When K Indhumathi stepped through the doors of South Windsor High School on November 11th, she expected to see how a school in America runs, but what she didn’t expect was to see the many opportunities American students have.
During her visit, Indumathi explored the school’s classrooms, electives, student activities, the school preschool program and a firsthand look at the learning environment.
Jessica Serrano, the Assistant Principal at South Windsor High School, helped to guide this visit.
“From our perspective, [Indhumathi] was here to learn more about our school community and explore opportunities for building partnerships with this school in India that are connected to families within our district. Her visit allowed us to highlight the range of programs and pathways our students can choose from, and to show how we support their academic and personal growth,” Serrano told the Prowl.
Indhumathi paused for a moment as she was looking at the electives, a smile forming as she realized how many opportunities students have at South Windsor High School.
“The kids have so many more options and are talented and you guys are giving them the best education and give so much importance to the electives,” Indhumathi told The Prowl,
Indhumathi admitted she was nervous about a language barrier at first, but after speaking with South Windsor’s Assistant Superintendent, Tracie Peterson and Jessica Serrano, she said she felt completely at home.
She was also welcomed and guided by students from the Indian Heritage Awareness Club, who were eager to share and learn from her experience.
“I think the most important thing we did was approach each other with an open mind. We wanted to learn from her and she wanted to learn from us, ” president of Indian Heritage Awareness Club, Samiksha Maheswaran said.
As she toured the American education system, she couldn’t help but notice many differences.
“One of the main things that surprised me was the complete freedom that students have to do what they want to do,” Indhumathi said. “Back in India, we have a full stop for each and every thing”
This freedom that she had noticed, allows students to explore their interests and empowers their curiosity, which allows them to do what they would like to in their education and explore career choices that interest them. She said that she was so happy to see the kids here so engaged and happy.
According to the 21KSchool the Indian curriculum emphasizes their focus on the traditional aspect of learning and gives very little priority on the extracurricular activities. The American curriculum, on the other hand, focuses on extracurricular activities like clubs, sports and the arts, which embraces student participation.
While she definitely did admire the engagement the American school system offers, Indhumathi also shared what makes her own school in India unique.
“The family aspect you have is a bit different than ours and the traditional values that we pass down might be different such as respect and much more,”Indhumathi explained.
In India, larger families create a close-knit environment where students grow up learning cooperation, respect and the importance of supporting one another.
Both systems aim to prepare students for the future, but the paths differ. Exploring these differences offers insight into how education shapes not only knowledge but also character, creativity, and opportunity around the world.
