Don’t Send Your Kids To A Rich School If You’re Not Rich’: Entrepreneur Says To Parents

Knot Dating CEO Jasveer Singh has urged parents to look beyond school fees when choosing a school for their children. He warned that differences in classmates’ lifestyles!

Can You Afford the School or the Lifestyle That Comes With It?

Parents often choose schools based on education, facilities, reputation and fees. But according to Jasveer Singh, co-founder and CEO of Knot Dating, there is another factor they should consider: the social environment their children may experience.

In a recent post on X, Singh warned parents against taking bad financial decisions just to send their children to an expensive school..

When Children Start Comparing Lifestyles

Singh shared an example of a child whose father picks them up from school in a Maruti while classmates leave in BMWs. The child may eventually ask their father not to come to the school gate or to park farther away so others do not see the car. The child may have never felt embarrassed about the family car before. But seeing the differences between their own life and those of their classmates could make them more aware of what they have. Children may notice differences in lunch boxes, shoes, bags, phones, pocket money, birthday parties, school trips and after-school activities.

Some children may not openly tell their parents that they feel left out. Instead, they might avoid social situations by saying they do not want to attend a birthday party, do not like a particular restaurant or have already eaten. Parents may interpret this behaviour as shyness or a lack of interest. Singh's point is that, in some cases, children may be trying to avoid situations where they feel they cannot fit in.

School Fees Are Not the Only Expense

A family may be able to pay the tuition fees but still struggle with the additional expenses connected to a school's social environment.

Birthday celebrations, outings, extracurricular activities and other experiences can create pressure to spend more. Children may compare themselves with classmates without fully understanding the financial differences between families. However, Singh's post raises a question for parents: are they considering only the cost of admission, or the wider financial commitment as well?

What Should Parents Consider?

Choosing a school involves more than comparing fees, buildings and facilities. Parents can also consider whether the school offers an environment where children feel comfortable, included and confident. It is equally important to talk openly with children about money, different family circumstances and the fact that personal worth is not measured by possessions.

Education Is About More Than Facilities

Singh's post received mixed reactions online. Some users agreed with his observation, while others pointed out that the experience may differ from one child and school to another. One user described it as a “very sharp observation”.

Singh summed up his message by saying: “Education is not about school fees or fancy infrastructure. It’s about building confidence, exploring yourself and uplifting yourself.” His message encourages parents to look beyond a school's price tag and consider the environment in which their children will learn, grow and build confidence.