Kodaikanal International School (KIS) is a co-educational, independent residential school offering K-12 education in the scenic Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu, India. Established on a 43-acre campus in Kodaikanal, KIS was the first school in India to offer the IB Diploma Program (IBDP) in 1975 and remains one of the few IB continuum residential schools in the country.KIS operates two academic campuses: HighClerc (Grades 9–12) and Ganga (Grades P-8). The school features 73 classrooms, 3 libraries, 6 science labs, and extensive sports facilities, including courts for basketball, badminton, and tennis, as well as fields for football, cricket, and hockey.

Student life revolves around 16 residences housing 25-35 students each. KIS also runs a 135-acre Wilderness Camp near Poondi, offering immersive outdoor education. With a strong academic foundation and a commitment to holistic learning, KIS continues to be a leader in international education in India.

At Kodaikanal International School (KIS), we offer the following programs:

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP), a globally recognized and challenging academic pathway that prepares students for success in higher education and beyond. The IB DP is designed to foster critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and a global perspective, equipping students with the skills needed to navigate an ever-changing world.

The International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IB CP), a unique educational pathway designed to combine academic learning with practical career skills. The IB CP provides students with the opportunity to focus on their future career aspirations while gaining a globally recognized IB education. This programme equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to succeed in both higher education and the workforce.

The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP), a five-year educational framework designed for students aged 11 to 16 (Grades 6–10). The MYP emphasizes holistic learning, intercultural understanding, and a global perspective, preparing students for the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

We have 16 student residences spread over four campuses accommodating 25-35 students each. All our girl students are accommodated on the main Highclerc campus. Each residence works as a family unit and the residential parents along with the students are given the freedom to create their own unique spaces. Unlike most boarding schools, we keep the number of students in each residence small, so every member’s needs can be identified and addressed, while at the same time providing them ample space to develop and reflect. This means their social, emotional, physical, spiritual and academic development is closely assisted and supported in every way. The overall emphasis in each residence is to create a unique combination of a space that is home and community at the same time.

Besides the social rooms the residences also have kitchens where students can toss up some quick bites. The school ensures that highest standards of hygiene and safety are adhered to within the residences.

At Kodaikanal International School, education goes beyond the confines of textbooks and classrooms. We believe in fostering a dynamic learning environment where students actively engage in hands-on experiences that bring their studies to life. Our approach to "Learning in Action" emphasizes practical application, real-world connections, and experiential learning across all disciplines. Some of the key opportunities for students we offer at KIS include:

KIS Center for Environment and Humanity

The KIS Center for Environment and Humanity (CEH) addresses environmental challenges through education and engagement. Collaborating with local experts, the Center works on regional and global issues such as climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture. By promoting environmental consciousness, CEH encourages students to become informed advocates for sustainability in both local and global contexts.

CAS/SEED Projects

The SEED program at KIS fosters community engagement by combining classroom learning with hands-on projects focused on social and environmental issues. Students engage in activities that align with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, building teamwork, communication skills, and a sense of responsibility. Through these projects, students contribute to the community while growing personally and globally.

Community Engagement

We believe in the power of giving back to the community. Our Community Engagement program is designed to foster a sense of social responsibility, empathy, and active participation in local and global issues. Students are encouraged to contribute to causes that resonate with them, whether through volunteering, service projects, or collaborations with local organizations. These experiences not only help shape compassionate global citizens but also strengthen the bond between our school and the community, creating a positive cycle of mutual learning and support.

Camping and Hiking Program

The Camping and Hiking Program connects students with the natural beauty of the Western Ghats. Located 42 kilometers from Kodaikanal at Poondi Camp, students engage in activities like canoeing, climbing, and hiking, gaining practical skills, bonding with peers, and developing environmental awareness. From weekend camps to extended treks, this program promotes teamwork, physical challenges, and transformative learning.

Field Trips

Field trips at KIS are key to enhancing classroom learning, offering immersive, real-world experiences. From exploring sustainable practices to studying ecosystems in Goa and Pondicherry, these excursions promote interdisciplinary connections, critical thinking, and cultural awareness, preparing students for responsible global citizenship.

Exchanges

Our international exchange programs broaden students’ global perspectives and enhance cultural understanding. Through partnerships with prestigious schools in places like Oxford, France, and Germany, students live and study in diverse settings, gaining academic enrichment, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of global citizenship.

We have 16 student residences spread over four campuses accommodating 25-35 students each. All our girl students are accommodated on the main Highclerc campus. Each residence works as a family unit and the residential parents along with the students are given the freedom to create their own unique spaces. Unlike most boarding schools, we keep the number of students in each residence small, so every member’s needs can be identified and addressed, while at the same time providing them ample space to develop and reflect. This means their social, emotional, physical, spiritual and academic development is closely assisted and supported in every way. The overall emphasis in each residence is to create a unique combination of a space that is home and community at the same time.

Besides the social rooms the residences also have kitchens where students can toss up some quick bites. The school ensures that highest standards of hygiene and safety are adhered to within the residences.