With the launch of Dharav High School in Gurgaon, the DPS legacy takes an innovative leap into the future of education. Led by Aditi Misra—Principal Director of DPS Gurgaon and School Director of DPSI Gurgaon and Dharav High School—this new institution is redefining the norms of traditional schooling. At the heart of Dharav’s approach lies a commitment to small class sizes, active parental engagement, and the integration of life skills and arts within the core academic framework. Positioned as a progressive, child-centric model, Dharav High aims to nurture not just academic achievers but emotionally intelligent, creative, and community-conscious individuals ready to navigate the challenges of the 21st century. In this conversation, Aditi Misra shares her insights on the future of education, the role of AI, the value of STEAM, and why schools must focus as much on internal growth as on academic benchmarks.
With the launch of Dharav High School in Gurgaon, what unique features or programs distinguish this institution from other DPS branches?
Dharav High School is set to redefine the conventional schooling experience by offering a more personalized, skill-integrated, and community-oriented approach to education. Unlike many traditional schools, Dharav High School will maintain intentionally small class sizes capped at 30 students in senior classes and 20-25 in junior ones. This enables educators to provide individualized attention, nurturing each child’s unique potential and ensuring holistic development.
Another distinctive feature is the active involvement of parents in the school’s ecosystem. Dharav High School plans to form various sub-committees that include parent participation, fostering stronger collaboration between the school and families, and creating a sense of shared responsibility in shaping a child’s learning journey.
Curriculum-wise, Dharav High School will go beyond textbook learning by embedding critical life skills within academic subjects. The school will also emphasize art integration seamlessly weaving music, dance, sports, and other creative disciplines into the learning process to ensure a balanced and enriching educational experience. Together, these elements reflect the school’s commitment to a progressive, child-centric model that prepares students not just academically, but as well-rounded individuals ready to thrive in the real world.
How important is it for schools today to go beyond academics and focus on skill development?
In today’s ever-changing world, focusing solely on academics is no longer sufficient. The education sector requires values such as flexibility, emotionally intelligent graduates with excellent interpersonal and critical thinking skills. Schools must equip students with 21st-century competencies such as problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and digital literacy that prepare them for real-world challenges.
However, skill development should not be seen as separate from academics, it must be integrated alongside academic learning. When skills are taught with core subjects, the learning experience becomes more meaningful, engaging, and enduring. This seamless integration ensures that students not only acquire knowledge but also develop the confidence and innovation required to transition smoothly into higher education and professional environments. A balanced curriculum which incorporates both academic rigor and life skills is now a baseline expectation, not a differentiator, in modern education.
With rapid digitization and hybrid learning models on the rise, how do you see traditional schooling evolving over the next decade?
The next decade will undoubtedly witness a major transformation in education delivery. Traditional classrooms are evolving into flexible, hybrid learning environments that merge physical presence with digital access. Technology will play a pivotal role in enabling personalized, self-paced learning and empowering students
However, even as digital tools grow, the essence of traditional schooling will remain vital. Countries that shifted entirely to online education are now reversing course by reintroducing books, and face-to-face interaction. This reflects a growing recognition that in-person schooling builds independence, confidence, and emotional resilience in ways screens cannot. The future lies not in replacing traditional methods but in evolving them. Pen-and-paper will coexist with digital tools, and schools will continue to be powerful spaces for social learning, value-building, and holistic development.
What are your thoughts on the growing influence of AI in classrooms today?
AI is undoubtedly a transformative force in education, opening new possibilities for
personalized learning, performance tracking, and administrative efficiency. It plays a valuable role in identifying learning gaps, supporting reading and comprehension, helping students tackle complex problems, and assisting educators in creating assessments and grading more effectively.
However, while AI offers immense potential, it should not lead to complete dependence or a surrender of the human element in education. When used responsibly, AI can be a powerful ally in education, enhancing outcomes while keeping the educator’s insight and intuition at the core of the learning process.
What role does STEM education play in shaping future innovators and problem-solvers?
STEM- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics has long been essential for building critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation skills. It prepares students to navigate a future shaped by automation, AI, and complex global challenges. Early exposure to STEM encourages logical reasoning, experimentation, and interdisciplinary learning skills in high demand across industries.
However, the future of education lies in STEAM, where the Arts play an equally vital role. Integrating creativity, design, music, and expression with STEM subjects brings learning to life and makes it more human. Arts infuse beauty, culture, and empathy into scientific thinking, making innovation not just effective but also meaningful. At our school, we believe STEAM empowers students to not only adapt and excel but to imagine, create, and lead with purpose.
How does DPS plan to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive and fast-evolving education ecosystem?
At DPS Gurgaon, we believe that true progress comes not from racing against others, but from continually striving to better ourselves. Our philosophy is simple yet powerful: stay ahead by not being part of the race. As the Founder Principal, I have always emphasized to our students that the most meaningful competition is the one you have with yourself.
Rather than being driven by external comparisons, we encourage children to focus inward on their own skills, interests, strengths, and aspirations. When students understand their unique capabilities and work to refine them, growth becomes purposeful and fulfilling. Racing with oneself is not only a joyful and empowering journey but also one that leads to genuine success and self-actualization.
By fostering this mindset, DPS cultivates confident, self-aware learners who are prepared not just to succeed in a competitive world, but to define success on their own terms. This internal drive for excellence is what keeps us truly ahead in the ever-evolving education landscape.
