Curriculum

Ms. Poonam Jha is a visionary leader and educationist with over 35 years of experience in academics and administration. She has served as the Principal of multiple renowned institutions, driving excellence through innovative curriculum development, staff mentoring, academic audits and fostering inclusive learning environments. She is also a passionate advocate of experiential learning.
With expertise in CBSE, ICSE, IGCSE and IB educational frameworks, Ms. Jha has seamlessly integrated modern pedagogical approaches and digital technologies to elevate academic standards. Her accolades include the prestigious Global School Leader Award (2024), Iconic Summit Education Award (2021) and the National Teachers Award (2020).
Ms. Jha’s commitment to lifelong learning is further reflected in her active participation in international workshops and her recognition as a Master Trainer for CBSE. Her leadership extends beyond academics, encompassing community engagement, capacity building, and pioneering transitions to advanced learning platforms. Her passion for performing arts drives her research on life skills through arts, dance and theater.
As a highly respected figure in the field of education, Ms. Jha continues to inspire students and educators alike, exemplifying the values of integrity, empathy, and innovation.

Ms. Garima Kumar is an accomplished education leader with over 18 years of experience in school leadership, academic excellence, inclusive education, career guidance, and teacher development. As the Founding Principal of The Creek Planet Senior Secondary School – Primary Branch, she successfully established the institution and led its growth to over 400 students within two academic years.
A Cambridge International Certified Educator, Ms. Kumar gained valuable international experience teaching in the United Kingdom and collaborating with British schools through the Indo-British Education Programme. She is passionate about creating engaging learning environments that foster academic excellence, creativity, and holistic student development.
Her expertise includes curriculum planning, institutional development, staff mentoring, inclusive education, career counselling, and community engagement. She also conducted Action Research on understanding the needs of special students and developing effective support strategies.
Committed to innovation and lifelong learning, Ms. Kumar continues to inspire educators and students alike, nurturing confident, compassionate, and future-ready learners through strong values and visionary leadership.

MBA HR & Marketing
M.A in Psychology
B.Ed Educational Psychology
PGDGC in Counselling
PG Diploma in Inclusive Education

Schooling : St Xaviers School, Haldia West Bengal.
Education: BSc Honours, BEd, Higher Diploma in Software Engineering. LLB
Work Experience: 20 plus years in teaching.
Started her career as a teacher of Primary School and went on to become the Incharge of Primary School in the year 2012 &. laterIncharge Middle School in 2018. Also the coordinator of CBSE. She teaches Legal Studies for the Senior Secondary Classes and her students are pursuing law in various reputed colleges like NALSAR in India, as well as in various reputed universities abroad.
Awards: MsPadmashree has been awarded the Best Teacher Award by Telangana State Govt in 2019 for her immense contribution to the field of education. Through her dedication and passion she has touched the lives of many students. She along with former Principal Dr D Usha Reddy and students had the privilege of meeting The Then President of India ShriRamNathKovindji and the First Lady SmtSavitaKovind at the RashtrapatiBhavan in 2019.
She has always been inclined towards helping the society and her heart goes out to those in need. She along with the then Principal were at the forefront in organising a trip to Kerala for donating Survival Kits to the distressed during the floods in 2019. The team had gone to the remotest and the worst hit areas and donated more than 2500 kits.
Aspires to make a difference in the lives of many more students.

My journey at Meridian has been truly special. Being a part of this institution for almost two decades has been a rewarding experience filled with learning, growth, and meaningful relationships. Every academic year brings new opportunities to learn, lead, and make a positive impact.
I am Rehana, currently serving as the PYP Coordinator (PYPC), and I am passionate about embracing new challenges that support the growth of our learners, facilitators, and parents as one close-knit learning community.
For me, leadership is not just about a role, it is about inspiring, guiding, and empowering others. I believe in creating a culture of collaboration, inquiry, and continuous learning where every child feels valued and encouraged to become a confident, compassionate, and lifelong learner. It is a privilege to mentor teachers, partner with families, and contribute to Meridian's vision of nurturing future-ready global citizens. Every day, I am inspired to continue this journey with purpose, dedication, and a genuine love for education.

Seema Ninesh Pillai is a passionate educator and academic leader with over 21 years of experience in teaching, school administration, and educational leadership. She has served in reputed institutions across India, holding roles such as Headmistress, Wing Incharge, Foundation Coordinator, and Activity Coordinator. Her expertise includes curriculum planning, teacher mentoring, academic coordination, and student development.
With a learner-centric approach and a strong belief in holistic education, Mrs. Pillai is committed to creating an inclusive and engaging environment that inspires students and educators to achieve their fullest potential. She is recognized for her collaborative leadership, effective communication, and strong partnerships with teachers, parents, and the wider school community. Her dedication to continuous professional growth and innovative teaching practices has enabled her to lead academic initiatives and co-curricular programmes successfully.
Mrs. Pillai holds a Bachelor of Education and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree. Guided by empathy, integrity, and teamwork, she believes education shapes confident, compassionate, and responsible global citizens.

With over 11 years of experience in education, including 5 years as a Pre-Primary Coordinator and 6 years as a Personality Development Trainer, I am passionate about creating a nurturing, inclusive, and inquiry-driven learning environment where every child feels valued and inspired to thrive.
Guided by the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) philosophy, I believe in fostering curiosity, creativity, confidence, and a genuine love for learning. I work closely with educators and families to build meaningful partnerships that support each child's academic, social, and emotional growth. My focus is on developing compassionate, confident, and independent learners who are equipped with the skills, values, and mindset needed to succeed in an ever-changing world. I am committed to continuous learning, collaborative leadership, and creating enriching experiences that lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning and holistic development.

Every challenge you face today makes you stronger tomorrow. The challenge of life is intended to make you better, not bitter.” ― Roy T. Bennett Following the above quote Ms.Aakrusha Bellaney has taken over as the head of the organization in the most challenging times the globe has ever faced, with her pleasant smile and ardent commitment as tools. A commerce graduate in Business Management from the Mumbai University & Bachelors in Education she has several certifications to her credit, the prominent ones being certified as a Pioneer of ‘Teach the Teacher’ from National Institute of Information Technology, certification from the British Council, UK for English and ICT skills. Having begun her stint in the field of education with some of the competent schools in the twin cities followed by the flagship branch of Meridian Schools, she went on to assume the charge of the Kukatpally campus from the time of inception. A self-directed, action-oriented professional with over 20 years experience in education and community service, she has been witness to the growth of the school by leaps and bounds. Her single minded commitment towards the progress of the school is evident in every facet of the transformative journey of the school. As an educator, she has been instrumental in revamping Curriculum planning and transaction, reviewing and building the continuous and comprehensive evaluation, building a strong in house continuous professional development for teachers, performance management systems, streamlining recruitment procedures, strengthening ICT use in school, thematic learning in primary, introducing Reading Programmes for all grades, planning and executing trips for students, policy building within the school, coordinating various school functions and publications. She strives to build student self-esteem and encourage understanding of cultural diversity, gender differences and physical limitations. She has played a pivotal role in bringing about ingenuity to the learning modules right across and creating a cooperative community in the classroom.‘Happy learning is genuine learning’ is her motto. Amongst the numerous and prestigious assignments that she has undertaken is the successful conduct of the NEET and CTET examination. As a Centre Superintendent she was responsible for the smooth conduct of the exams following the Standard Operating Procedures during the pandemic times. She also had an enriching experience of being an Assistant Head Examiner during Central Board of Secondary Education Evaluation, twice over for her subject Social Sciences. Extremely creative by disposition and an enthusiastic and passionate performer, Ms Aakrusha is a leader with a difference. She has brought glory to the school by piloting and bagging the British Council’s International School Award twice in succession. She has also been glorified with the Global Principal’s Award by AKS education and holds the distinction of bagging the Super teacher award for outstanding mentorship, CSAW 2022 Award - Global CS Ambassador in Leadership Excellence in Promoting Computer Science Education. She has also been honoured to her for exceptional efforts in Computer Science Education. She was also a part of prestigious Principal’s conference in T-Hub which empowered Principals to motivate entrepreneurship and leadership among the school students. She has made a mark of her own in spearheading ‘IMPULSE’ the inter school cultural and literary fest four times in a row which has established an identity of its own in throwing up the competencies of children. Inclusive Education tops her list of community of interests and she has established strong connections with organizations like Junior Chamber International known for its philanthropic work. The highlight of this association a ‘Special Olympics, Bharat’ an International cadre match between our children and specially abled was held in the lines of International Para Olympics. She has been instrumental in organizing and participating in public-spirited activities like the ‘Street Store’ – a store organized by the children for the support staff of the school and ‘Pinkathon’– a Marathon run to create awareness on Breast Cancer. She has proved to the world that firm and innovative philosophies are the order of the day. Her strength lies in her humble nature which makes her a friend and confidante to the children and staff alike. She strongly propagates the thought that education should offer along with academics, life skills like confidence, self-respect and empathy. She also believes that children should be kept abreast about the 21st century skills which would help them to compete in this competitive world. She believes in sustainable leadership and strives to build a professional learning community with all stakeholders. For her, student’s safety, happiness and their learning in school is of utmost importance. Ms.Aakrusha has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to educational excellence, bagging numerous awards like Leader in Education by Education Excellence Conclave, that is one of the top 100 Principals, Award for executing the Outstanding Experiential Education Program, Ambassador for Leadership Excellence by CSAW, the K-12 WOW award , Principal of the year award-2024 by Edu leaders. She has had the privilege of being a panelist for a prestigious Education Summit on the topic ‘Teacher’s Burnout- A Myth or a Reality’ Under her dynamic leadership the school continues to flourish by leaps and bounds adding on new dimensions to learning. The humanitarian touch to her administration is her unique feature which makes her a loved and respected leader.

A literature graduate from the Delhi University, Lalitha Ketavarapu is a passionate and committed member who takes pride in having been with the Kukatpally branch since its inception. Very passionate about her role she believes that education is a beautiful tool which gives an opportunity to see a child from their eyes and understand that the pedagogic world is full of surprises to be unfolded and we as educators are the blessed ones to be rolling out this world to them and strengthening each child’s belief that they are the best. A loving personality and a national rank holder in the prestigious Centa Teachers’ Olympiad she is a progressive thinker who believes in blending the contemporary with the cultural base

Ms Nagaratnam Pappu, our highly skilled and dedicated Foundational Stage Coordinator. With a passion for early childhood education and a deep understanding of child development,has been instrumental in shaping a nurturing, dynamic, and engaging learning environment for our youngest learners. With years of experience in education and a commitment to fostering curiosity, creativity, and foundational skills, she works closely with teachers, students, and parents to ensure that every child embarks on their educational journey with confidence and enthusiasm. Ms Ratnam, brings innovative teaching methods, strong leadership, and a vision for excellence to our foundational stage, laying the groundwork for lifelong learning. Under her guidance, our foundational stage program continues to thrive, providing children with the essential skills, values, and knowledge they need to succeed in their academic journey.

Affectionately called the Mother Hen, Ms Anthony Maria comes with a rich experience of thirty years in various capacities in the toddlers and kids segment. Affectionate to the core she has a reputation of being a keen observer, who has the numerous details of all the little ones stored in her brain. Her personalized attention to each child, every single day has turned her into a favourite amongst the children and teachers alike. She believes that a strong foundation is the base for a successful educational journey. Architect of an innovative team she has been instrumental in adding to the glory of the school. Having been with the branch since its inception she has a special fondness towards students who have crossed out the portals of this beautiful school called Meridian School, Kukatpally.

Exuberant and enthusiastic MsAmaleswari, post graduate in commerce is an educator with twenty plus years of experience in different capacities. She is a staunch believer in the philosophy that challenges make an educational journey meaningful and enriching. She has guided many students to perfection during the various MUNs and trusts that hard work has no substitute. She is known for her problem solving skills which she uses effectively and skilfully. She has been actively involved in content development in her subject-Social Science and has trained and guided many facilitators. An affectionate mentor to the students she has carved a niche in the students’ hearts.

An educationist by choice , Ms. Priti Rao is a Masters in Business Administration with over 5 years of corporate experience. She moved to the field of education after her corporate stint and taught in leading business schools of Hyderabad. Also, she did a 2 year teaching stint in Institute of Hotel Management, Hyderabad. Her passion for education and love for children brought her to school education. She believes in working at the grass roots level and bringing about a positive change in her students. An avid reader and sports enthusiast, she takes keen interest in various art forms of India.

The journey of a student's life, much like that of a plant, is one of growth, nurturing, and transformation. Each stage is essential, requiring care, patience, and resilience, ultimately leading to a flourishing individual ready to make their mark on the world. At Meridian, we emphasize the profound connection between education, humility, and the journey towards a fulfilling life. After a fulfilling career in the Air Force, I have made the conscious decision to transition into the education sector. This choice stems from my belief in the transformative power of education.I am excited about the opportunity to make a positive impact on students' lives and contribute to building a brighter future through education. As the Academic Quality Strategist, I am committed to driving initiatives that enhance educational quality and student success at Meridian School. By leveraging data-driven strategies and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, I aim to ensure that our institution not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our students, faculty, and community. Connecting the mind and heart in education is essential for fostering holistic development in students.By integrating emotional and cognitive elements in education, we create a richer, more meaningful learning experience. This connection fosters not only academic success but also the development of compassionate, well-rounded individuals who are equipped to navigate the complexities of life. We create an inclusive and engaging atmosphere where every student feels valued and motivated to learn. At Meridian, we believe that maintaining transparency with parents is essential for fostering a strong partnership in education. Our commitment to open communication and honesty ensures that families are well-informed and actively involved in their child’s learning journey. Here’s to a wonderful journey filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable experiences. Wishing you all the success in this academic year and beyond!

The journey of a student's life, much like that of a plant, is one of growth, nurturing, and transformation. Each stage is essential, requiring care, patience, and resilience, ultimately leading to a flourishing individual ready to make their mark on the world. At Meridian, we emphasize the profound connection between education, humility, and the journey towards a fulfilling life. After a fulfilling career in the Air Force, I have made the conscious decision to transition into the education sector. This choice stems from my belief in the transformative power of education.I am excited about the opportunity to make a positive impact on students' lives and contribute to building a brighter future through education. As the Academic Quality Strategist, I am committed to driving initiatives that enhance educational quality and student success at Meridian School. By leveraging data-driven strategies and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, I aim to ensure that our institution not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our students, faculty, and community. Connecting the mind and heart in education is essential for fostering holistic development in students.By integrating emotional and cognitive elements in education, we create a richer, more meaningful learning experience. This connection fosters not only academic success but also the development of compassionate, well-rounded individuals who are equipped to navigate the complexities of life. We create an inclusive and engaging atmosphere where every student feels valued and motivated to learn. At Meridian, we believe that maintaining transparency with parents is essential for fostering a strong partnership in education. Our commitment to open communication and honesty ensures that families are well-informed and actively involved in their child’s learning journey. Here’s to a wonderful journey filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable experiences. Wishing you all the success in this academic year and beyond!

Mrs. Borgaonkar is a passionate advocate for child-centric, inclusive education that values experiential learning and meaningful collaboration between educators and families. Throughout her career she has championed competency-based learning, technology integration, teacher mentoring, and student leadership - creating vibrant communities where every child is encouraged to excel. Known for her approachable leadership style and strategic vision, she has consistently transformed schools into thriving institutions built on a culture of trust, collaboration, and lifelong learning. At Meridian Madhapur, she looks forward to continuing that journey - together with every teacher, parent, and student.

Driven by passion and a vision to transform young lives, I have dedicated over 15 years to the field of early childhood education. With an M.A. and B.Ed. in Sociology, I have served in diverse roles—from Lead Teacher at Meridian School to Coordinator and Centre Head of a Preschool. I now serve as the Coordinator of the Early Years Programme at Meridian School, where I strive to foster a nurturing, inquiry-driven, and holistic learning environment for young children. I believe every child is unique, with talents waiting to be discovered and nurtured. My passion lies in unfolding each child’s potential and guiding them to grow into the best version of themselves. The early years, from age’s two to six, are a crucial stage of development when children absorb and learn the most. During this time, a strong foundation for social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth is built, shaping a lifelong love for learning. Research confirms that the holistic skills children develop in these formative years create lasting neural pathways that influence their lifelong learning, behavior, and well-being.

“Learning is brightest when knowledge walks with kindness.” In the early and foundational years of learning, values and academics go hand in hand. For a primary student, education is not just about reading, writing, and solving problems—it is about becoming a balanced learner who understands the importance of respect, responsibility, and reflection. Students begin to explore the world around them with curiosity. Developing values such as honesty, kindness, and cooperation helps them connect meaningfully with others. When children are caring, they support their peers; when they are principled, they learn to make the right choices even when no one is watching. Academics in the primary years focus on building strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and inquiry-based learning. Through being thinkers and inquirers, students ask questions, investigate answers, and develop problem-solving skills. By practicing communication skills, they learn to express ideas clearly and listen respectfully to others. The IB approach emphasizes that academics are not separate from values. A child who is open-minded and reflective is able to learn from mistakes, appreciate different perspectives, and grow stronger both in character and in knowledge. By nurturing values alongside academics, primary students become confident, balanced individuals ready to take action and make a positive difference in their community and beyond.

“Teaching is about igniting lifelong curiosity, compassion, and confidence, helping every student believe in their potential.”
Veena Shinde is the Middle School Coordinator with a Bachelor's degree in Science, a Bachelor of Education, CTET qualification, and 15 years of experience in education. Passionate about holistic learning, she is dedicated to nurturing confident, compassionate, and responsible learners prepared for an ever-changing world.
She believes the middle school years are a crucial stage for fostering curiosity, resilience, and independent thinking. Her learner-centred approach focuses on building trust, encouraging collaboration, and creating inclusive classrooms where every child feels valued and inspired to participate. She works closely with teachers to strengthen curriculum implementation, monitor student progress, and ensure academic excellence through meaningful mentoring and teamwork.
Beyond academics, Veena values cultural, literary, and co-curricular experiences that shape well-rounded individuals. Guided by the philosophy of being "Humane First," she strives to empower every learner to grow with confidence, empathy, and purpose.

Priti Rao is an accomplished academic leader with over 12 years of experience in teaching and school leadership, complemented by 5 years of corporate HR experience. As the Head Mistress of Meridian School, Madhapur, she is committed to fostering academic excellence, holistic student development, and a culture of continuous learning. Previously serving as Coordinator and Senior Teacher at Meridian School, Kukatpally, she played a pivotal role in curriculum planning, teacher training, career guidance, and CBSE-aligned academic initiatives. A Certified IC3 Career Counselor, Priti is passionate about mentoring students and guiding them towards informed career choices. Her expertise includes academic leadership, curriculum development, teacher mentoring, content creation, educational media, and research guidance. She has also contributed to curriculum design for management programs and educational platforms. Recognized with the Teacher Par Excellence Award and Excellent Mentorship Awards, Priti continues to inspire educators and learners through innovative practices, collaborative leadership, and her unwavering commitment to nurturing confident, future-ready individuals.

With over 14 years of experience in India and the UAE, I bring a deep commitment to student- centered international education. I hold a BA in English and a Diploma in Education, and have worked across CBSE and Cambridge curriculum schools. My practice emphasizes hands-on learning, personal attention, and project-based approaches that place students at the heart of the learning process. I believe education begins and ends at home; school is a vital part of a child’s life journey that enriches knowledge, curiosity, and competence. Equally important to academic growth are the human qualities that shape responsible citizens — empathy, tolerance, resilience, kindness, and other soft skills. As a leader and collaborator, I prioritize strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues to create a supportive, inclusive environment where every learner can thrive.

“The Mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled”-Plutarch, Greek Philosopher The Early years of learning are the foundation of a child’s life. They are critical for developing cognitive and social skills in addition to essential life skills. These formative years have a lasting impact and are the initiators to a lifelong journey of learning and development. At Meridian Madhapur, apart from academics, we focus on encouraging and fostering creativity, nurturing curiosity, and developing a global mindset. Following the IB curriculum philosophy, students engage in inquiry-driven experiences that spark wonder and deepen understanding. From creative displays to designing student-led conferences that showcase personal growth, our classrooms are vibrant ecosystems of learning. It is my firm belief that every child has a tremendous potential and a safe and positive learning environment coupled with a creative and impactful teaching-learning ecosystem can help each little one to bloom to the fullest. As a Co-ordinator for these Early years which are the bridge to a formal system of learning, it is my prime focus to give each learner an enriching learning experience, that shall give a solid academic and socio-emotional foundation and shall create confident, independent learners.