Santa Maria is a co-educational, inclusive, Christian minority school situated in a one-acre plot in the green belt of Vasant Kunj. Established in 1966, SMILE offers a quality 3-year pre-school program where children from various countries, socio-economic backgrounds, and different abilities come together to explore the joy of growing amid animals and lush green gardens. The school is known for the pioneering work that it does to include children with different developmental challenges into mainstream school. In the early years of his/her life, a child grapples with some basic aspects like walking and talking. While gaining mastery over these not so simple tasks he/she also attempts to make sense of the world he/she encounters and develops a sense of values. Most importantly he/she learns to communicate and socialize as well as to be respectful to the world around him/her. He / She comes into his/her own and sets the foundation for a unique identify. Parents are the crucial first point of learning in the triangle that influences a child. The other two points being the school and society. Santa Maria insists on committed and consistent parental involvement. Besides quarterly visits to the school, parents are encouraged to participate in daily school activities through the parent volunteer group. All staff of Santa Maria are qualified and trained in the Montessori method of education. The school follows an eclectic approach in the curriculum largely based on the principles of Early Childhood Care and Education.
