Para Parameshwaran was not interested in fancy sporting fields when deciding on a school for his children.

For the civil and chemical engineer and his wife Yogarani, also an engineer, the focus for their family was for the children to study with ''like-minded'' students.

Nothing fancy: Para Parameshwaran and son Kajanan, 17, at James Ruse Agricultural High. Credit:Janie Barrett

Their son, Kajanan, 17, is vice-captain of James Ruse Agricultural High and their daughter, Balaki, is in year 10.

''For us, we gave little thought to private schools because we researched schools and we knew we wanted them to be with like-minded kids and where they could be challenged,'' Mr Parameshwaran said.