American International School Chennai vs Hiranandani Upscale School

	A American International School Chennai Chennai, India	H Hiranandani Upscale School Chennai, India
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ₹12,900 - 1,200,000	Fees / year ₹230,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 1 - 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 Located in Chennai's OMR corridor inside the House of Hiranandani community. The campus sits beside Muttukadu Lake and overlooks the Bay of Bengal. Address: Padur, 5/63, Old Mahabalipuram Road, Opp Sipcot IT Park, Egattur Village, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Kelambakkam, 600130, 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 Early Years (EYP), Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP)
School type	School type International school	School type IB Continuum School
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Students represent about 26 nationalities.	Pupil nationality mix Student body represents over nine nationalities; 72% hail from various Indian states.
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 fee - Application fee: INR 1,000 (one-time) as reported by public admission listings. One‑time / enrolment fees and security deposit - Admission / seat confirmation fee: reported one‑time amounts vary across listings; one source lists an Admission Fee of INR 100,000 and a Security (caution) amount of INR 50,000. These one‑time payments are charged in addition to annual tuition where reported. Tuition fees by year group (annual / per‑term detail) - Reported annual tuition (day school) — a commonly cited figure for the day‑school programme is INR 230,000 per year. This is presented as the annual tuition total in multiple school listing services. - Other independent listings show a wider published range for annual tuition for this school (approximately INR 250,000 to INR 490,000 per year in one review summary). These numbers appear as overall annual tuition ranges rather than a grade‑by‑grade or per‑term breakdown. - No public, grade‑by‑grade or per‑term fee table was found in the school's public admissions material; per‑term amounts by year group are not published in the sources that list overall annual totals. Where only an annual total is published, per‑term billing amounts are not specified. Billing schedule and payment terms - A specific, public billing schedule (for example: number of installments, term I/II amounts, due dates, late‑payment penalties) is not published in the school's public admissions pages or in the fee listings consulted. Parents are directed to the school's admissions office for exact installment schedules and payment deadlines. Contact details: admissions email and phone are published for direct enquiries. Boarding / hostel fees - The school is listed as a day school and does not offer a hostel/boarding facility; boarding fees are therefore not applicable. Other costs and recurring charges - Security / caution deposit: reported as INR 50,000 in one public listing (treated as a one‑time amount). - Admission / registration fees: one‑time admission/registration fees are reported in third‑party listings (examples include figures reported above). Exact one‑time registration amounts vary between listings. - Transport: school transport is offered and transport fees are charged separately; detailed route‑wise or term‑wise transport rates are not published in the public listings consulted. - Uniform, textbooks, activity fees, elective or lab fees, exam fees, school trips or optional co‑curricular programme charges are not listed with fixed amounts in the public fee listings consulted; these items are commonly charged by schools in addition to tuition but specific amounts were not published. Refund and cancellation policy - A clear, public refund or fee‑cancellation policy for one‑time deposits, admission fees or prepaid tuition was not located in the school's publicly available admissions material or the third‑party listings consulted. Reported security/deposit amounts appear on some listings but the refund conditions for those amounts are not published in the same listings. Parents should confirm refund terms for any deposit or one‑time fee with the admissions office before payment. Fee payment options - Specific payment methods (for example: credit card, net banking / bank transfer, demand draft, UPI or in‑person payment) are not published in the school's public admissions pages or in the third‑party fee listings that show amounts. The school publishes admissions contact details (phone and admissions email) for fee‑payment enquiries and seat confirmation. Parents should contact admissions to confirm accepted payment methods and obtain the official fee invoice and payment instructions. Summary of available figures and actionable points - Application fee (one‑time): INR 1,000 (reported). - Reported one‑time admission/seat fees and security deposit: examples reported include Admission Fee INR 100,000 and Security INR 50,000 (reported on third‑party listings). - Reported annual tuition (day school): commonly published value INR 230,000 per year; other listings show broader annual ranges (approx. INR 250,000–490,000). No authoritative grade‑wise or per‑term breakdown was publicly available. - Boarding: not applicable (no hostel). - Billing schedule, detailed per‑term amounts by year group, uniform/textbook charge schedules, refund terms and specific payment method details were not published in the public admissions pages or fee listings consulted; these items need to be confirmed directly with admissions for an authoritative fee schedule and the current academic year terms.
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 The school operates as a day school.
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 —
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 The school has a canteen on campus.
House system	House system —	House system —
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 run by Hiranandani Upscale Foundation.
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 teaches the International Baccalaureate continuum, from the Early Years Programme to the Diploma Programme, encompassing the EYP, PYP, MYP, and DP.
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 Personalised guidance for university admissions in India and abroad is provided to IB students.
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 The school has Social & Emotional Development that fosters empathy, cooperation, and self-regulation through structured routines and group interactions.
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) The school has SEN awareness programs; teachers conduct sessions on Learning Disabilities, ADHD, and Autism; SEN Awareness Week.
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 The school has Language & Communication with Jolly Phonics, providing multilingual learning to develop language skills.
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 The school has a focus on Social & Emotional Development that supports students' 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 World-class labs and tranquil study lounges define the Hiranandani Upscale School campus. The campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to foster holistic growth and innovative learning. The library is available for study and research, and there are dedicated fitness centers on campus. Performing arts studios are provided to support creative expression and extracurricular engagement.
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 —
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 World-class laboratories support science and technology learning on campus. The library and quiet study spaces provide resources for individual study and research. The facilities align with the IB curriculum delivered from Early Years to Diploma Programme, supporting inquiry-based and interdisciplinary learning.
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 —
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 Hiranandani Upscale School (HUS) is a diverse IB school located in Chennai's OMR area within a large gated community. The student body represents over nine nationalities, including South Korea, the USA, Canada, and Japan, with 72% coming from various Indian states. The school aims to develop ethical, moral, cultural awareness, physical fitness, and academic excellence in students, fostering team spirit, leadership, and critical thinking to create lifelong learners. The campus is nestled beside Muttukadu Lake overlooking the Bay of Bengal and features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern science labs, libraries, and arts spaces; the leadership team includes Dr. Uma Ravi (Head of Administration and HR), Dr. G Dharakeswari, Kalpana S, Mrs. Thalitha Burnes B, Mr. Sivakumar Srinivasan, and Ms. Dolly Mathijia.
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 The school offers the International Baccalaureate curriculum from the Early Years Programme to the Diploma Programme. The IB framework fosters inquiry, critical thinking, and intercultural understanding, with teaching designed to develop research skills and global perspectives. The IB approach emphasizes inquiry-based, interdisciplinary learning and real-world connections. In the Diploma Programme, core components CAS, EE, and TOK support independent research and critical reflection.
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 The campus includes creative arts spaces for visual arts, drama, and other artistic pursuits. The on-campus facilities are designed to support artistic exploration alongside science and academics. These spaces enable students to express creativity as part of a holistic education.
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 learning options include Spanish, French, and Hindi as second languages, with Tamil as a third language. Grades 1-3 have a 14-week rotational program to help students choose their second language, and from Grade 4 students select a second language. Multinational student body and cultural exchange are encouraged, reflecting diversity on campus. The school runs Model United Nations activities, such as HUSMUN.
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 —
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 Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) is a core component of the Diploma Programme, focusing on creative projects, action, and service activities. Service as Action fosters social responsibility and community engagement as part of IB learning. HUS hosts Model UN events and other student-led community initiatives that provide opportunities for service and civic engagement.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Students take leadership roles, including leading classroom discussions, mentoring juniors, and organizing events. Leadership development is integrated with IB CAS and service projects to build professional skills. HUS hosts Model UN programs that cultivate leadership, collaboration, and public-speaking abilities.
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 IB emphasizes socio-emotional well-being as part of holistic education. The campus setting by Muttukadu Lake and the Bay of Bengal contributes to a calm, conducive learning environment. Physical fitness and well-being are integral to development at HUS.
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 The IB-aligned language program runs from Grade 1 to Grade 12. Second language options are Spanish, French, and Hindi, with Tamil as a third language. Grades 1-3 include a 14-week rotational program among French, Spanish, and Hindi to help students choose a second language; from Grade 4, students select a second language with flexibility to change. In the Diploma Programme, languages are offered at Standard Level, Higher Level, and Ab Initio.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards null	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations null	Accreditations —
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 Admission Process: Step 1: Apply Online; Step 2: Submit Documents; Step 3: Interaction & Visit; Step 4: Enrollment. The admissions process is designed to be fair, transparent, and seamless for both students and parents. Admissions age criteria and class sizes: EYP 1.6–2.6 years (max 20), EYP 2.6–3.6 years (max 20), EYP 3.6–4.6 years (max 20), EYP 4.6–5.6 years (max 20), PYP 6–10 years (max 20), MYP 11–15 years (max 25), DP 16–17 years (max 25). Admission Highlights: Commitment to Inclusivity; Holistic Development; Transparent Policy.
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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