PMM-Marathi Shala FAQs

A student must be at least 5 years old by September 1, 2025.
At least one parent must be an annual family or associate member of PMM. For membership visit here.

Q1: Will classes be in-person or online?

Marathi Shala will operate in a hybrid model:
- Weekly online classes: via Google Meet every Sunday from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM EST (duration may vary by class level).
- Occasional in-person activities: Such as cultural events, picnics and internal exams.
Parents must provide a Gmail account for each student to access Google Meet.

Q2: What is the duration of the academic year?

The academic year runs from September 14, 2025, to mid-June 2026.
Final exams are held in mid-May 2026.
Students must complete required hours, including:
- Online and in-person class hours
- Homework
- Marathi Shala and PMM event participation
- Practice for performances
Breaks align with local school district calendars (summer and winter).

Q3: Do parents need to attend classes with their child?

Parents are only required to assist with starting Google Meet calls and provide technical support if needed.
Parental involvement is encouraged during in-person activities.

Q1: What are the fees?

$100 per child - For full-paid PMM annual family members.
$135 per child - If at least one parent is a PMM associate member.
Additional fees apply for students taking the BMM or state board exams at the end of the year.

Q2: How do I register my child?

Complete registration via:
- PMM Membership: Membership Page
- Marathi Shala Enrollment: Enrollment Link
For new students only - Select the appropriate proficiency level during enrollment:
- Level 1: No understanding of Marathi.
- Level 2: Understands Marathi but struggles to speak.
- Level 3: Can speak Marathi but cannot read or write.
- Level 4: Fluent in speaking Marathi, with some reading/writing ability.
- Level 5: Fluent in speaking, writing and reading simple Marathi books.

Q1: How is my child’s level determined?

Initial placement is based on age (see table below), followed by an assessment to ensure appropriate grouping.

Older students with prior Marathi knowledge will be assessed and placed accordingly.
Progression to the next level is based on:
Classroom work, homework, quizzes, attendance, interim/final (oral/written) exams.
Students are recommended (but not required) to take the BMM Shala Exam every 2 years or after 120 academic hours.

Q2: Who are the teachers?

Experienced and dedicated volunteer teachers from the PMM community, passionate about teaching Marathi.

Q3: How is student progress communicated?

Progress Reports: Regular detailed reports highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.
Parent-Teacher Meetings: Scheduled discussions to review progress and address concerns.
Feedback Mechanism: Ongoing teacher feedback to support student growth and motivation.

Q1: What equipment is needed for online classes?

A tablet or computer with a stable internet connection is required.
Avoid using phones due to challenges with reading and writing on small screens.
As mentioned earlier - Parents must provide a Gmail account for each student to access Google Meet.

Q2: Are there extracurricular activities?

Yes, the curriculum emphasizes holistic development, covering:
- Maharashtra’s history, saints, festivals, and historical places.
- Indian festivals, Ramayan, Mahabharat, shlokas, and more, tailored to each level.
- Year around activities for students’ development will be conducted in coordination with Bruhan Maharashtra Mandal (BMM) Shala

Prajakta Deodhar: Shala Principal: 425-312-4632

Vrushali Khopade : Shala Administrator: 732-208-7669