Kodaikanal International School
Overview
- from 10
- to 18 years old
Co-Education
18 different nationalities
- from 1512000
- to 1875000
- INR
450 students
Founded in 1901
•Accredited with the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA – CESS) beginning in 1968 •The first IB and international school in India (and the third in Asia) with the introduction of the International Baccalaureate Diploma in 1976 among only nine other schools worldwide •Recognized by the Association of Indian Universities, Delhi in 1981 •Member of the Council of International Schools (CIS) beginning in 2015 •Member of Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools (NESA) •Member of National Honor Society (NHS), an US based student leadership organization •Member of Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
Academics
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.
Extra curricular
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.
Boarding
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.
Tuition and fees per year
How much does it cost to go to Kodaikanal International School?
- from 1512000
- to 1875000
- INR
Boarding school tuition
Things to know
July and January
How many students are in Kodaikanal International School?
450 students
- In total, Kodaikanal International School enrolls
- 450 students from
- 18 different nationalities.
HealthThe KIS Dispensary, known affectionately as the ‘Dish’, is a 24-bed medical care facility with 24-hour healthcare, and the capacity to conduct outpatient and inpatient treatment; minor procedures and minor surgery. KIS has a full-time doctor and four registered nurses that are available to patients at all times during the semester, and on weekdays during the holidays.The Dish is supported by fully qualified medical and nursing personnel. The KIS school physician and family medicine specialist is assisted by three full time nursing staff and is supported by the nearby Van Allen hospital in Kodaikanal and the internationally renowned specialist hospitals of Vellore and Madurai if necessary. The Dish is situated in a picturesque corner of the campus away from the noise and bustle of everyday school life. It has 24 beds for general ailments not requiring specialized treatment. The out-patient wing caters for day to day outpatient requirements, minor procedures and minor surgeries. Routine health concerns are normally seen during specified clinic hours. After hour calls are reserved for significant medical issues. Students are discouraged from keeping medication in the dorm for intermittent self-administration in order to minimize any possibility of misuse by the student and others.SafeguardingAt KIS, the safety and well-being of our students are our top priorities. We are committed to creating a secure and nurturing environment where every student can thrive without concern for their personal safety. Our safeguarding policy ensures that all students are protected from harm and have the right to an education in a safe setting.Our CommitmentWe adhere to strict safeguarding standards designed to promote the welfare of all our students. These standards follow local laws and international best practices, ensuring a protective environment for our diverse student body. Policies and ProceduresOur safeguarding policies outline the procedures for identifying, reporting, and managing any concerns about a student’s wellbeing. We ensure that all staff are trained in child protection policies and in recognizing signs of abuse or neglect. This training is regularly updated to reflect the latest developments in safeguarding practices. Safe RecruitmentWe employ a rigorous recruitment process that includes extensive background checks and vetting of all staff, volunteers, and anyone else who may come into contact with our students. Reporting ConcernsOur school maintains an open and secure system for reporting concerns. Students are encouraged to speak up about any issue they feel uncomfortable with, and they can be assured that their concerns will be treated with confidentiality. Parents, staff, and students can all raise concerns with our dedicated safeguarding team, who are trained to handle such reports with the utmost sensitivity and professionalism.
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