriculum standards set by national boards such as the Central Board of Secondary Education, Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations and offshore exam boards such as the International Baccalaureate and Cambridge International — programs offered in many of India’s elite schools, further entrench this rigour, requiring students to develop deep mastery of complex subjects. These curricula often demand a level of specialisation and discipline not always present in western high schools, where curricula such as Advanced Placement are frequently criticised for being a mile wide and an inch deep.
Moreover, the culture of high academic standards in India’s best schools fosters a unique resilience and commitment amongstudents. Students with high expectations and intense workloads develop the discipline and work ethic to handle academic and real-world challenges.
The weakness is holistic dimension. While even the best Western schools may not always match the academic rigour of India’s best schools, they outpace Indian schools in stimulating creativity, critical thinking, and well-rounded student profiles. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and dynamic, success requires more than mastery of core subjects. To ensure that students are competitive globally, Indian schools must encourage skills development that extends beyond academics. In the best Western schools, students are encouraged to engage in team-based projects, develop leadership skills, and explore diverse interests through extracurricular activities. These experiences nurture collaboration, communication, and problem-solving capabilities — invaluable skills in contemporary job markets worldwide.
Introducing more project-based learning within the curriculum helps students apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. For example, group projects that involve collaborative problem-solving, like designing solutions to local community challenges or engaging in social entrepreneurship, enable students to develop creativity and resourcefulness. These life skills are particularly valuable as students transition from structured school environments to more independent university settings and, eventually, the workplace.
The biggest obstacle is board exams. Leading international schools have the upper hand in not having to conform to external exams. The single most destructive element of Indian education is unwarranted emphasis placed on board exams. Cramming for exams is not the optimal way to learn, especially to learn to think creatively. Moreover, incessant measuring does not itself lead to improvement and may constrain focus to only on “what will be in the exam”.
Students need time and space to think beyond the narrow confines of the curriculum and opportunities to challenge themselves outside of school. Activities like university courses or internships are often catalysts that direct a student towards a particular career path. Providing space for self-driven learning is essential for preparing students for success in college. In high school, with courses fully prescribed, students seldom have to make difficult decisions about allocating their time. In university, with many more options available, students, especially those good at extra- curricular activities, will need to make such decisions. It is essential that high schools prepare them to do so.
By balancing academic rigour with opportunities for holistic development, India’s best schools can enhance their students’ capability to compete globally. This approach does not mean sacrificing high standards in core subjects, but augmenting the learning experience by equipping students with the hard skills they need and adaptation qualities that will serve them throughout their lives.
Also read: 5 American higher education myths
