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Kodaikanal International School

India, Kodaikanal

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ₹1,585,000 - 2,025,000
Ages 5 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 470
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1901
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages English, French, German, Hindi, Tamil
Typical class size 30
Strengths Academic Enrichment, Outdoor Education, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Social and Hobbies, Leadership and Professional
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Kodaikanal International School (KIS) is a prestigious co-educational boarding and day school perched at 7,000 feet in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India. Founded in 1901, KIS is the first school in India and the second in Asia to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma. The school serves around 600 students from approximately 25 countries, delivering the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP, and CP) alongside Advanced Placement options. With a 43-acre main campus and a 100-acre outdoor education property, KIS is renowned for its camping and hiking programme, environmental education, and consistently strong IB results.

Seven Roads Junction, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624101, India

The Essentials

Kodaikanal International School has 470 pupils, typical class sizes of 30, instruction in English.

Location
PO Box 25, Seven Roads Junction, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624101, India. Located at 7,000 feet elevation in the Western Ghats hill station.

Stages
Kindergarten through Grade 12. IB Primary Years Programme (KG-Grade 5), IB Middle Years Programme (Grades 6-10), IB Diploma Programme and IB Career-related Programme (Grades 11-12). Boarding available from Grade 5.

Type
Private co-educational boarding and day school. Non-profit institution.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Over 450 international students representing approximately 25 countries, alongside Indian students. Total enrollment of around 600 students.

Additional learning support
A dedicated Learning Support department provides assistance for students with diverse learning needs. English as a Second Language (ESL) programmes are also available.

Country affiliation
India. Accredited by the Middle States Association, Council of International Schools (CIS), and the International Baccalaureate Organization.

Religious affiliation
The school has a Dean of Religious Life and offers religious education, reflecting its historical roots as a school founded by American missionaries. It welcomes students of all faiths.

School day structure
Full school day with residential boarding programme. Weekend activities are provided for boarders including excursions, social events, and outdoor activities.

Bus service
As a residential hill station boarding school, bus service is not applicable. The school is located in Kodaikanal town.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
KIS is primarily a boarding school with residential life from Grade 5. A Dean of Residential Life oversees the boarding programme. Weekend activities, night walks, sleepover excursions, and residence events are regular features. Students live in on-campus residences with structured programmes and supervision.

Uniform Requirement
Not specifically detailed on the website.

Food Options
Food services are provided on campus for all students, with a dedicated food services department managing meals.

House System
Students live in inter-residence communities with inter-residence competitions and events including dances and game nights.

Governance and Ownership
KIS is governed by a Council of Directors, which sets the fee structure and oversees school policy. The school operates as a non-profit institution with a Principal (Bradford Barnhardt) leading the senior management team.
Fees

Annual tuition at Kodaikanal International School ranges from INR 1,585,000 to INR 2,025,000 for 2026/27.

Annual fees approximately INR 15,12,000 (domestic) or USD 17,313 (international). Application fee: INR 2,000 / USD 70. One-time payment: INR 2,00,000 / USD 5,480. Security deposit: INR 1,00,000 / USD 1,400. Sibling discounts available (10% for first sibling, 20% for second and subsequent).
Academics

Kodaikanal International School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP) for students aged 5 to 18.

Curriculum
KIS is a full IB continuum school offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP, KG-Grade 5), Middle Years Programme (MYP, Grades 6-10), Diploma Programme (DP, Grades 11-12), and Career-related Programme (CP, Grades 11-12). Advanced Placement courses are also available. The school was the first in India and second in Asia to offer the IB Diploma, established in 1976.

Student Teacher Ratio
1:7, enabling personalised attention in a small school setting.

Exam Results
KIS students consistently score above the world average in IB examinations. The school has a strong track record of IB Diploma results.

Higher Education Progression
Dedicated college counselling is available from Grades 9-12, guiding students through university applications worldwide. IB Diploma and AP qualifications are recognised by top universities internationally.

Gifted and Talented
The IB programmes naturally differentiate for high-ability learners. National Honor Society membership recognises academic excellence. IB examination fees (USD 900 for Grades 11-12) cover advanced qualification pathways.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Peer Encouragement Program (PEER) provides peer-to-peer support. Student counselling services are available, and the residential life programme actively supports social and emotional development.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
A dedicated Learning Support department provides individualised support for students with diverse learning needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English as a Second Language (ESL) programmes are available for students who need support developing English proficiency.

Mental Wellbeing
Student counselling services, the PEER programme, and the Dean of Residential Life provide comprehensive mental health support. Health services are available on campus.

Safeguarding
The school has a dedicated safeguarding page and policy. CCTV security is installed across the campus. On-campus health clinic provides medical support.
Parent Experience

History
Kodaikanal International School was founded in 1901 by American missionaries as a school for missionary children in the scenic hill station of Kodaikanal. In 1976, it became the first school in India and the second in Asia to offer the IB Diploma Programme. The school celebrated its 125th anniversary with a fundraising campaign.

Community
KIS has a vibrant alumni network and a close-knit community of around 600 students from 25 countries. The school organises community events, inter-residence activities, and maintains strong connections with the Kodaikanal town. Field trips to mainland India and international exchanges broaden community ties.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
A parent portal is available for ongoing communication. Parents are encouraged to participate in school life and events.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The main campus spans 43 acres in Kodaikanal at 7,000 feet elevation, featuring purpose-built academic buildings, residential houses, and sporting facilities. An additional 100-acre property supports the school's renowned outdoor education programme.

Sports Facilities
Tennis courts, badminton courts, squash courts, cricket ground, football pitch, basketball courts, hockey pitch, volleyball courts, gymnasium, and facilities for chess and table tennis.

Academic Facilities
Three science laboratories, auditorium, Wi-Fi enabled campus, on-campus medical clinic with health services, and CCTV security throughout.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Signature programmes in Music, Drama, Sports, and Religious Education. Camping and Hiking Programme on a 100-acre property. Student clubs include Robotics, MUN, National Honours Society, Creative Writing, Pet Club, and more. Regular all-school events including concerts, talent shows, and carnivals.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Model United Nations, National Honours Society, Robotics club, Creative Writing, and academic competitions extend learning beyond the classroom.

Arts & Creative
Signature Music and Drama programmes are core to the school experience. Regular concerts, talent shows, and the annual Kodi Unplugged music event showcase student creativity.

Cultural & Language
With students from 25 countries, KIS is deeply multicultural. The REconnect club, Christian Endeavour, and cultural events celebrate diversity. Language options complement the English-medium instruction.

Social & Hobbies
Pet Club, game nights, inter-residence competitions, carnivals, Amazing Race events, and weekend activities provide rich social engagement for boarders.

Community & Service
The KIS Center for Environment and Humanity leads community engagement and environmental stewardship. Service learning is embedded in the IB programme.

Leadership & Professional
Student leadership opportunities, Student Council, and the Peer Encouragement Program (PEER) develop leadership skills. College counselling from Grade 9 supports professional development.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Camping and Hiking Programme on the 100-acre property, night walks, outdoor excursions, and the hill station environment promote physical wellbeing and a connection with nature.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the medium of instruction. ESL support is available for non-native English speakers. Multiple languages are offered as part of the IB programme requirements.

Bilingual Teaching
English is the language of instruction. Additional languages are taught as part of the IB curriculum requirements.

Immersion Programs
International exchange programmes are offered, allowing students to experience education in different cultural contexts.
Reputation

Awards
First IB school in India and second in Asia (established 1976). National Honor Society chapter. Students consistently score above the world average in IB examinations.

Accreditations
International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) - full continuum authorisation. Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA). Council of International Schools (CIS). Member of EARCOS (East Asia Regional Council of Schools) and NESA. First school in India and second in Asia to offer the IB Diploma (1976).
Admissions

Admissions
Applications are accepted for Kindergarten through Grade 12. An admissions inquiry process is available online. Campus tours can be scheduled. Boarding is available from Grade 5.

Scholarships
Financial aid is available for students in Grade 5 and above, with a maximum award covering 95% of annual fees. Students receiving 80%+ aid also receive reductions in Development Fees and assistance with mandatory field trip costs.

Waitlist
Not specifically detailed. Contact the admissions office for availability in each grade.
School Events
The school has not added events
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