Apeejay School, Nerul: Ranked Among Maharashtra’s Top CBSE Schools for Its Visionary Approach to Holistic Education
Apeejay School, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, has once again proven its educational excellence by securing an impressive Rank 5 in Thane and Rank 11 in Maharashtra in the ‘Top 20 CBSE Schools’ category The Maharashtra School Merit Ratings and Rankings 2025, by EducationToday. The prestigious recognition was conferred at the Maharashtra and North Educators Summit 2025, held on September 12, 2025, at The Lalit, Mumbai.
Hosted by EducationToday and powered by My School Admission, this grand summit brought together some of India’s most distinguished educators and institutional leaders to celebrate outstanding contributions in the K–12 education landscape. The recognition underscores Apeejay School, Nerul’s unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and holistic learning — values that have remained the cornerstone of its educational philosophy for nearly four decades.
This ranking reaffirms the school’s long-standing reputation as a centre for academic brilliance, character formation, and value-driven education — a place where learning goes beyond textbooks and transforms into a lifelong journey of self-discovery and purpose.
EducationToday’s Recognition: A Testament to Holistic Excellence
EducationToday’s School Merit Awards are among India’s most trusted benchmarks for academic and institutional excellence. Schools are evaluated on multiple parameters including academic reputation, infrastructure, faculty quality, co-scholastic development, value systems, and innovation in learning practices.
To emerge among the Top 20 CBSE Schools in Maharashtra and achieve the No. 5 rank in Thane is a reflection of Apeejay School, Nerul’s consistency in delivering education that nurtures intellect, ethics, creativity, and compassion in equal measure. The recognition serves as both a validation of the school’s efforts and a reminder of its enduring legacy as a pioneer in holistic education under the visionary leadership of Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairperson of Apeejay Education.
A Legacy of Learning: The Apeejay Philosophy
Founded in 1986, Apeejay School, Nerul was established under the aegis of Apeejay Education — a name synonymous with excellence and integrity in the field of education. Guided by the philosophy that “Learning is a holistic and all-pervasive process,” the school has grown into one of Navi Mumbai’s most respected institutions, serving students from Nursery to Class XII.
What sets Apeejay apart is its deeply human approach to education — an approach that blends academic rigour with moral grounding, global outlook with Indian values, and intellectual growth with emotional intelligence. The school firmly believes that “education is for life, not merely for a living,” and this ethos permeates every aspect of its curriculum, pedagogy, and community culture.
At its core, the institution aims to develop students who are not only knowledgeable but also compassionate, confident, and socially responsible individuals who contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
Vision, Mission and Core Philosophy
Apeejay School, Nerul, aligns with the broader vision of Apeejay Education, which is “Committed to quality education of global dimensions leading to man-making and nation-building.” This vision translates into a mission that prioritizes:
- Experiential Learning: Encouraging students to learn through real-world experiences, exploration, and creativity.
- Value-Based Education: Embedding human values such as empathy, honesty, and respect into daily learning.
- Student-Centric Pedagogy: Placing learners at the heart of the educational process and nurturing their individuality.
- Holistic Development: Striving for the balanced growth of mind, body, and soul.
The school’s philosophy is simple yet profound — by empowering students and their parents through collaboration and communication, the school enables learners to unlock their fullest potential and chart their own meaningful life journeys.
An Institution that Embodies ‘Education for Life’
At Apeejay, the focus goes beyond traditional academic excellence. The institution aims to provide education for life, instilling values, creativity, resilience, and leadership in every child. Its comprehensive approach ensures the intellectual, physical, emotional, and spiritual development of each student, creating individuals who can think critically and act ethically.
The school’s curriculum and pedagogy emphasize inquiry, reflection, and innovation. Through hands-on projects, creative assignments, and experiential learning opportunities, students are encouraged to question, explore, and connect classroom learning to real-world applications.
Additionally, Apeejay School’s co-curricular framework—spanning visual and performing arts, sports, literary events, social service, and leadership programmes—ensures that learning remains joyful, dynamic, and purpose-driven.
Infrastructure that Inspires Growth
Located in Sector 15, Nerul, Apeejay School sits amidst serene and well-planned surroundings, creating an ideal environment for intellectual and emotional growth. The school’s infrastructure reflects its educational philosophy — modern, well-equipped, and student-friendly.
Some key highlights include:
- Smart Classrooms that integrate technology with interactive learning.
- Well-stocked library serving as a knowledge hub for research and reading.
- Science, Computer, and Mathematics Laboratories to promote inquiry-based and hands-on learning.
- Sports facilities that foster teamwork, discipline, and fitness.
- Art, Music, and Activity Rooms that allow creativity to flourish.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the school’s greatest strength lies in its learning environment — one that is inclusive, safe, respectful, and designed to spark curiosity and collaboration.
Leadership and Faculty: The Pillars of Excellence
Behind Apeejay School’s enduring success is its team of experienced and dedicated educators who embody the institution’s values. Teachers here are facilitators, mentors, and lifelong learners themselves, continuously engaging in professional development workshops and training programs to stay ahead of educational trends.
The leadership at Apeejay Nerul ensures that academic excellence goes hand in hand with empathy, integrity, and innovation. Every teacher is encouraged to personalize instruction, celebrate student progress, and foster a growth mindset.
This culture of empowerment and mentorship has made Apeejay School a nurturing home where children not only learn but also thrive.
Value-Based Education Rooted in Indian Ethos
While Apeejay School embraces global learning frameworks, it remains deeply rooted in Indian culture and values. Human values such as respect, empathy, service, and integrity are integrated into daily classroom activities and school events.
The institution’s emphasis on man-making and nation-building translates into initiatives that promote civic awareness, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility among students. Through various community outreach programmes and awareness drives, students learn to become responsible citizens and compassionate leaders.
Achievements and Recognition
Over the years, Apeejay School, Nerul, has consistently earned accolades for academic excellence, innovation, and social initiatives. The recent recognition by EducationToday—Rank 5 in Thane and Rank 11 in Maharashtra—adds another feather to its illustrious cap.
This achievement acknowledges not only the school’s strong academic record but also its role in redefining what holistic education means in the 21st century. It celebrates the school’s forward-thinking vision and the collective efforts of its faculty, students, and parents.
Apeejay’s Enduring Legacy in Education
As part of the renowned Apeejay Education network, the school inherits a legacy of over five decades of educational excellence. The group operates a diverse portfolio of schools and higher education institutions across India, unified by a shared philosophy of “education for global citizenship.”
Apeejay institutions are known for nurturing leaders who carry a strong sense of identity, rootedness, and responsibility — qualities that define the modern learner and changemaker.
Looking Ahead: A Commitment Renewed
As Apeejay School, Nerul, celebrates this dual ranking by EducationToday, it looks ahead with renewed enthusiasm and purpose. The school continues to explore new frontiers in digital learning, global collaborations, and interdisciplinary education — all while staying true to its founding ideals.
This recognition serves as both a milestone and a motivation — to keep striving, innovating, and nurturing young minds who will lead with integrity and vision in the years to come.
Conclusion: A Vision Fulfilled, A Legacy Continued
The EducationToday ranking is more than an award for Apeejay School, Nerul — it is a celebration of decades of dedication, vision, and value-driven education. It honors a community that believes in shaping minds and nurturing hearts; in creating citizens who are not only successful but also compassionate and conscientious.
As Chairperson Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia aptly puts it, “Education is not just about academic achievement; it is about building character, shaping lives, and inspiring humanity.”
With this philosophy at its core, Apeejay School, Nerul, continues to illuminate the path of learning, proving that true education indeed lies in harmonizing intellect with values and excellence with empathy.