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.
PRE-KINDERGARTEN: RHYMES, PRAYERS AND FUN
At this tender age, children are full of innocence, curiosity, and joy. Though they may begin the year a little unsure, they quickly blossom under the loving guidance of our teachers, who gently introduce them to God and our culture. Through coloring, simple prayers, stories, songs, and playful activities, they learn to recognize our deities and the values they represent. By year’s end, the bond between teachers and students is so deep that parting brings tears - a beautiful reminder of the love they shared.
KINDERGARTEN: ALPHABET SAFARI
In Bala Vihar, children go beyond “A is for Apple” and learn that A is for Aspiration, B is for Brotherhood, C is for Cleanliness, and so on. Fundamental values are taught through stories, coloring, and simple activities. They are introduced to the wonder of Vedanta in an age‑appropriate way through hands‑on demonstrations. Children discover that just because something isn’t seen doesn’t mean it isn’t there - and that a focused mind helps us recognize the beauty within everyone..
GRADE 1: BALA RAMAYANA
Through the Ramayana, the world’s oldest epic, children learn the values embodied by Lord Rama, the ideal person. They follow His journey from childhood to marriage, exile, the war with Ravana, and finally His coronation. Along the way, they explore the symbolism woven into the story — the contrasts between the three pairs of brothers, what draws Vibhishana to Rama, and why Hanuman is the greatest devotee. By year’s end, the children develop a deep appreciation for Lord Rama’s virtues and the timeless lessons of this sacred text.
GRADE 2: SRI HANUMAN, THE SUPER SUPERMAN
“Have a backbone like a ruler - and rule the world.” This idea forms the heart of the class as students learn from Lord Rama’s greatest devotee, Hanumanji. Courage, strength, alertness, fearlessness, and eloquence are highlighted as the qualities that build a strong inner backbone. Through these virtues, children discover how discipline shapes a dynamic, confident personality. They also study the Hanuman Chalisa and its beautiful meaning - and even get to teach it to their parents.
GRADE 4: KRISHNA, KRISHNA EVERYWHERE AND 24 TEACHERS
Where do we find a Guru? In this class, students discover that Lord Krishna Himself becomes our guide through Cantos 10 and 11 of Śrīmad Bhāgavatam. Canto 10 brings Krishna’s lilas to life, teaching lessons on sharing, discipline, and reflection. Through “My 24 Teachers,” students learn how Mother Earth teaches patience, Water teaches detachment, and countless aspects of nature offer wisdom. By the end, they realize that Gurus are everywhere - if we are ready to see them.
GRADE 6: INDIA, THE SACRED LAND
Why is Bharat sacred? India offers a rich heritage of saints, sages, and timeless wisdom that continues to inspire the world. As children learn U.S. history in school, this class helps them also appreciate the depth and glory of Bharat’s ancient culture. They discover the contributions India has made - and continues to make - to global knowledge, spirituality, and civilization. Most importantly, it nurtures a healthy pride in their cultural roots.
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: BHAKTI YOGA
High schoolers step into the heart of Bhakti Yoga, discovering how devotion becomes a powerful way to understand themselves and relate to the divine. Through stories of great devotees and guided reflection, students learn how love, gratitude, and surrender can shape their thoughts, actions, and relationships. The course blends simple philosophy with meaningful activities, helping ancient wisdom feel real and relevant. It becomes a journey from knowing about God to feeling a connection with God in everyday life.
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: JNANA YOGA
High schoolers are introduced to Jnana Yoga, the path of self-knowledge and deeper understanding. Through stories, inquiry, discussion, and reflection, students explore the nature of the self, the mind, and the world around them. They learn to question assumptions, look beyond surface-level answers, and discover deeper truths about identity, purpose, and perspective. The course becomes a journey from simply knowing about themselves to asking who they truly are, developing the clarity and wisdom to live with greater awareness and purpose.
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: KARMA YOGA
High schoolers are introduced to Karma Yoga, the path of selfless action and purposeful living. Through stories, real-life examples, and reflection, students learn how acting without ego or expectation brings clarity, balance, and inner strength. The course shows how intention and attitude transform ordinary tasks into meaningful service. Guided discussions and simple activities help students see that Karma Yoga is not just about doing more - it is about doing with awareness. It becomes a journey from reacting to life to acting with purpose and responsibility, discovering the quiet joy of contributing without seeking reward.
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.