American International School Chennai vs Gateway IB Continuum World School – Padur

	A American International School Chennai Chennai, India	G Gateway IB Continuum World School – Padur Chennai, India
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ₹12,900 - 1,200,000	Fees / year ₹50,000 - 65,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 665	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1995	Opened 2011
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location 100 Feet Road, Taramani, Chennai 600113, India. The campus sits on a 13-acre site in the Taramani area of Chennai and includes outdoor spaces for learning. The campus is home to over 80 teaching spaces for students aged 3–18 and is served by an on-site bus program with scheduled routes. In 2021–2022, 27 students used AISC buses.	Location Jebakadal Street, Padur, Kazhipattur Post, OMR, Kelambakkam, Chennai – 603103, Tamil Nadu, India
Stages	Stages The school serves students aged 3–18, organized into Early Years (including KG), Elementary (K–5), Middle School (6–8), and High School (9–12).	Stages IB Continuum World School
School type	School type International school	School type —
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Students represent about 26 nationalities.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support English as an Additional Language (EAL) programs including World Language English (WLE) for Grades 3–5 and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) for Grades 6–10; ELL support integrated with homeroom and content teachers.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation American Embassy School in India (affiliation established under bilateral US–India framework)	Country affiliation India
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure The regular school day starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; on Wednesdays, dismissal is at 2:30 p.m.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details AISC offers a bus service with door-to-door pickup on scheduled routes; cost is USD 1,250 per child for the full year (two trips per day). Service covers many neighbourhoods in south Chennai, though some areas may not be served due to geography. 27 students used the bus service in 2021–2022.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fee - AISC charges a one-time application fee of USD 400 for both domestic and international applicants. Tuition fees (by year group) - Published summary figures indicate day-school tuition falls within a broad range of USD 12,900 to USD 29,140 depending on year group and programme. This range represents the annual tuition band for Early Years through Grade 12 rather than an exact per-grade table. Billing schedule and payment terms - Specific term-level or per-installment billing dates and the school's standard installment options are not published in the publicly available summary information. Families are provided with formal invoices from the Finance Office that set the exact billing schedule, due dates and any installment plan terms. Boarding fees - AISC operates as a day school; boarding is not indicated as an option and no boarding fees are published for the school. Other costs and typical additional charges - External examination fees (AP and IB) are charged in addition to tuition and must be paid before a student is permitted to sit the exams. These examination charges are billed separately from tuition. - Transport (school bus) service is offered; any route-specific or seat-specific bus charges are treated as additional fees and are billed separately. The school also provides lunch services. Specific amounts for bus or lunch services are not published in the public summary. - Typical ancillary costs common to international schools that may apply (but for which no definitive published amounts were found in public materials) include one-time registration or capital fees, activity or materials levies, and uniform or book costs. Where applicable these are usually invoiced separately from tuition; however, exact amounts and whether particular one-time fees apply at AISC were not available in the publicly accessible summary. Refund information - Examination-related charges (AP/IB) must be paid before exams are taken; the High School curriculum guidance notes these fees are required and administered in advance of testing. No comprehensive, publicly posted refund policy or detailed refund schedule for tuition, registration or other fees was available in the public materials reviewed. Fee payment options - AISC's public summary refers families to the Finance Office for fee administration and financial assistance enquiries; a Finance Office contact is provided for fee remission enquiries. The school's published summary does not include a definitive public list of accepted payment methods (for example: which card types, online portals or bank details are routinely used). Parents receive payment instructions on official invoices from the Finance Office. Data availability note (brief) - A public, detailed fee schedule showing exact annual and per-term amounts by grade (a full per-grade, per-term breakdown) was not available in the publicly accessible materials that accompany the school listing and curriculum guidance. The information above therefore reports confirmed summary items (application fee, published tuition band, existence of bus/lunch services, exam-fee practice and day-school status) and indicates where separate charges (exam, transport, ancillary items) are typically billed. For exact per-grade and per-term figures, invoices, installment dates and the school's formal fee policy, please consult the AISC Finance Office as named in the school's admissions information.	Fee details Application / Admission fees - Admission (one-time, payable at offer/seat confirmation): INR 50,000. - Refundable caution/security deposit (one-time): INR 50,000. Tuition fees (per year / by programme) - Public listings show an annual tuition figure of INR 65,000 for the IB/IB‑continuum day programme. This is presented as an annual amount rather than a per‑grade or per‑term breakdown. Billing schedule and payment terms - Admission is confirmed only after payment of the required fees and submission of original documents; parents are required to pay fees when the Provisional Admission Letter is issued in order to complete final confirmation. - Fee collection and invoicing are handled through the school's parent/ERP portal (ERP login is used by the school), which supports installment and scheduled billing workflows (annual, termly or instalments are managed via the portal). Payment gateway charges may apply to online card/netbanking payments. Boarding fees - Gateway International School, Padur operates as a day school; there are no published boarding facilities or boarding fees for this campus. Other costs and recurring charges - Typical additional charges commonly billed separately include: transport (school bus), textbooks and workbooks, uniforms, examination/board registration charges, laboratory or activity fees, co‑curricular/club fees and one‑time kit/joining charges. These items are usually invoiced as separate line items through the school's fee portal. Refund information - A refundable security/caution deposit is listed (INR 50,000). The published summaries available on public listings do not include a full, line‑by‑line refund or cancellation policy for tuition and admission fees; such terms are typically set out in the school's formal fee schedule and admission paperwork. Fee payment options - Fees are processed through the school's parent/ERP portal (ERP/MyClassboard). That portal and its integrated payment gateways commonly accept credit and debit cards, net‑banking, UPI and bank transfer/NEFT/RTGS; schools using the portal may also accept offline payment modes (cheque/DD/cash) depending on the campus configuration. Payment gateway convenience/processing charges are typically applied for card/netbanking transactions. Brief note on available public details and missing line‑items - Public listings and the school's mandatory disclosure page provide the one‑time admission charge, the refundable deposit and an annual tuition band figure, and indicate that a detailed fee schedule exists (the mandatory disclosure links to the school's full fee schedule document). The school's public pages do not publish a full grade‑by‑grade, per‑term numeric breakdown or a complete public refund policy in the material accessible here; those precise per‑grade/per‑term line items and the formal refund/cancellation wording appear only in the school's full fee schedule / admission documents issued via the school's fee portal or fee booklet.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements The school is for day students only; there are no boarding facilities or provisions for students whose parents/guardians live and work outside of Chennai.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement There are no school uniforms. Students are expected to present themselves neatly and appropriately while at school and at school-sponsored events.	Uniform requirement The school has uniforms for Nursery through Grade 12, with separate daily wear and PE uniforms. Uniforms may be purchased from the school on specific days of the week, and are available for purchase over an extended period at the school premises.
Food options	Food options The cafeterias are open throughout the school day. They offer full meals and a la carte lunch options along with drinks and snacks. There are vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, and Indian and Continental menus.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system There is a house system with inter-house events.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership AISC is a nonprofit organization governed and maintained by a Board of Directors. The Board consists of representatives of the U.S. Ambassador to India and members elected by the AISC Association. The Board meets monthly to oversee governance and appoints the Head of School.	Governance and ownership The school is part of Gateway Group of International Schools.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school has a North American standards-based curriculum for EY3-G12, including Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs for Grades 11-12. English is the language of instruction. Elementary curriculum covers literacy, mathematics, social studies, and science; from Grade 3, Spanish; English as an Additional Language; Learning Support. High School offers IB Diploma and AP programs with graduation requirements and typical college entrance prerequisites. Grades 3-12 BYOT is in place. ES Curriculum Guide 2024-25 and ES Learning Framework and Course Guide 2025-2026.	Curriculum details The school has IB, Cambridge IGCSE, and CBSE curricula.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio 1:6; 82% of faculty hold advanced degrees.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression High School graduation leads to college or university study. Class of 2020 matriculated to universities worldwide, including Yale University, University of California Berkeley, University of Edinburgh, and University of British Columbia, among others.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented Advanced learning options include AP and IB programs; Capstone; GOA; Pamoja; and Personalized Learning for high-achieving students.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school has a Wellbeing Framework that centers wellbeing at the heart of the community. Wellbeing is defined as feeling good and functioning well, with small acts that promote wellbeing rippling across the community. The framework uses a kolam motif with four domains: Healthy Habits, Positive Relationships, Self Awareness, and Self Management. Healthy Habits cover nutrition, fitness, sleep, hygiene, mindfulness practices, and gratitude. Positive Relationships focus on collaboration, cultural appreciation, respect, and compassion. Self Awareness covers identity, values, and purpose, while Self Management emphasizes resilience and emotional regulation.	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school has Learning Support teachers and Counselors who support students who have special cognitive and emotional needs.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school runs an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program that supports English language development with developmentally appropriate resources. Before enrolling, students whose home language is not English take the WIDA MODEL assessment for initial placement and language support planning. The EAL program partners with homeroom and content teachers to provide a rich academic language environment for English Language Learners. Language development is monitored annually with data points including WIDA MODEL results, classroom observations, and formative and summative assessments. For students with beginning-to-lower intermediate proficiency, World Language English (WLE) and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) are offered for Grades 3–5 and Grades 6–10 respectively. The program focuses on vocabulary and language structures needed for success across content areas and supports maintaining home language where possible.	English as an additional language English is taught at the language acquisition level for students with EAL needs.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school supports mental wellbeing through the Wellbeing Framework's four domains: Healthy Habits, Positive Relationships, Self Awareness, and Self Management. Healthy Habits include mindful practices, nutrition, fitness, sleep, hygiene, gratitude, and social connection. Positive Relationships foster collaboration, respect, cultural appreciation, and compassion. Self Awareness helps students understand identity, values, and purpose, while Self Management emphasizes resilience and emotional regulation. The wellbeing programming is designed to be learned, practiced, taught, and embedded across systems, processes, and daily life.	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school provides safeguarding resources for the community, including a Community Safeguarding Handbook.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The campus spans 13 acres and has over 80 teaching spaces for students aged 3–18. It is LEED Platinum certified, with sustainability metrics tracked through ARC. The Discovery Studio, the Design Technology Lab with robotics, CAD stations, 3D printers, and laser cutters, and flexible, movable classroom furnishings support collaborative learning. The Elementary School features an Outdoor Learning Center, and there are two cafés (one for students and one for adults) and two cafeterias on campus. A 25-meter swimming pool, a redesigned track and soccer pitch, and two libraries with more than 60,000 resources round out the learning environment. Solar panels around campus provide about 23% of daily power, supported by rainwater catchment and recycling programs.	Facilities overview Gateway International School, Padur sits on a ten-acre campus overlooking the Muttukad lake. The campus features lush green playgrounds and on-site organic farms. Our campus includes IB World School Padur, IGCSE Sholinganallur, CBSE Padur, CBSE Neelankarai and CBSE Mahabalipuram as part of the Gateway network. English is the language of instruction across the school. The address is Jebakadal Street, Kazhipattur, Padur, OMR, Chennai 603103.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities A redesigned track and soccer pitch sit at the heart of the campus and are in constant use by students. The campus also includes a 25-meter swimming pool for aquatic activities.	Sports facilities Sports & Fitness offerings include Soccer, Martial Arts, Chess and Tennis. Gateway Tennis Tournament has been conducted, illustrating an active competitive sports program. The Padur Activities page lists sports alongside literacy and arts as part of extracurricular engagement.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Discovery Studio and the Design Technology Lab offer hands-on learning with robotics, CAD stations, 3D printers, and laser cutters. Classrooms are flexible with movable seating, and a teaching kitchen and purpose-built music spaces support arts and life skills. The Outdoor Learning Center serves Early Years, and two libraries provide access to more than 60,000 resources.	Academic facilities English is the language of instruction across the school. Core subjects offered include Language (English), Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Arts, PSPE, ICT integration, and Library & Research Skills. The school maintains a well-equipped library to develop language skills and Library & Research Skills are integrated into core IB offerings. Additional languages are available in the Primary Years Programme, including Hindi, French, Tamil and Spanish.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Athletics, Aquatics, Activities & Clubs, and Arts, Sports and Activities are part of Student Life at AISC.	Extra curricular facilities Literacy Activities are part of the program and include reading, writing and communication development, with initiatives like a Book Worm award. Year-long awareness programs and community service activities are offered to foster responsibility and compassion. Arts & Culture activities include Visual Arts and Performing Arts (Dance & Drama). Sports & Fitness features Soccer, Martial Arts and Tennis, and the campus hosts events such as the Gateway Tennis Tournament.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The American International School Chennai (AISC) was established in 1995 through a bilateral agreement between the Governments of the United States of America and India. AISC is authorized by the Indian MEA as an American Embassy School in India. It is an international learning community with English as the language of instruction and offers a North American standards‑based curriculum with AP and IB programs in Grades 11–12. The school serves expatriate and international families in Chennai and has about 850 students representing around 30 countries. It is accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (MSA), LEED, and the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).	History —
Community	Community The PCA is an integral part of the school; all parents and guardians are automatically members and there are no membership dues. The PCA Executive Committee is elected online in May, and the PCA is not a fundraising arm of the school. The PCA aims to support the school's mission, promote community and cross‑cultural opportunities, and increase parent engagement through events and volunteering, including roles such as Country Coordinators and Classroom Coordinators. The PCA also sponsors events and other volunteer activities and communicates through the weekly PCA Newsletter (AISConnect).	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school has a Parent Community Association (PCA) that includes all parents and guardians of AISC students as automatic members with no dues. The PCA is governed by an elected Executive Committee, which runs via online voting each May and coordinates volunteer opportunities, planning committees, and country/grade level/classroom coordinators. The PCA's goals are to support the school's mission, build a sense of community, and foster cross‑cultural learning through events and activities that engage a wide range of families. Parents can participate by attending monthly meetings, volunteering in communications, serving on planning committees, and taking on coordinator roles; the PCA also publishes AISConnect and coordinates other community activities.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Model United Nations, robotics, and other clubs support academic growth and collaborative problem-solving. Students participate in competitions and project-based activities that foster inquiry and scientific thinking. The school emphasizes inquiry-driven experiences within clubs, complemented by Discovery-type activities that explore academic pursuits through real-world projects. Through these programs, students build critical thinking, research, and teamwork skills.	Academic & intellectual Literacy activities are designed around listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with collaboration among facilitators shaping classroom strategies. In the Early Years Programme (EYP), phonics are taught through play, circle time, and interactive books to build vocabulary. In the Primary Years Programme (PYP), literacy is integrated with unit investigations, using research, thinking, and communication skills to inquire and express concepts. Students engage with library resources and a range of texts to develop reading and writing proficiency.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The arts are actively integrated into student life through theater performances, music, ceramics, and photography. The Discovery Program includes creative pursuits such as ceramics and photography, offering opportunities to develop aesthetic and expressive skills. Students showcase their work in school productions and exhibitions, strengthening collaboration and creative exploration.	Arts & creative Arts are integral to learning at GIS IB, with Visual Arts and Music identified as the primary arts. The program offers a broad range of opportunities in visual arts and music, integrated across the Primary and Middle Years, and into the IB Diploma Programme. Regular visits to museums and art exhibitions broaden horizons and expose students to art from different times and artists. Arts education fosters creativity, empathy, expression, and collaboration.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Model United Nations provides an international perspective through debate and diplomacy. The Discover India trip exposes students to diverse cultures within the country, complementing classroom learning with immersive experiences. The program supports cultural awareness and global-mindedness through student-led exploration and community engagement.	Cultural & language Language and cultural learning are embedded in the IB experience through literacy activities and language-focused units. Students engage with a range of texts, participate in language-rich inquiry, and develop communication skills across a variety of genres. Field trips enhance cultural understanding by connecting classroom units to real-world contexts, including visits to Dhakshinachitra and Mahabalipuram, as well as museums.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies AISC offers a wide range of clubs and activities throughout the year to suit diverse interests. Students connect with peers through arts, sports, service, and hobby groups, building friendships across grade levels. The vibrant activity calendar includes events and gatherings that foster social learning and peer collaboration.	Social & hobbies Field trips are used to enhance classroom learning by linking units to real-world contexts and enabling shared experiences. Students collaborate in teams to explore topics and present their inquiries, building social and communication skills. The program emphasizes inquiry-based learning and language development through unit-driven activities that involve group work and peer feedback.
Community & service	Community & service Service-learning is central to student life. Clubs engage in activities such as teaching community children, volunteering with the elderly, and neighborhood cleanups. The Math Matters club works to improve math education for underprivileged children in Chennai by organizing outreach and competitions. These activities develop social responsibility and community engagement.	Community & service Community Service is an integral part of the IB program at GIS. Students participate in projects and actions that demonstrate care and responsibility toward the local and global community. Examples include dengue awareness programs, promoting clean water, and environmental initiatives such as organic gardening.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Discovery Day and adventure activities include rock climbing, rafting, and surfing, complemented by creative pursuits such as ceramics and photography. Mindfulness and service-oriented outings are part of the wellness approach, helping students maintain balance and physical health. Outdoor activities and field experiences foster resilience, teamwork, and physical fitness.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports are emphasized as part of well-being, including karate, yoga, chess, soccer, swimming, table tennis, athletics, aerobics, and throw ball. The program notes that the importance of sports and games extends beyond physical activity and supports overall development. Students engage in regular physical activity to promote fitness, teamwork, and healthy lifestyles.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the language of instruction. The English as an Additional Language (EAL) program provides developmentally appropriate resources to assist students in English language development, including World Language English (WLE) and English for Academic Purposes (EAP). French is offered as a foreign language option.	Language provision English is the language of instruction. Languages offered beyond English include ENGLISH A LAL, SPANISH AB, SPANISH LA, FRENCH AB, FRENCH LA, GERMAN LA, and HINDI B.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards null	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations null	Accreditations IB World School offering a continuum of IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP).
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Submit online application via OpenApply. The application is non-refundable and costs USD 400. Prepare and upload documents including passport copies for both parents and the student, a recent photo of the student and parents, and past three years of school reports (in English). A teacher or counselor recommendation letter is requested for most grades, high school transcripts are required for high school applicants, and additional forms such as Health Form, Physical Examination Form, Vaccination Records, employment letter, and a copy of the student's Indian visa are part of the checklist. 2. The Admissions Director and Head of School determine eligibility by confirming the student can meet academic standards, has shown acceptable behavior, the school can meet any special needs, and the student will embrace the school's mission. 3. The school applies a priority system to seat allocation. Seats are released for Space as it becomes available to eligible students in the order by completed date within the listed priority categories. If a sibling requires EAL services and capacity is at issue, the seat is offered to the next eligible applicant, and the sibling remains in a wait pool until both a grade seat and an EAL seat are available. 4. AISC operates rolling admissions and accepts students continuously until the first week of May; an August start typically begins with enrollment in January–February. English is the language of instruction, and English language proficiency is assessed as part of the admission process (EAL support is available as needed). After admission, families must submit health forms and vaccination records and, where applicable, provide a copy of the student's Indian visa.	Admissions 1. Application Submission: Complete the online application form and upload the required documents. 2. Application Review: The Admissions Team reviews the application and contacts the family with the next steps. 3. Interaction & Campus Visit: For Early Years (Pre-KG to UKG), a parent–child interaction and observation are conducted; for Grades 1–12, the process includes a student interview, academic review, and diagnostic assessment. 4. Provisional Admission: If shortlisted, a Provisional Admission Letter is issued. 5. Final Confirmation/Begin the Journey: Fees are paid and the original Transfer Certificate and supporting documents submitted within the stipulated period; admission is confirmed only after all steps and fee payment are completed. Eligibility & Enrollment Criteria: IB requires meeting IB program-specific age and entry requirements, along with prior academic performance; CBSE requires age, previous school records, and grade completion; IGCSE placement depends on age, transcripts, and performance in the required subjects. Before You Apply: The online application is for admission to various grades and academic programmes offered at Gateway Group of Schools. Please have ready to upload: Birth certificate; The child's previous academic records; Aadhar Card Copy (for Indian residents); Valid Passport and Visa Copy (for foreign nationals); Student Transfer Certificate (Original); Medical Report (if applicable). Campus visits and interactions are arranged only for families who have submitted the application form.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist Waitlist: AISC uses a priority-based system with a wait pool. Seats are offered to eligible applicants in the order determined by priority category and completed date of application, and siblings may remain in the wait pool until both a grade seat and an appropriate EAL seat are available. If a sibling requires EAL and EAL capacity is at capacity, the seat will be offered to the next eligible applicant, and the sibling remains in the wait pool until the needed seats are available.	Waitlist —
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