Hyderabad, India – September 1, 2026 – In a groundbreaking move that redefines the traditional school environment, Sagebrook International School in Hyderabad’s burgeoning Nanakramguda district has launched an innovative parent café and co-working lounge. This unique facility aims to seamlessly integrate the demands of modern professional life with the crucial early years of a child’s education, offering a sanctuary for working parents within the school premises. As Hyderabad solidifies its status as a premier technology and innovation hub, Sagebrook’s initiative reflects a forward-thinking approach to education that acknowledges and addresses the evolving needs of contemporary families.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) school, which officially opened its doors in April and commenced academic sessions in July, has dedicated a spacious 1,400 square foot area to this dual-purpose lounge. This thoughtfully designed space transcends the conventional parent waiting area, providing a fully equipped environment where parents can work, relax, and connect, all while remaining close to their children. The initiative is rooted in the understanding that many parents, particularly those in the city’s thriving IT sector, are increasingly embracing hybrid and flexible work models.
A Fusion of Productivity and Parenthood: The Co-Working Lounge Explained
Sagebrook’s co-working lounge is more than just a room with desks; it’s a holistic ecosystem designed to support the multifaceted lives of today’s parents. The facility offers a range of amenities catering to both professional needs and personal well-being. Parents can avail themselves of dedicated workstations for focused work, comfortable communal tables for collaborative sessions or casual meetings, and a cozy café serving a curated menu of healthy and convenient options, including sandwiches, salads, wraps, and bowls.
Beyond the immediate work-related facilities, the lounge is equipped with a stationary cycle, encouraging parents to incorporate physical activity into their day. A thoughtfully curated library features an array of books on topics ranging from parenting and child development to educational philosophies, empowering parents with knowledge and resources. The school currently offers programs from pre-nursery and kindergarten up to Grade II, making this facility particularly relevant for parents of young children navigating the initial stages of formal schooling.
While the use of the co-working space is complimentary, the café services are available on a pay-as-you-go basis, ensuring accessibility for a broad spectrum of parents. This model allows parents to maximize their time effectively, transforming potential downtime into productive hours without the stress of commuting back and forth from a separate workspace.
Testimonials: A Sanctuary for Anxious Minds and Busy Professionals
The impact of this innovative space is already being felt by parents. Prathyusha Devarapalli, mother to twins Chashvi and Chasan, expressed her relief and appreciation for the lounge. "I get a chance to relax and have me-time here," she shared, highlighting how the proximity to her young children alleviates her anxiety. As a homemaker from Kokapet, she finds it invaluable to spend a few hours each day reading or connecting with other parents. "My children are young, can get cranky at times, and it doesn’t make sense for me to come again from home if they need support," she explained, underscoring the practical benefits of having a supportive environment readily available.
For Karthik Nallamothu, a startup founder in Hyderabad, the lounge provides a much-needed quiet corner for his demanding schedule. While his twins, Kriansh and Kritika, adjust to their pre-nursery routine, he can efficiently manage emails and conduct short office meetings. Nallamothu contrasted the Sagebrook experience with conventional co-working spaces, noting, "Co-working spaces either have a closed desk or cabin which sometimes makes it claustrophobic, but the airy space here gives a relaxed feel." He further appreciated the separation from the play area, which prevents distractions and allows for focused work, even during designated playtimes.
The Genesis of an Idea: Inspired by Global Educational Paradigms
The visionary behind Sagebrook International School, Praveen Raju, drew inspiration for the co-working lounge from his observations during a visit to a kindergarten in London in 2022. He was struck by a facility that resembled a co-working space, albeit with a fee structure. This encounter, followed by learning about a similar concept in Singapore, sparked the idea of integrating workplace amenities into an educational setting.
Raju, who also founded the well-regarded Suchitra Academy, recognized the growing prevalence of hybrid work models across numerous IT companies. This trend led him to question why schools couldn’t mirror the convenience and flexibility that parents were experiencing at home. "I later learnt of a school in Singapore offering something similar and thought it was an interesting concept," he stated, emphasizing the desire to create a more supportive ecosystem for working parents.
Fostering an Intergenerational Campus: Beyond the Traditional Classroom
The concept extends beyond mere convenience; it’s about fostering a more integrated and engaged approach to childhood development. Praveen Raju articulated the growing imperative for parental involvement in a child’s educational journey. "There is also a greater need today for parents to be involved in their children’s education than there was a few years ago. We thought, why not create a space where that collaboration can happen?" he explained.
Furthermore, with grandparents playing an increasingly significant role in childcare, Sagebrook aims to cultivate an "intergenerational campus." This vision envisions a shared space where grandparents, parents, and children can all coexist and interact, fostering stronger family bonds and a more holistic learning environment. This inclusive approach acknowledges the diverse familial structures and support systems that contribute to a child’s upbringing.
Eshita Raju, Praveen Raju’s daughter and co-founder of Sagebrook International School, views the lounge as a pivotal space for both bonding and continuous learning. "Many new parents experience separation anxiety when their children begin school. At the same time, they are juggling multiple responsibilities and spending significant time commuting. This gives them the option of staying close to their children while they work or simply cutting down on travel time," she elaborated.
Future Horizons: Workshops and Maintaining a Productive Environment
Looking ahead, Sagebrook International School has ambitious plans for the co-working lounge. The school intends to leverage this versatile space to host a series of parent education workshops. These sessions will cover critical topics such as managing separation anxiety, understanding early childhood development, age-appropriate learning strategies, and recognizing developmental milestones. This commitment to ongoing parental support underscores the school’s holistic philosophy.
To ensure the lounge remains a conducive environment for both work and relaxation, the school is developing clear guidelines. These protocols are designed to maintain a productive atmosphere, preventing the space from devolving into a purely social gathering spot. The objective is to strike a delicate balance, encouraging interaction and community building while upholding the core purpose of facilitating focused work and quiet reflection for parents.
Sagebrook International School’s pioneering initiative represents a significant stride in adapting educational institutions to the realities of the 21st century. By integrating a functional co-working space, the school not only supports the professional lives of parents but also fosters a more connected and less stressful experience for families navigating the critical early years of education. This innovative model sets a compelling precedent for how schools can evolve to become more integrated and supportive components of the modern family’s ecosystem.
