Quick Answer: Choose your curriculum first (IB, Cambridge, CBSE, CISCE). Then verify each school using official board directories, request a written fee sheet and withdrawal rules, and test the school-run route in real hours. Finally, pick housing that keeps your weekday routine predictable, even if the rent is slightly higher.
- Pick curriculum first, then shortlist schools.
- Verify board status on official directories (IB/Cambridge/CBSE/CISCE).
- Ask for a written fee sheet and withdrawal rules before you commit.
- Test the school run route in real hours before signing a lease.
- Choose housing that makes the weekday routine predictable.
Want a furnished shortlist that fits school + commute?
Tell us your school shortlists (or curriculum preference), office location, and budget range. We will recommend expat-friendly societies and verified furnished listings that match your routine.
The expat-friendly sequence (so you do not get stuck)
Direct answer: Reduce decisions by following a sequence: curriculum, school verification, commute test, then housing. Most “bad outcomes” happen when families pick a home first and then try to force a school run into a difficult route.
Expat family shortlist checklist
- Pick curriculum (IB, Cambridge, CBSE, CISCE) based on your transfer plan
- Verify each school's board status on official directories
- Ask for a written fee sheet and withdrawal/refund rules
- Test the school route in your real school-run window
- Choose housing that keeps the weekday routine predictable
Verify board status using official directories (not brochures)
Direct answer: For expat families, verification is the fastest risk reducer. Use board directories first, then confirm the campus address matches what you are viewing.
| Curriculum / Board | Official verification link | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| IB | IB: Find an IB World School | Campus name, programme(s), location |
| Cambridge | Cambridge: Find a Cambridge school | School listing and address |
| CBSE | CBSE affiliation information | Affiliation status and details |
| CISCE | CISCE school locator | School listing and details |
If a school claims a board affiliation but you cannot find it on the official directory, treat it as a red flag until verified.
What to ask schools (the questions that matter in real life)
Direct answer: You are not only buying academics. You are buying predictability: calendar, transport, language support, and how the school handles transitions.
First call / email checklist
- Admissions calendar and seat availability (by grade)
- Document checklist (passport, visas, transcripts, transfer certificates, photos)
- Fee sheet and withdrawal/refund policy in writing
- School transport options and pickup/drop points
- Language support and transition support (if your child is new to the system)
School-run logistics (the hidden source of daily stress)
Direct answer: For most families, the school run is where day-to-day stress shows up: pickup windows, traffic, and “last-mile” details. Confirm logistics early so you do not discover constraints after signing a lease.
| Topic | What to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | School bus availability, routes, pickup points | Changes your housing radius |
| Timing windows | Drop/pick windows and late policies | Helps you plan work hours |
| Safety + access | Gate rules for drivers/escorts | Avoids daily friction at entry |
| After-school | Activities, care hours, holidays | Impacts weekday planning |
Week 1 school-run setup checklist
- Save the exact school address and a nearby landmark your driver can use
- Do one trial run at the real time (morning drop and afternoon pickup)
- Confirm gate process and required IDs for pickup (school-specific)
- If you use a driver, standardize pickup point and the message template
- Keep a printed or offline copy of key contacts for the first month
If you are new to India, a furnished rental near your school shortlist can reduce the “setup burden” in month one while you learn the city.
Housing strategy: optimize for the school run first (if you have kids)
Direct answer: If you have school-age children, the school run is a daily constraint. Many expat families choose housing to keep the school commute stable and then solve office commute as a second step.
Do not trust map estimates alone. Test the route once in your real school-run window before you sign a lease.
We can shortlist by school-run radius
Share your top 2 schools and your move-in month. We will recommend society options and furnished listings that keep the weekday routine stable.
A practical starting point (aligned to our inventory focus)
Direct answer: If you want a fast path to a furnished move-in in the Golf Course Extension Road corridor, start with expat-friendly societies we focus on. This is a starting point, not a guarantee.
- IREO Grand Arch (Sector 58)
- M3M Heights (Sector 65)
- Conscient Elevate (Sector 59)
- Emaar Digi Homes (Sector 62)
If you want to start from concrete options, browse a couple of representative listings and compare the daily routine (not only the rent):
Nearby schools directory (starting points)
Direct answer: Use this as a starting list to reduce initial research time. Verify each school’s latest admissions status and board affiliation directly.
| Near IREO Grand Arch (Sector 58) | Near Conscient/Emaar (Sector 62) | Near M3M Heights (Sector 65) |
|---|---|---|
| Suraj School (~1.1 km) | Heritage Xperiential Learning School (~0.6 km) Lotus Valley International School (~1.6 km) | DPS International (~1.0 km) St. Xavier's High School (~1.3 km) |
Lists are generated from OpenStreetMap (crowd-sourced). Use them as a starting point, not a guarantee of availability or quality.
FAQs
Which curriculum is “best” for expat transfers?
Direct answer: There is no universally best curriculum. Choose based on your expected length of stay and your transfer plan. If you move countries frequently, you may prioritize internationally portable pathways. If you expect to stay longer in India, local alignment can be practical. Verify official board status first.
When should we start admissions outreach?
Direct answer: As early as you can once your move window is known. Availability depends on grade and timing. The most important step is getting the school’s admissions calendar and document checklist in writing.
What documents do schools typically ask for?
Direct answer: It varies by school and grade. Common requests include passport, visa/residency proof, photos, past report cards/transcripts, and transfer certificates where applicable. Ask for the exact checklist directly from the school.
Should we pick housing based on school or office commute?
Direct answer: With kids, school runs are daily and can dominate the schedule. Many families choose housing to keep school commute predictable and then optimize office commute second.
Can we shortlist apartments before we finalize schools?
Direct answer: Yes, but limit it to a small set of societies in the corridor and keep flexibility. Once the school run becomes fixed, the “best” apartment often changes.
Related reading
- Browse furnished listings
- Explore expat-friendly societies
- Emaar Digi Homes (Sector 62)
- Conscient Elevate (Sector 59)
- IREO Grand Arch (Sector 58)
- M3M Heights (Sector 65)
- Featured listing: IREO Grand Arch 3BHK
- Featured listing: M3M Heights 2BHK
- Moving to Gurugram guide
- Expat relocation guide
- Complete moving checklist
- Contact our team