Launch Ready: Arcadia Preparatory School

By C Hoppe

First Published:

Saturday 20 August, 2016

Updated:

10th Aug 2022

Over the past year, WhichsShoolAdvisor.com has followed the development of Arcadia Prep with interest. We've walked the unique JVT plot, viewed the award winning design by GAJ architects and talked at length with owner Mohan Valrani about his educational vision and legacy.

With construction now complete, we can see the effort that has gone into this project has paid off: Arcadia is beautiful. The numerous high quality finishes combine with the use of space and light to create a truly unique learning environment.

Is the building ready? In a word, yes! Open and inviting, the centrepiece stairwell is both impressive and inviting.

The reception area is just the first of many spaces at Arcadia which reflect owner Mohan Valrani's vision of transparency and openness.

Are the Classrooms ready? All the Arcadia furniture for FS1 to Year 4 has already arrived and while most classrooms are already set up, a few still require unpacking.

Arcadia had planned to launch with six classes in total- one class each for Foundation 1 to Year 4, however demand has already meant the school will start with two FS 1 classes this academic year.

Has Equipment arrived? Each ground-floor classroom opens onto a shared play courtyard with fully installed equipment.

Classroom equipment is also being finalised. The music rooms use Apple technology and have required specialised UK technicians for set-up.

The sleek canteen feels more like a restaurant than a school canteen. The area has both indoor and outdoor dining spaces- plus doubles as a presentation room/cinema thanks to the vast drop down screen and projector.

Have the staff arrived? All 14 British teachers have arrived from both the UK and other teaching positions abroad. During the recruitment process, Arcadia actively looked for a cross-section of experience within their workforce.

Further parental information: Made to measure uniforms are available from the school, (each child receives 4 sets included in their school fees). Transport has been finalised through STS.

Arcadia will open on the 28th August. Tours of the school are available at both 9am and 4pm daily.