Balavihar FAQ

Bala Vihar is Chinmaya Mission’s weekend program for children from pre-K through grade 12. Through stories, songs, slokas, and discussion, children learn the values of Sanatana Dharma and grow into thoughtful, grounded young adults. CMDFW has run Bala Vihar for decades, with classes at multiple locations across the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Below are the answers to the questions parents ask us most.

Register for 2026–27 →

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages does Bala Vihar serve?

Bala Vihar at CMDFW is for children from pre-K through grade 12. Shishu Vihar for toddlers is offered in some locations.

Where are Bala Vihar classes held?

CMDFW runs Bala Vihar at three locations:

• Chinmaya Saaket — 17701 Davenport Road, Dallas, TX 75252
• Chinmaya Chitrakoot — 900 N Beltline Road, Irving, TX 75061
• Chinmaya Frisco — Aspiring Minds Montessori, 12615 Jereme Trail, Frisco, TX 75035

Each location may run on a different day or time — see the Sessions: Locations & Timings page for the current schedule.

When does the Bala Vihar year start and end?

The academic year typically runs August through May, mirroring the school year. The 2026–27 year begins on 7th August 2026.

How do I register my child?

Registration is done online at the registration portal. The process generally involves:

• Creating a family account (or logging in if you’re a returning family)
• Adding each child with their grade and any health/allergy information
• Selecting a Bala Vihar location and language class preference
• Paying the annual registration fee

Registration for the 2026–27 year is currently open. See Registration & Fees to get started.

Is there a registration deadline?

No. Early registration is strongly encouraged because some classes fill up. Late registrations may be placed on a waitlist or directed to a different location.

How much does Bala Vihar cost?

The annual fee covers the academic year. Financial assistance is available — please contact the coordinator if cost is a barrier.

A typical Sunday

What should my child bring?

Most parents send their child with:

• A notebook or folder for handouts
• A pencil or pen
• A water bottle
• Their Bala Vihar textbook (provided at the start of the year)
• Modest, comfortable clothing — children sit on the floor for parts of the class

Is there a dress code?

Children should wear modest, comfortable clothing suitable for sitting on the floor. Traditional Indian wear is recommended.

How long is each session?

Each session is 1.5 hours. Children are in the assembly hall for the first 30 minutes, then move to their individual classes for an hour.

Do parents stay during class?

Yes — all parents are asked to stay for the duration of the session and attend the adult study group or Vedanta class held in parallel.

What is taught in class?

The curriculum is built around stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, and Puranas, along with values teaching, slokas (chants), bhajans (devotional songs), and cultural awareness. It is age-graded — younger children focus on stories and songs, older children move into deeper philosophical discussion.

Attendance and missed classes

What if my child misses a class?

It happens. Reach out to your child’s teacher or the location coordinator and they’ll share what was covered and any homework. Consistent attendance is encouraged — children benefit most when they’re in regular contact with their classmates and teacher.

Is there a minimum attendance requirement?

CMDFW encourages regular attendance but does not have a strict minimum. Graduation from the program at grade 12 is the goal.

What if my child is sick?

Please keep your child home if they are unwell, and notify your teacher by email or text so they can make a note.

Language classes

What language classes are offered?

CMDFW offers regional language classes alongside Bala Vihar, such as Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, and Sanskrit. See the Language & Culture Classes page for details.

When do language classes meet?

Language classes are typically held immediately before or after Bala Vihar at the same location, so families can do both in one trip.

Is the language class fee separate?

Yes — language classes have a small additional fee on top of Bala Vihar registration.

Beyond the classroom

What events should Bala Vihar families plan around?

Major dates to know:

• Annual Gita Chanting Competition (regional rounds in winter, state finals in spring)
• Summer family camp (typically June)
• Bala Vihar graduation and annual banquet (end of the school year)
• Festival celebrations — Diwali, Holi, Janmashtami, Navratri, and more
• Special events with visiting Swamijis and Brahmacharis

All dates are posted on the CMDFW events calendar.

Are there opportunities for parents to get involved?

Yes — and they’re warmly welcomed. Parents can:

• Teach a Bala Vihar class (training and support provided)
• Join a Bala Vihar sub-committee (curriculum, events, communications, logistics)
• Help with major events like Gita Chanting, family camp, or the banquet
• Contribute to Bhiksha (meal service) on special days

See Get Involved for current openings.

Who to contact

Who do I contact with questions?

For general questions about Bala Vihar, email the BV coordinator. For location-specific questions (Saaket, Chitrakoot, Frisco), each location has its own coordinator listed on the Sessions: Locations & Timings page.

Who do I contact if I want to teach?

Reach out to the Bala Vihar coordinator. Teaching is a wonderful seva — full training is provided, and there’s usually a mentor teacher who pairs with new teachers in their first year.

Who do I contact about financial assistance?

Please email the registrar or BV coordinator confidentially. Cost should never be a reason a family stays away from Bala Vihar.

Still have questions?

Email balaviharcoordinator@cmdfw.org and we’ll get back to you within a few days. Hari Om!