Meet the Programme Director
In any given week, I have the pleasure of marveling at 12 wiggly teeth. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Cherishing and cultivating the imagination—and the self-esteem—of a young person is a huge responsibility, one that my team members and I take very seriously. Our open door policy and transparent lines of communication allow relationships to solidify—and thrive.
Our approach is inspired by various educational pedagogy, such as Montessori, Waldorf, the Reggio Emilia approach, provocation tables, observation corners—and good old fashioned compassion—to ensure our curriculum is dynamic, challenging, application based and relevant. Above all, the school deploys unmatched resources in terms of faculty, and faculty support, to give a Civitas student the one-on-one attention he or she deserves.
Ours is a family in the truest sense of the word. Like a matriarch, I guard my clan. Even when parents are navigating turbulent times in their lives, they know that they will be heard and the school is a safe haven for them. We operate as a cohesive unit, growing by leaps and bounds while capitalising upon each other's strengths, all united by the best interest of the child. This age group we work with, particularly the youngest ones, requires careful nurturing and uncompromising vigilance. The manners they imbibe and the values that they are exposed to at this age will serve as the foundation of their character. Many times, in a race to get the letter formation or numerical association done first, the child's personality is thwarted and their natural curiosity is stifled.
At Civitas, we certainly focus on the letters and the numbers, just as we would at any other top-tier educational institution. However, we also take the time to look for ants, read a storybook to each other if a student is unwell, push in our chairs properly, learn how to roll and unroll a mat, greet each other with kindness and have the mental presence and acumen to grasp teachable moments for what they are: pure magic.
Our specialisation of resources allows people to focus on what matters most: the education process itself. My role involves safeguarding the happiness of everyone on our team. Because above everything else, each and every person should be happy while coming to Civitas.
— Almas Riaz
Programme Director
Inspiring young minds since 1994
Meet our Community
The educational philosophy and unique culture of Civitas is not confined to the classroom. All the members of our community contribute to making the school the special place that it is, and our approach infiltrates all our areas and stakeholders differently. Nestled in a quiet neighbourhood in Old Clifton, the security of our students while on campus is nonpareil. Adjacent to Park Lane Hospital and walking distance from a police station and multiple embassies, the central location presents a safe cocoon of sorts. This translates into an overall enhanced student experience, with assistance from various members of our community – all of whom have so much to share!