American International School Chennai vs Heartfulness International School, Omega Branch

	A American International School Chennai Chennai, India	H Heartfulness International School, Omega Branch Chennai, India
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ₹12,900 - 1,200,000	Fees / year ₹64,000 - 131,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), IB (DP)	Curriculum CBSE Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, IB (DP), Montessori Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 665	Pupils 7,300
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1995	Opened 2005
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 79, Omega School Road (Pallavaram Road), Kolapakkam, Kovur Post, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600128.
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 Program (Montessori and Kindergarten) with access to CBSE, Cambridge International Education, IB Diploma Programme, and NIOS; Indigo (Special Education).
School type	School type International school	School type —
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Students represent about 26 nationalities.	Pupil nationality mix 6500 students from different countries.
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 Special Education Program in association with Davis Learning Foundation, UK; two trained Davis facilitators; Indigo (Special Education) is offered.
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 Working hours 8.45am–1.10pm (Monday–Friday).
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 School transport is provided with published pickup routes and times. The Transport Routes document lists multiple routes and stops (Trip 1, Trip 2, Trip 3, etc.) and corresponding times; stops include Arush Wondermart Supermarket, Jains Green Apartment, Alliance Bougainvillea, among others.
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 fees - No separate non‑refundable application or admission fee amount is published; applications are submitted online and an application ID is issued when the form is submitted. Failure to pay the required admission/term fee within the prescribed dates will lead to forfeiture of the admission. Tuition and related fees by year group (annual amounts for the 2025–26 academic year) - Preschool 1 (Pre‑KG): Tuition INR 64,000; Activity Fee INR 7,000; School Fees without Lunch INR 71,000; Food Fee INR 12,000; School Fees with Lunch INR 83,000; Hostel: Not applicable. - Preschool 2 (LKG): Tuition INR 66,000; Activity Fee INR 7,000; School Fees without Lunch INR 73,000; Food Fee INR 12,000; School Fees with Lunch INR 85,000; Hostel: Not applicable. - Preschool 3 (UKG): Tuition INR 68,000; Activity Fee INR 7,000; School Fees without Lunch INR 75,000; Food Fee INR 12,000; School Fees with Lunch INR 87,000; Hostel: Not applicable. - Grade I: Tuition INR 97,000; Activity Fee INR 5,000; School Fees without Lunch INR 1,02,000; Food Fee INR 18,000; School Fees with Lunch INR 1,20,000; Hostel: Not applicable. - Grade II: Tuition INR 1,01,000; Activity Fee INR 5,000; School Fees without Lunch INR 1,06,000; Food Fee INR 18,000; School Fees with Lunch INR 1,24,000; Hostel: Not applicable. - Grade III: Tuition INR 1,09,000; Activity Fee INR 5,000; School Fees without Lunch INR 1,14,000; Food Fee INR 18,000; School Fees with Lunch INR 1,32,000; Hostel: Not applicable. - Grade IV: Tuition INR 1,12,000; Activity Fee INR 5,000; School Fees without Lunch INR 1,17,000; Food Fee INR 18,000; School Fees with Lunch INR 1,35,000; Hostel: Not applicable. - Grade V: Tuition INR 1,14,000; Activity Fee INR 5,000; School Fees without Lunch INR 1,19,000; Food Fee INR 18,000; School Fees with Lunch INR 1,37,000; Hostel: Not applicable. - Grade VI: Tuition INR 1,17,000; Activity Fee INR 5,000; School Fees without Lunch INR 1,22,000; Food Fee INR 20,000; School Fees with Lunch INR 1,42,000; Hostel Fees INR 2,00,000. Boarding is applicable from Grade VI onwards. - Grade VII: Tuition INR 1,20,000; Activity Fee INR 5,000; School Fees without Lunch INR 1,25,000; Food Fee INR 20,000; School Fees with Lunch INR 1,45,000; Hostel Fees INR 2,00,000. - Grade VIII: Tuition INR 1,23,000; Activity Fee INR 5,000; School Fees without Lunch INR 1,28,000; Food Fee INR 20,000; School Fees with Lunch INR 1,48,000; Hostel Fees INR 2,00,000. - Grade IX: Tuition INR 1,25,000; Activity Fee INR 5,000; School Fees without Lunch INR 1,30,000; Food Fee INR 20,000; School Fees with Lunch INR 1,50,000; Hostel Fees INR 2,00,000. - Grade X: Tuition INR 1,27,000; Activity Fee INR 5,000; School Fees without Lunch INR 1,32,000; Food Fee INR 20,000; School Fees with Lunch INR 1,52,000; Hostel Fees INR 2,00,000. - Grade XI: Tuition INR 1,28,000; Activity Fee INR 6,000; School Fees without Lunch INR 1,34,000; Food Fee INR 20,000; School Fees with Lunch INR 1,54,000; Hostel Fees INR 2,00,000. - Grade XII: Tuition INR 1,31,000; Activity Fee INR 6,000; School Fees without Lunch INR 1,37,000; Food Fee INR 20,000; School Fees with Lunch INR 1,57,000; Hostel Fees INR 2,00,000. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are billed for the academic year and payment must be completed within the prescribed dates stated at admission; the appropriate fees must be paid to complete the admission process and non‑payment will result in forfeiture of the admission. The school uses an online fee payment portal for fee collection. Specific instalment dates or termwise invoice amounts are issued to parents at the time of admission or via the school's fee portal. Boarding / hostel fees (residential students) - Boarding is applicable from Grade VI onwards. The published annual hostel fee is INR 2,00,000 (charged in addition to the school tuition and other fees). Parents who select boarding will be billed the hostel fee alongside the applicable tuition/meal charges. Other costs and recurring extras - Refundable caution deposit: INR 50,000 is required at the time of joining. This amount is refundable under the school's deposit terms. - Books, uniforms and event charges are additional and are charged on actuals. - Transport is available on request; parents may contact the transport desk (transport.desk@hfnschools.org) for service availability and charges. Refund information - The refundable caution deposit of INR 50,000 is collected at the time of joining and is refundable. Other refund terms for tuition or boarding (for example, mid‑term withdrawal refunds or forfeiture rules) are governed by the school's admissions and fee‑refund rules communicated to parents at admission. Failure to pay required fees by the prescribed dates may result in forfeiture of admission. Fee payment options and contacts - Fee collection is handled through the school's online Fee Payment portal. Parents should use the portal for online payment and should contact admissions@omegaschools.org or info@hisomega.org for fee queries or alternative payment arrangements. The school provides parent/account portals referenced in the admissions materials for invoices and payment receipts. (End of fees overview.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
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 offers Cambridge Pathway for Grades I to X, and Cambridge AS & A Levels along with the IB Diploma Programme for Grades XI and XII. The seamless learning continuum across Montessori and Early Years, the Cambridge and the International Baccalaureate (IB) creates well rounded learners. Languages offered include French, German, Spanish, Tamil and Hindi.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio 1:6; 82% of faculty hold advanced degrees.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results CBSE Class XII Board Exam Results 2023-2024 and 2024-2025: Total students 305 (2023-2024) and 293 (2024-2025); 90% and above: 91 and 83; 80-89%: 121 and 111; 70-79%: 77 and 82; 60-69%: 16 and 17; Below 60%: NIL and NIL. CBSE Class X Board Exam Results 2023-2024 and 2024-2025: Total students 326 (2023-2024) and 350 (2024-2025); 90% and above: 151 and 181; 80-89%: 117 and 118; 70-79%: 44 and 42; 60-69%: 13 and 9; Below 60%: 1 and NIL.
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 IB Diploma Programme graduates gain college-ready skills and competencies and often secure admission to prestigious colleges worldwide.
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 —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	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 1. Duly filled applications are to be submitted online only. Ensure that the details such as the date of birth and the name of the student, and the names of the parents are EXACTLY as mentioned in the birth certificate of the student. It is the parent's responsibility to ensure that the birth certificate is complete and correct in all aspects. Failure to do so may result in rejection of the application. 2. Once the application form is filled out with all mandatory fields and the submit option is clicked, the system will generate an application ID number. This application ID number will be used as a reference number to process the application further. The school processes the online forms upon receipt and will intimate the parent about the date of interaction and procedures through email. 3. The Montessori wing has age criteria: M0 (01/01/2022 to 31/12/2022), M1 (01/01/2021 to 31/12/2021), M2 (01/01/2020 to 31/12/2020). The Kindergarten wing has Pre KG (01/01/2022 to 31/12/2022), LKG (01/01/2021 to 31/12/2021), UKG (01/01/2020 to 31/12/2020). Parents applying for Montessori or Kindergarten may indicate their choice of stream of education from Class 1 onwards as either CBSE or Cambridge IGCSE at the time of admission, and this choice will determine the ward's education stream going forward. 4. Upon selection, prepare digital copies of documents for submission at admission: recent passport photo, birth certificate, Aadhar card, proof of address, community certificate if applicable, report card or progress card for the latest term, a medical certificate showing blood group and any allergies, and any class XI or immigration documents as applicable. Please have three passport-size photographs available for interaction. The date of the interaction is non-negotiable, and the appropriate fees must be paid within the prescribed dates to complete the admission process. If there are any discrepancies between the online form and the original documents, the admission offer may be withdrawn; the final decision rests with the school authorities.
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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