Many parents invest huge sums in elite private schools, hoping to give their children the best education possible. But what happens when those very institutions treat parents with arrogance, ignore concerns, and offer little real learning in return? In this eye-opening conversation between a parent and Dr. Malpani, we unpack the uncomfortable truth behind high-fee schools—and explore a powerful alternative that puts children and parents back at the center of learning.
Parent: Dr. Malpani, I’ve been meaning to ask you something. We’ve enrolled our daughter in one of the most expensive private schools in the city. The fees are sky-high, the infrastructure is stunning, and they keep talking about global standards. But something feels off.
Dr. Malpani: I’m glad you brought this up. It’s something many parents feel but are hesitant to voice. What exactly is bothering you?
Parent: Well, despite the glossy image, we feel completely sidelined. We aren’t taken seriously. Whenever we raise concerns—about teaching quality, homework load, or even bullying—we’re brushed off. It’s like we’re walking on eggshells.
Dr. Malpani: That’s unfortunately quite common. The more ‘exclusive’ a school is, the more it seems to develop a kind of arrogance. Parents are treated not as partners, but as walking wallets. You’re tolerated only because you pay the bills.
Parent: Exactly! And even though we’re paying through our noses, they make us feel like we should be grateful for the privilege of being there. There’s no mutual respect.
Dr. Malpani: That’s because many of these elite schools operate more like brands than institutions of learning. They spend more on marketing, events, and air-conditioning than on training teachers or developing meaningful curricula. The school becomes a status symbol. And parents—especially those who’ve stretched themselves to afford it—feel trapped.
Parent: Yes! And here’s the irony. Despite the fees, we’re still sending our daughter to tuition classes for math and science. The school teachers are either disinterested or overwhelmed. But we’re too scared to complain.
Dr. Malpani: And you’re scared because you worry your child might suffer if you speak up.
Parent: Exactly. Retaliation is subtle. Maybe she’ll be ignored in class, or not chosen for an activity. And she’s already under pressure to “fit in.”
Dr. Malpani: This toxic dynamic is sadly normalized in many high-fee schools. It’s all about control, not education. They don’t encourage curiosity. They promote conformity. The more polished the website, the more insecure the teaching often is.
Parent: And then there’s the obsession with marks. Every conversation is about performance. But no one’s asking: is my child learning joyfully?
Dr. Malpani: That’s the tragedy. True education is about helping children explore their interests, ask better questions, and become lifelong learners. But these schools create an illusion of quality by offering fancy language labs and smartboards. The essence of learning is lost.
Parent: So what’s the solution, Doctor? Should we just accept this as the price of a ‘good’ education?
Dr. Malpani: Not at all. That’s the very mindset we need to break. You don’t need to outsource your child’s learning to a brand-name school. You can reclaim control. There’s a better, more meaningful alternative—and it’s called a digital learning pod.
Parent (curious): I’ve heard a bit about it. But how would that work for someone like me? I’m not a teacher.
Dr. Malpani: You don’t need to be. You just need to be a caring adult willing to create a safe and enabling space where your child—and a few others—can learn together. With today’s technology, your child can access the world’s best teachers, courses, and mentors—often for free. What they need is guidance and emotional safety, not a forced curriculum or a school bell.
Parent: But won’t my child miss out on social life or structure?
Dr. Malpani: Not at all. In fact, pods foster better social interaction because they’re multi-age and cooperative, not competitive. Children learn to collaborate, manage time, and take ownership of their education. And guess what? They’ll be far better prepared for real life.
Parent: It sounds ideal. But what about exams and college admissions?
Dr. Malpani: That’s the beauty. Learning pods don’t exclude traditional paths—they give you the flexibility to choose them when needed. Many pod learners appear for board exams privately. And because they’re more self-directed, they’re often better performers when it matters most.
Parent: Hmm. So instead of depending on a school that disrespects us, we can build a system that respects our children and our values.
Dr. Malpani: Precisely. You don’t need permission from any authority to start a learning pod. You don’t need a 5-acre campus. You need a PC, an internet connection, and a commitment to help your child become a confident, self-directed learner. And if you’re unsure, just start small. Invite a few families. Do a trial month.
Parent: I love the idea. But I’m also a bit nervous. What if I’m not “doing it right”?
Dr. Malpani: Trust yourself. The very fact that you’re asking that question means you’re already more reflective than most school principals. There’s no one-size-fits-all. And remember—your child will thrive not because you got everything perfect, but because you gave them love, freedom, and faith.
Parent (smiling): Thank you, Dr. Malpani. I feel hopeful for the first time in years. Maybe this is the disruption we’ve all been waiting for.
Dr. Malpani: It absolutely is. Don’t let fear hold you back. Take matters in your own hands by starting your own digital learning pod – your children will not get a second chance! 👉 https://www.teachtoearn.in/start-a-teach-to-earn-learning-pod/
Empower your child. Reclaim your role. Transform education—one pod at a time.