As Indian parents increasingly seek education systems that prepare their children for global opportunities, International Baccalaureate (IB) schools are gaining prominence for their emphasis on inquiry, critical thinking, and global awareness. These schools foster curious, confident, and compassionate learners, equipping them for future success. Among the leaders in this domain is Goldcrest International in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, a distinguished IB school that has been shaping students’ futures since 2012. Part of the Goldcrest chain of schools, Goldcrest International is the latest initiative of The MANJARA CHARITABLE TRUST, founded under the visionary leadership of the late Shri. Vilasrao Deshmukh. Known for its innovative pedagogy and Real-World Learning approach, Goldcrest has earned the prestigious title of Best IB School of the Year 2024 at the Education Excellence Awards 2024.
Goldcrest International in a Nutshell
Goldcrest International is a comprehensive Grade 6-12 school authorized by both Cambridge International and the International Baccalaureate (IB). The school began its journey in 2013 with the introduction of the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) for Grades 11 and 12, followed by the IGCSE curriculum for Grades 9 and 10 in 2015, and the Cambridge Middle School Programme for Grades 6-8 in 2016.
Goldcrest’s educational approach focuses on the holistic development of students—emphasizing physical, emotional, and intellectual growth. The curriculum is designed to enhance cognitive skills, preparing students for the rigors of the IGCSE, IBDP, university life, and beyond, while fostering a lifelong love for learning. The school environment encourages individual growth, reflection, and self-awareness.
A Commitment to Nurturing Growth and Empowering Students
To gain deeper insight into Goldcrest’s approach, we had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Frank Braccia, the Head of School. When asked about the core values of the school, he shared, “We prioritize nurturing the whole child, supporting individual growth and self-discovery. We don’t encourage toxic competition or push students beyond their limits. Instead, we work alongside them to help them find their own path in life.”
When asked what sets Goldcrest apart from other IB schools, Mr. Braccia emphasized the school’s commitment to student-led leadership. “We focus on empowering students to take an active role in the school,” he said. “For example, our student council not only drafts its own constitution but also meets regularly with the head of school to discuss issues and contribute to decision-making. This fosters a sense of responsibility and encourages student agency.”
Navigating the Pandemic
Committed to providing an enriching experience, Goldcrest International boasts modern infrastructure that includes all the required amenities and facilities, needed by today’s students. Moreover, Goldcrest International was well-equipped to handle the challenges of the pandemic, having already integrated digital tools and virtual learning environments into their curriculum.
The school’s teachers were experienced with online classes, allowing for a smooth transition to remote learning. However, the real challenge arose when students and teachers returned to physical classrooms post-pandemic. The school faced social and personal discipline issues, knowledge gaps, and difficulties in adjusting to routines. To ease the transition, Goldcrest implemented counseling and revised rules, working to rebuild normalcy.
Regarding digital infrastructure, Goldcrest had already embraced technology before the pandemic, which allowed for an accelerated adoption of digital tools during this period. The school continues to integrate AI into curriculum design and student assessments, while maintaining a balance with hands-on teaching. Technology is used as a tool for communication, but the core of teaching and learning remains human-centered.
Goldcrest International’s Academic Excellence and Diverse Student Achievements
Goldcrest International students consistently perform at a high level, often surpassing the global IB average, with many achieving scores above 38 points in their IB exams. Additionally, a notable number of students excel in the SATs, with recent scores exceeding 1550. Alumni from the school pursue a wide range of careers, including law, film, product design, veterinary sciences, and computer engineering. Many students also participate in community service through Goldcrest’s Maharashtra outreach program, which promotes social responsibility.
Goldcrest provides strong support for university admissions, both in India and abroad. The school offers expert guidance on university choices, applications, and admission procedures. It actively connects students with university fairs and invites alumni to share their experiences on the application process, university life, and career paths. Goldcrest International’s alumni have successfully secured positions in top universities both internationally and within India.
In the Days to Come
We are focused on expanding our facilities to accommodate our growing demand. We are currently nearing full capacity and are adding additional space to support this growth. While we offer a broad range of IB subjects, including Film, Psychology, History, and Visual Arts, we are also considering introducing more subjects and programs to support this expansion.” He also emphasized, “Diversity remains a key priority for us, and we are committed to creating more opportunities for all students. We take great pride in our female student leaders, such as the recent Sports Secretary, and are dedicated to empowering women in all fields.”
