Interview with Ridley College PARENT, Kiran Chandiramani-Perkins
- Name
Kiran Chandiramani-Perkins - Child 1
Gr. 9 - Gr. 12 (Male, Current Boarding Student) - Child 2
Gr. 9 - Gr. 10 (Male, Current Boarding Student)
Kiran, a parent at Ridley College, shared her perspective on the seamless admissions process, warm faculty, strong academics, diverse opportunities, nurturing boarding environment, and how both her sons flourished personally and academically.
Highlights from the interview
The admissions process at Ridley College was very seamless. The admissions team was warm, nurturing, and helpful, guiding us through the entire process. I had some familiarity with boarding schools, having attended one in Toronto years ago, so that background helped. The faculty and staff managed the process smoothly and made it feel welcoming. Coming from the Caribbean, I value warmth and multiculturalism, and Ridley’s culture embraced those qualities.
I have two children at Ridley, one about to graduate and one entering Grade 11. They have both adjusted beautifully. Academically, there was a period of adjustment, but the accessibility of the faculty was reassuring. There is an open-door policy, and teachers are always willing to help. The variety of academic options was very important to us, since coming from a smaller Caribbean island meant fewer opportunities. At Ridley, they have been able to try new subjects, explore new areas, and grow in ways they wouldn’t have otherwise.
The opportunities in sports, after-school programs, and the arts have been invaluable. Not every student is sports-inclined, and at Ridley there is something for everyone year-round. One of my sons has thrived in music, joining the band and cadet band. Both have worked hard in sports. The school’s support has allowed them to pursue their interests fully.
The warmth and accessibility of the faculty are consistent. Communication with the school is easy, even though we live thousands of miles away. I have always felt connected to my children’s boarding house and the staff who run it. Boarding life is truly a home away from home, and my boys have experienced a sense of family within it. My oldest son, a prefect, is about to graduate, and both of my boys have flourished at Ridley.
Boarding has given my children the chance to grow into good young people and responsible citizens. The school nurtures self-growth and character building. I have always felt welcomed and supported, and my experiences over the last four years have been entirely positive. Ridley offers a well-rounded program that balances academics, sports, arts, and community. The emphasis on community involvement was especially important to me, as I believe young people should contribute to the communities they live in.
We toured five boarding schools, but Ridley was my top choice. When I met the principal and the admissions team, I felt instinctively that this was where my children should spend their teenage years. I always remember the principal saying, 'You leave your boy here, but when you pick him up at the end, he’ll be a young man.' That has proven true. My oldest has grown into a wonderful young man, and my younger son is maturing beautifully. The environment is nurturing, warm, and loving, and I couldn’t be happier with our choice.
Having attended boarding school myself over 30 years ago, I can say that today it is a very different and positive experience. Ridley has provided my boys with character development, maturity, and a well-rounded education. The school has been a wonderful platform, helping them flourish as students and as people. As a parent, I have always felt settled and reassured, and I am grateful for the choice we made.
