Your Child’s Grades Don’t Matter As Much As You Think

What if school wasn’t just about grades—but about raising future-ready humans? In this episode of The Dream Catchers Show, I sat down with Deepika Sodhi, principal of GIIS East Coast, I saw why this school isn’t your typical academic grind. With its 9 GEMS framework, GIIS blends academics, creativity, sports, values—and even ethical AI use—into everyday learning. Deepika shares how the school creates confident, well-rounded students while making life easier for parents (no more running to 5 after-school classes!). It’s education, reimagined!

Discussion Topics: Your Child’s Grades Don’t Matter As Much As You Think

• What if academic scores weren’t the key to a child’s future success?
• Can one framework really prepare kids for 2050?
• The surprising places GIIS students end up—and how they get there
• Why GIIS parents start thinking about college when their kids are 13
• Zoom classrooms, facial recognition, and a school built for the future
• What happens when teachers, students—and parents—truly align?
• Are we overdoing it with kids’ extracurriculars? One principal weighs in
• The system that lets kids thrive… even if they’re not great at everything (yet)
• From fear to friendship: how teacher-student relationships are evolving
• AI is like oxygen—but can schools teach kids to use it ethically?
• Why AI won’t replace teachers (and what makes human learning irreplaceable)
• “Push. Passion. Persistence. Perseverance.” A success formula worth remembering
• How failing to become a doctor led her to top the university in… physics
• The real gold medals aren’t on a shelf—they’re walking into global universities

Our Guest: Deepika Sodhi

Deepika Sodhi is a visionary education leader with over 26 years of experience in academic excellence, curriculum innovation, and digital transformation. As Principal at Global Indian International School, she’s led award-winning initiatives that blend Cambridge and IB pedagogy with holistic development. A certified Apple Teacher and ISO auditor, she’s a passionate advocate for inclusive, future-ready education. Known as a strategic thinker and inspirational mentor, Deepika empowers students and educators alike to thrive in an evolving world.