What is Balavihar? 
Balavihar  inculcates the values of Sanathana Dharma, as taught in our scriptures–Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, Epics and Puranas-helping our children to grow into responsible citizens of tomorrow. The rich cultural heritage of India, including its teachings on ethics and moral values, is taught to children and youth at different levels, using the medium of stories, drama, arts and crafts, and discussion. Children are also taught popular Bhajans and Slokas. Chinmaya Mission centers have become models for teaching India’s rich spiritual heritage and the fundamentals of Vedanta to the next generation. The Balavihars are organized into grades which match the grade of the child in school. Each of the grades caters to the age group of the child. The grades range from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12.

Who conducts the Balavihar classes and what is their background? 
Balavihar teachers (and coordinators) are all volunteers who devote their time to educate the children using a Mission-wide curriculum/syllabus that is directed toward the ages of the members of the group. In addition to their children, the parents also have a choice of classes to attend. Please remember that the Balavihars are not to be used as child care centers for the parents to drop off their children and leave. It is expected that parents will also participate in one of the Adult study groups.

Enrollment
How can I check-out Bal Vihar? Find out more about it? See if it will work for my schedule and spur my children’s interest? What if I found about Balavihar in the middle of the year?….these are some of the commonly asked questions by parents interested in Balavihar. At the beginning of the academic year, on the first day of classes, we have a Parent Orientation Day, when we introduce the teachers and the program to the community. The orientation starts at 10 AM at the Bala Vihar premises and lasts about 30 minutes and includes an introduction to the program, the mission, and the registration process. Volunteer teachers are available in their classrooms for further questions about the curriculum and focus areas for each age-group. You are encouraged to try it out without registering for 1-2 sessions, and then decide if this is something your family can commit to. If you would  like to start mid-year, do drop in on any Sunday at 10 AM at Bala Vihar and join us for Morning Assembly. Please feel free to drop in on the appropriate classes and speak with the teachers, and enquire about enrolling.