Firststeps School
Parent InsightsOpp. Blind Girls Hostel, Sector 26, Chandigarh, 160019
If you’re exploring international curriculum options in Chandigarh, FirstSteps IB World School in Sector 26 is one of the names that often comes up.
- ✦Among the first IB PYP schools in the Chandigarh Tri-City region.
- ✦Offers both IB and Cambridge pathways up to Grade X.
- ✦Hosts unique events like Mega Tinkering Day and Student-led Conferences.
Summary for Parents
Overview
- •FirstSteps IB World School is a well-established international school in Chandigarh offering both IB and Cambridge curricula. It’s known for its experiential learning approach, small class sizes, and active event culture.
What kind of child will this school work best for:
- •A child who enjoys hands-on, project-based learning.
- •A child who thrives in small classes and interactive environments.
- •A child who enjoys participating in events, sports, and creative activities.
Strengths
- •IB and Cambridge dual curriculum options.
- •Strong focus on experiential and inquiry-based learning.
- •Active extracurricular and event calendar.
- •Updated admission policy and transparent leadership.
Potential trade-offs / Things to check:
- •Fees are on the higher side for Chandigarh.
- •Mixed reports on infrastructure and accessibility.
- •Limited information on higher-grade subject depth.
- •Some parents mention communication gaps.
Recommendations / Questions to Ask:
- •Request the latest official fee structure and transport charges.
- •Ask for the list of IGCSE subjects and IB authorisation certificates.
- •Check accessibility features and learning support facilities.
- •Clarify how EWS students are integrated and supported.
- •Visit the campus to see classrooms, labs, and sports areas firsthand.
Notes
- •Different schools work for different families. To understand if FirstSteps IB World School is the right school for your child, see How to Select a School
School Information
Board / Curriculum
IB
Grades offered
Nursery - 12
Medium
English
Type
Co-ed
Students
561 (as per Admission Policy, June 2025)
Student–Teacher Ratio
12:1 (47 teachers for 561 students)
Boarding
Day school only
Established
2016
Pincode
160019
Leadership & Staff
- • Principal: Mrs. Jasbir Kaur
- • Chairman: Mr. Harpreet Singh Cheema
- • 47 teachers (as per 2025 Admission Policy)
Fees & Admissions
| Class / Category | Fee (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Tuition (IB/Primary & Cambridge) | ₹2,05,000 | as per Edustoke, June 2025 |
| Application Fee | ₹100 | |
| Security (Caution) Fee | ₹5,000 |
• Transport facility is available, but specific costs are not published online.
• Fee figures are from aggregator sites; always confirm directly with the school.
• No official grade-wise fee PDF was publicly available at the time of research.
Admission Process for Interested Parents
Timeline
Application Period: Usually December–January (main intake).
Process
Submit the online form (available on the school website) and attend an interaction or assessment.
Documents Required
- 1.Birth certificate
- 2.Residence proof
- 3.Parent IDs
- 4.Photos
- 5.Previous school records
- 6.Medical certificate if applicable
Special Notes
25% EWS reservation under RTE; EWS students are placed in CBSE sections.
What Parents Say
Aggregated from parent reviews across platforms. Ask these questions during your school visit.
Early Years / Playgroup
Positives
Parents appreciate the hands-on, inquiry-based approach and caring teachers. Children seem to enjoy coming to school.
Watch out for
Admission waitlists can be long, and some parents find the process competitive.
Ask: Ask about seat availability and how the school supports new children settling in.
Primary / Middle (IB PYP / MYP)
Positives
The IB curriculum encourages curiosity and project-based learning. Small class sizes help teachers give personal attention.
Watch out for
Some parents are unsure about how the school manages transitions to other boards after Grade X.
Ask: Ask how the school supports students moving to other curricula after Grade X.
Secondary (IGCSE)
Positives
Cambridge IGCSE offers international exposure and flexibility in subjects.
Watch out for
Fees are considered high by some families, and subject depth for higher classes should be confirmed.
Ask: Request a list of IGCSE subjects offered and check if all are taught in-house.
Extracurriculars & Sports
Positives
The school hosts many events—sports day, theatre, tinkering, and robotics.
Watch out for
Some parents feel the sports infrastructure could be better maintained.
Ask: Ask which sports are coached on campus and which are outsourced.
Campus & Facilities
0.61 acres
Reviews from Other Platforms
Aggregated from public sources for reference. These are not verified by SchoolCompass.
What parents liked
"One of the Finest Play Schools in Chandigarh!!"
— Aman Sharma
"Nice school."
— Anshul Chaudhary
"We are extremely happy to see our child enjoying her learning experiences with lots of emphasis on hands-on activities... Glad that we chose the right school."
— Sakshi
"The best school in the tricity."
— Amit Mahajan
Concerns raised
"Horrible experience with the school."
— Preeti
"School is good... but expensive. A middle-class man cannot afford."
— Ramakrishna Pinnamshetty
"Some parents on local forums mention inconsistent communication and administration experiences."
— Local forums
What Kind of Peer Group?
Age Range
3 to 16 years (Playgroup to Grade X).
Family Backgrounds
Mix of local Chandigarh families and those seeking international exposure.
Socio-economic Profile
Mostly middle to upper-middle income families; EWS quota adds diversity.
Child Profiles
Children who enjoy inquiry-based, hands-on learning and are comfortable in English-medium, discussion-oriented classrooms.
Verified Parent Reviews
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