It starts with a question worth staying with. Why do rivers bend? Who invented zero? How does a bee find its way home?
We do not hand over the answer straight away. We follow the question, and see where the child takes it.
Growing in knowledge
Four levels, deepening as children grow. Space and the human body. India, and the wider world. The people who changed things, and the stories behind brands children already know.
Fifteen topic areas in all, with current affairs for older learners.
After a term, this is what parents tell us they notice. Their child speaks up before they are certain. They explain their thinking instead of reciting it.
And they stop minding being wrong, which is usually when the real learning starts.
What children learn
Fifteen topic areas, four levels deep
Each level goes further than the last. Current affairs joins from around nine.
Every year we try to give the children something beyond the class they paid for. In 2025 that was Beyond Why, a magazine made for curious children, launched at Crossword in Santacruz.
Ankieta Jain has taught general knowledge for seven years. The Banyan Tree began in January 2021 with eight children in a room in her house: a world map on the wall, a movable whiteboard, ten blue chairs.
The curriculum, the method and the philosophy are hers. There was no programme to copy.
Between 3.5 and 12. Children under seven have an hour-long class; from seven upwards it is ninety minutes.
How big is a batch?
Up to ten children under seven, and ten to fifteen from seven to eleven. Small on purpose: we want children discussing, disagreeing and asking, and that only works in a small room.
How often are the classes?
One session a week, at a centre or online.
Where are the centres?
Santa Cruz West, Juhu, Worli, Ghatkopar West, Jogeshwari East, Vashi, Kandivali East and Andheri East, plus a weekly online class for children anywhere.
Is the online class live?
Yes. It is a live class once a week, in the same small batch and with the same curriculum as a centre, not a set of recordings.
Can we try before committing to a term?
Yes. Message us with your child's age and where you are, we will call and answer everything, and then you come for a trial class. Decide after that.
What does it cost?
Fees depend on the centre and the batch. Tell us your child's age and where you are, and we will give you the current fee for that batch before you decide anything.
Do you run holiday camps?
Yes, separately from the weekly class and booked separately: through the summer, and over festive breaks like Ganpati, Diwali and Christmas. Message us for dates.
