Founded in 1901, Kodaikanal International School (KIS) is an autonomous, international, residential school located in South India offering education for Grades K-12 .
KIS is the first international school in India (and the third in Asia) by adopting the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in 1976, at the time among only nine other schools worldwide.
KIS stands tall as one of the best boarding schools in India with finest infrastructure and facilities. KIS is divided into two academic campuses: The Highclere Campus for its high school (grades 9–12) and Ganga Campus for its elementary school (grades P-5) and middle school (grades 6–8). KIS has a Wilderness Camp, which offers outdoor education programs for students. It is situated in the forest, two hours away from Kodaikanal, near the village of Poondi. Highclere Campus overlooks the large Kodaikanal Lake and the rest of the town of Kodaikanal.
Over the years of inception KIS has progressed to become one of the best IB schools in Tamilnadu. Being the first school in India and the second in Asia to offer the IB Diploma, KIS has an outstanding 40+ year track record of consistently scoring above the world average. Students can secure the IB Diploma by passing at least six examinations in prescribed subject areas: three must be at a Higher Level and three at a Standard Level. IB examination papers are set and marked externally by members of the IB and experts around the world.
The evaluation of the IB comprises a mini thesis and a recorded presentation of the topic. The school also provides a bilingual option of undertaking the IB Diploma that allows for international students to pursue and complete the diploma at KIS. Apart from core subjects, students are motivated to complete courses in Religious Education, Sports & Health, Fine and Practical Arts, Computer Education and Community Service.