School cites "economical reasons" as school shuts down in March 2017
Published: Mon 24 Oct 2016, 5:59 PM
More than 300 students at Delhi Private School Academy (DPSA) Dubai have opted to transfer to one of its sister schools when the campus shuts down in March 2017.
This was confirmed to Khaleej Times by Dinesh Kothari, pro vice-chairman and managing director of DPSA, on Sunday.
"We completed 78 admissions on Saturday for DPS Dubai and we have about 300 written submissions from parents who wish to stay with the DPS family. We wish all 426 students would transfer but this is not our decision."
On October 17, a meeting announcing the school's closure sent shock waves through the campus.
A not-for-profit school which opened in 2013, Kothari said the decision to close was for "economical reasons".
"The location of the campus did not suit the Indian curriculum school and it was just too large for the student enrollment number. It was not economically viable to keep it open," he said.
DPSA is located near Academic City. After four years in operation, it will close its doors to the public at the end of the 2016/17 academic year.
Following closure announcement, some parents said they felt "strong-armed" into choosing one of only two transfer options put forward.
"We were only given the option to enroll at either DPS Sharjah or DPS Dubai, but it is a completely different curriculum," Amit Singh told Khaleej Times.
He has already enrolled his Grade 7 son at Gems Modern Academy.
Grievances regarding the refund of fees for the month of November were also raised.
According to KHDA rules, if the student attends school "for a period ranging between two weeks and one month, two months' fees will be deducted".
But many argued the decision was "out of their hands" and they should not pay.
Kothari said a meeting will be held with the parents at the DPSA campus at 11.30am on Monday to discuss the issue.
"It must be made clear that there is a process of closure to be followed. This was not a decision taken lightly. We took consent following approval from Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)." And although he could not confirm to Khaleej Times the final outcome of tomorrow's meeting, he assured that it will "reach a solution regarding fees that parents will be happy with".
Mohammed Darwish, Chief of Regulations and Permits Commission at KHDA said it has approved the school management's request to "discontinue educational services" at Delhi Private School Academy from the next academic year.
"The school has already put in place a plan to ensure students affected by the closure can be accommodated in other schools. KHDA is committed to helping the parents and students to ensure a smooth transition."
Schools have been showing their support too. GEMS Education said it is working "closely with the school authorities to support and alleviate any stress parents may be facing regarding their children's admissions".
And Deepika Singh, CEO-Principal of Credence High School Dubai, told Khaleej Times they have had two admission from DPSA so far. "We are happy to open our doors to students. We feel it is our moral duty and we have had many more parents show interest in enrolling at Credence."
Kelly@khaleejtimes.com
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