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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.
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.
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.
FAQs
What curriculum does KIS follow?
KIS is a full IB continuum school offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP), and Career-related Programme (CP). Advanced Placement courses are also available.
When was KIS founded?
KIS was founded in 1901 and became the first school in India (and second in Asia) to offer the IB Diploma in 1976.
How much are the fees?
Annual fees are approximately INR 15,12,000 for domestic students or USD 17,313 for international students. Sibling discounts of 10-20% are available.
Is boarding available?
Yes, boarding is available from Grade 5. A Dean of Residential Life oversees the boarding programme with weekend activities, excursions, and social events.
How many students attend KIS?
Approximately 600 students from around 25 countries, with over 450 international students.
What is the student-teacher ratio?
The student-teacher ratio is 1:7, enabling personalised attention.
What accreditations does KIS hold?
KIS is accredited by the IBO, Middle States Association, Council of International Schools, and is a member of EARCOS and NESA.
What sports are available?
Tennis, badminton, squash, cricket, football, basketball, hockey, volleyball, chess, and table tennis, plus a gymnasium.
What is the Camping and Hiking Programme?
KIS has a 100-acre outdoor education property where students participate in camping, hiking, and environmental education as part of the school's signature programmes.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, financial aid covers up to 95% of annual fees for students in Grade 5 and above. Students receiving 80%+ aid also get Development Fee reductions.
What clubs are available?
Clubs include MUN, Robotics, National Honours Society, Creative Writing, Pet Club, REconnect, Teen Dimension, Christian Endeavour, and Singing, among others.
How do IB results compare globally?
KIS students consistently score above the world average in IB examinations.
Where is KIS located?
KIS is located in the hill station of Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu, India, at 7,000 feet elevation in the Western Ghats, on a 43-acre campus.
