Education Meets Office: Hyderabad School Introduces Innovative Co-Working Lounge for Parents
As Hyderabad continues to cement its reputation as a powerhouse in India’s technology sector, the city’s educational landscape is undergoing a modern transformation. Reflecting the evolving needs of working professionals, Sagebrook International School in Nanakramguda has launched a unique initiative: an on-campus co-working lounge specifically designed for parents.
Bringing the Office to Campus
The institution, which officially opened its doors in April with classes commencing in July, has integrated a 1,400-square-foot facility that blurs the lines between a traditional school environment and a professional workspace. The lounge features dedicated desks, communal tables, and amenities that allow parents to transition seamlessly between their professional duties and their roles as caregivers.
The facility functions as a comprehensive retreat, offering a café menu that includes sandwiches, salads, and wraps. Beyond the workspace, the lounge features stationary cycles for those looking to squeeze in a workout and a curated library focusing on parenting, child development, and pedagogy. While use of the co-working space is complimentary, refreshments are available for purchase.
Bridging the Gap for Modern Families
For many parents, the facility offers a vital solution to the “separation anxiety” often associated with early childhood education. Prathyusha Devarapalli, a local mother, notes that the lounge provides a crucial “me-time” space that allows her to remain nearby should her children require support during their transition into school life.
Karthik Nallamothu, a startup founder whose twins are currently enrolled in the pre-nursery program, finds the environment superior to traditional, often claustrophobic, co-working centers. “The airy space here gives a relaxed feel,” he explains, noting that the thoughtful design ensures that the workspace remains quiet and productive, even while children are playing elsewhere on campus.
An Intergenerational Vision
The concept was pioneered by school founder Praveen Raju, who drew inspiration from similar models observed in London and Singapore. Driven by the prevalence of hybrid work models in the IT industry, Raju sought to create an intergenerational campus where grandparents, parents, and children can coexist.
“There is a greater need today for parents to be involved in their children’s education,” says Raju. “We wanted to build a space where that collaboration can happen.”
Eshita Raju, the school’s co-founder, emphasizes that the space is as much about emotional support as it is about convenience. By offering a sanctuary for parents to work, the school aims to mitigate the stress of long commutes and the anxiety of leaving young children in a new environment.
Looking forward, the school plans to leverage this lounge as a hub for educational workshops, covering essential topics such as developmental milestones and age-appropriate learning strategies. As the school establishes clear guidelines to maintain a productive atmosphere, it stands as a pioneer in redefining how schools support the modern working family.
