To transfer values to the next generation we need to imbibe them ourselves. The best preaching is in your own perfect action.
- Swami Chinmayananda
The Curriculum for Chinmaya Bala Vihar® has been refined over the last 50 years. It is structured and based on our scriptures, with a focus on how scriptures apply to our daily lives.
GRADE PRE-KINDERGARTEN: RHYMES, PRAYERS, AND FUN
This precious age is one where children are innocent and full of life. While they start out anxious of the new surroundings, they quickly latch on to our caring teachers who instill in them the love of God. Even at this tender age, the teachers help to inculcate reverence for our culture through coloring, simple prayers, and fun songs and dances. Through creative means, the children readily identify our Gods and the qualities they represent. At the end of the year, both teachers and students have tears borne out of the bond that was created between them.
GRADE KINDERGARTEN: ALPHABET SAFARI
We all know that ‘A is for Apple’ and ‘B is for Boy,’ but in Balavihar, the children learn that “A is for Aspiration, B is for Brotherhood, C is for Cleanliness,” and so on. Simple, but fundamental, values are taught and emphasized through stories and coloring. The children are introduced to the wonder of Vedanta in an age-appropriate manner through hands-on activities and demonstrations. They learn that just because something is not seen does not mean that it is not there. Therefore, our minds need to be focused to see the beauty within all of us.
GRADE 1: BALA RAMAYANA
Through the Ramayana, the world’s oldest epic, Lord Rama teaches us the values of the perfect person. The children track the path of Lord Rama from childhood to marriage to exile to the war with Ravana, culminating in his crowning as King. Embedded in the story is so much symbolism. How are the 3 pairs of brothers in the Ramayana different? What attracts Vibhishana, Ravana’s brother, to Lord Rama? Why is HanumanJi the greatest devotee, and how can we be like him? The children will amaze you with their deep appreciation of the glories of Lord Rama.
GRADE 2: SRI HANUMAN, THE SUPER SUPERMAN
“Have a backbone like a ruler and rule the world.”This metaphor describes the foundation of this class as students learn from the Lord’s great devotee, Hanumanji. The values of courage, strength, fearlnessness, alertness, and eloquence are highlighted as those that make our backbone strong. Through these qualities, children are shown how they can develop a majestic personality and how, through discipline, they can earn merits in the world. Students study Hanuman Chalisa and its beautiful meaning, and they, in turn, will teach their parents.
GRADE 4: KRISHNA, KRISHNA EVERYWHERE AND 24 TEACHERS
Where can we find our Guru? Lord Krishna is the source of so much inspiration and teaching. Cantos 10 and 11 of Bhagavatam are covered during this class. Canto 10 focuses on Krishna lila stories through which children learn about sharing, self-discipline, and introspection. As they embark upon “My 24 Teachers,” the students learn that Mother Earth teaches us patience, the mountains teach us patience, the arrow-maker teaches us concentration. In this wonderful class, students begin to realize that our Gurus are always present, if only we are ready to see them.
GRADE 6: INDIA, THE SACRED LAND
Why is Bharat (India) sacred? India provides us with a rich history and culture with so much to be proud of. The heritage of Bharat with its saints and sages are a treasure from which we can learn the glory of this ancient culture. India has offered so much to this world, and in this class, as children begin to get exposed to the history of the United States in their schools, they can also begin to appreciate the rich history of Bharat. What more can we ask for than for our children to develop a pride in what Bharat has offered and continues to offer the world.
GRADE 8: SAMPOORNA MAHABHARATA
Our children are searching for guidance on how to navigate the complexities of life. The Mahabharata, one of the greatest epics of Hinduism, offers timeless lessons through its characters and stories. Drawing from the foundations of Hinduism and the philosophy of Vedanta, the class reveals how the struggles, decisions, and dharmic choices of figures like Yudhishthira, Arjuna, Draupadi, and Krishna serve as mirrors to our own lives. Students learn that they can lead a life of strength, clarity, and purpose - academically, socially, and spiritually.
GRADE 10: SRIMAD BHAGAVAD GITA FOR HIGH SCHOOLERS
Prince Arjuna was the greatest of warriors, but when it came time to do his duty, he wavered. His strength, though, was his willingness to adapt. So, Lord Krishna teaches him through the Gita. We are Prince Arjuna, and in allowing the Gita to flow through us, we can transform ourselves. In this class, the young adults begin a lifelong quest in understanding who they are, who God is, and the relationship between the two. This knowledge will be the foundation for their professional and spiritual goals. Is there a better gift to give to the future of humanity?
LANGUAGES
Mark Twain once said, "India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grandmother of tradition." Few countries can boast of the diversity in array of languages, and through our many sevaks/volunteers, we offer instruction in several of them. Our language options for this year include: Sanskrit, Hindi, & Tamil.
SAT
We offer SAT preparation, aimed primarily towards students in Grades 6-9. Through this instruction, we begin to introduce concepts covered in the SAT to students beginning at an early age so that they can become familiar with the test and concepts covered.
GRADE 11: SRIMAD BHAGAVATAM
In an age where stories compete for attention, the timeless tales of the Bhagavatam offer students something deeper -- a path to wisdom, connection, and joy. This class brings the Srimad Bhagavatam to life for high schoolers through engaging stories, characters, and reflections on dharma, devotion, and the power of divine love. From Krishna’s playful leelas to the steadfast faith of Prahlada, students explore what it means to live with courage, humility, and purpose. As they connect ancient truths to modern challenges, they discover how these stories can guide them toward a more centered, compassionate, meaningful life.
GRADE 12: SELF-UNFOLDMENT
In a world filled with distractions and pressure to succeed, students overlook the deeper questions of who they are and what truly brings fulfillment. This class, introduces students to the fundamentals of Vedantic thinking in an approachable way. Through discussions on the nature of the Self, the mind, and the purpose of life, students begin to see how inner growth leads to outer success. By cultivating awareness and a reflective mindset, they are empowered to make thoughtful choices and lead a life anchored in clarity, purpose, and inner strength.
GRADE 9: HINDU DHARMA AND HINDU CULTURE
To succeed in life, one must understand and live by Hindu Dharma. Students explore the rich teachings of Hindu culture and values, gaining clarity on what Dharma means and how to apply it in daily life. Through thoughtful discussions, reflection, and guidance, students learn the importance of right action, personal responsibility, and the Law of Karma. Students are encouraged to introspect more seriously, analyze their behavior and choices, and recognize their role as conscious architects of their own lives. Where there is Dharma, there is Victory!
GRADE 7: SAMPOORNA RAMAYANA
Amidst the challenges of growing up, students benefit from role models who demonstrate strength of character and devotion to a higher ideal. This class explores the Ramayana not just as a story but as a guide to righteous living rooted in Vedantic values. Through Rama, Sita, Hanuman, and others, students uncover lessons on duty, courage, compassion, and selflessness. These timeless ideals help students navigate their own lives with greater confidence and a sense of purpose, inspiring them to lead with integrity and serve with humility.
GRADE 5: SYMBOLISM IN HINDUISM
What is a symbol and why have them? Why does Lord Ganesh have big ears and why does He travel on a mouse? Why does Lord Shiva have Mother Ganga flowing from His hair? Our scriptures are filled with hidden gems of knowledge, and these treasures are unlocked as children explore the deeper meaning behind all that they see in Hinduism. All these symbols are of the one Lord who pervades all and teaches us to live a life of harmony, fulfillment, and happiness. The children will be able to actually teach their parents about the meaning of our religion.
GRADE 3 : BALA BHAGAVATAM
Thousands of years ago, King Parikshit heard Shrimad Bhagavatam from Shukadev. Bhagavatam MahaPurana is considered to be among the purest of our scriptures since it invokes devotion to Lord Vishnu, through His incarnations. Bala Bhagavatam guides young minds through the stories of Lord Vishnu. They learn to own up to their actions and to ask for what they need and not what they always want. Even at this young age, the content from this class teaches the children what is meant by Dharma and how we can all live responsibly and meet our potential.
*Since some grades are combined, the specific content may not exactly match above, but children will never repeat content
**Children can only start Grade K of Bala Vihar once they are in Kindergarten of their regular school.