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Best Schools in Chennai
1. Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan (PSBB)
PSBB is a well-established name in Chennai, known for its excellent academic track record. The school follows the CBSE curriculum and has a history of producing students with outstanding results. PSBB is known for its rigorous academic environment, strong emphasis on extracurricular activities, and a supportive learning atmosphere.
The school offers comprehensive education from Kindergarten through Senior Secondary levels. Besides academics, PSBB excels in arts, sports, and cultural activities. The school’s infrastructure is top-notch, with modern classrooms, sports facilities, and a library filled with educational resources.
2. Chennai Public School (CPS)
Chennai Public School has earned a reputation for its academic excellence and holistic approach to education. It follows both CBSE and ICSE curriculums and provides a range of co-curricular and extracurricular activities, from sports to cultural programs.
CPS focuses on nurturing students’ leadership qualities and encourages them to participate in a variety of activities, helping them develop social, emotional, and intellectual skills. The school has a spacious campus with state-of-the-art facilities such as sports grounds, a swimming pool, and modern classrooms.
3. Sishya School
Sishya is another prestigious educational institution in Chennai, offering education under the CBSE curriculum. The school has a well-balanced approach that emphasizes both academic rigor and character development. Sishya is known for its innovative teaching methods, which include project-based learning and experiential education. The school fosters a spirit of inquiry among its students and is committed to helping them excel in their respective fields.
Sishya has a reputation for nurturing well-rounded individuals who go on to make significant contributions to society. The school also offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including music, dance, sports, and theater.
4. The Hindu Senior Secondary School
The Hindu Senior Secondary School is one of Chennai’s oldest and most respected schools. It is affiliated with the CBSE and is known for its focus on providing quality education and fostering critical thinking. The school’s curriculum is designed to encourage both academic excellence and extracurricular participation, enabling students to grow intellectually and socially.
In addition to its strong academic offerings, The Hindu School excels in sports, particularly cricket and basketball. The school has modern facilities like well-equipped science labs, a library, and spacious sports grounds.
5. Velammal Vidyalaya
Velammal Vidyalaya is a leading CBSE school in Chennai, offering a rich blend of academic challenges and co-curricular activities. The school is committed to providing a child-centered, value-based education. Velammal is renowned for its teaching quality, highly qualified staff, and modern infrastructure.
The school places a strong emphasis on both academics and holistic development, with well-developed sports facilities, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and frequent exposure to inter-school competitions. Velammal’s education system encourages independent thinking and creativity, preparing students to succeed in diverse fields.
6. MCTM Chidambaram Chettyar International School
This international school offers the Cambridge International Curriculum, which is different from the traditional Indian systems of education. The school follows an inquiry-based approach that focuses on holistic development, critical thinking, and practical learning experiences.
MCTM Chidambaram Chettyar International School has a world-class infrastructure with modern classrooms, advanced science laboratories, and a well-equipped library. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities like robotics, theatre, dance, and music. Its international curriculum gives students a global perspective, making it one of the top choices for parents looking for global standard education in Chennai.
7. Ashram School
Ashram School is one of Chennai’s top schools with a commitment to holistic development. The school offers education from Kindergarten through Senior Secondary level, adhering to the CBSE syllabus. It is known for its high academic standards and strong values-based education system, promoting ethical development along with intellectual growth.
The school’s campus is equipped with modern infrastructure, including sports facilities, a library, and a technology-enabled learning environment. Ashram School encourages students to engage in community service, thereby instilling a sense of social responsibility and leadership.
8. The British International School
The British International School offers an international education system, specifically the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum. The school is known for its academic excellence, providing students with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the global arena. It adopts a student-centered approach to learning and encourages creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
The school has state-of-the-art infrastructure, with well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, and sports facilities. It also provides ample opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities, such as drama, music, and sports.
9. TIPS (The International Public School)
TIPS is an international school that follows both the Cambridge and CBSE curricula. The school aims to create global citizens who are not only academically strong but also socially responsible. TIPS provides a well-rounded education, with an emphasis on creativity, leadership, and academic excellence.
The campus is equipped with modern facilities, including spacious classrooms, science and computer labs, and sports grounds. TIPS places a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities, offering students opportunities in sports, arts, drama, and other cultural programs.
10. ST. John’s International School
ST. John’s International School is another prestigious institution in Chennai known for its global curriculum and top-tier facilities. The school offers both the CBSE and IGCSE programs and ensures a balanced focus on academic and extracurricular excellence.
The school’s infrastructure is world-class, with well-equipped classrooms, modern laboratories, and sports complexes. It has a wide range of extracurricular options, including music, drama, sports, and community service. The school also focuses on fostering international understanding and global citizenship among its students.
11. The School – KFI (Krishnamurti Foundation India)
The School KFI is an alternative educational institution in Chennai, inspired by the philosophy of J. Krishnamurti. The school is based on a holistic approach to education that focuses on nurturing the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual well-being of the child.
The School – KFI encourages students to develop a sense of self-awareness, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. It follows a non-exam-based evaluation system and offers an environment that fosters creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration.
12. Indus International School
Indus International School is an elite institution offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. This school is known for its world-class facilities, global perspective, and emphasis on academic excellence. Indus focuses on developing leadership qualities in students, encouraging them to become global citizens.
The school’s modern campus includes sports facilities, arts and cultural spaces, and technology-equipped classrooms. Indus also offers a wide range of extracurricular programs, ensuring that students are well-rounded and capable of succeeding in various fields.
13. B. S. Abdur Rahman Crescent School
This school is part of the Crescent Educational Trust, offering a blend of academic rigor and holistic development. It is affiliated with the CBSE and is known for its high educational standards. B. S. Abdur Rahman Crescent School focuses on providing a well-rounded education that includes academic, physical, emotional, and social growth.
The infrastructure is impressive, with spacious classrooms, computer labs, sports facilities, and a large playground. The school promotes a culture of creativity, teamwork, and leadership, giving students the tools they need to succeed.
14. Kendriya Vidyalaya
Kendriya Vidyalaya is a chain of schools that provide quality education for children of central government employees. It follows the CBSE syllabus and is known for its academic excellence and strong discipline.
The Kendriya Vidyalayas have spacious campuses with well-equipped classrooms, libraries, and sports facilities. They also focus on extracurricular activities, including cultural programs, sports events, and community service.
15. Akshar Arbol International School
Akshar Arbol International School is one of the newer international schools in Chennai but has quickly gained recognition for its innovative teaching methods and international curriculum. It follows the Cambridge IGCSE program and encourages students to develop global competencies.
The school is equipped with modern learning resources and technology, which enhances the overall educational experience. Students have access to a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, performing arts, and academic clubs.
Conclusion
Chennai is home to a diverse range of excellent schools that cater to the educational needs of students at various levels. Whether parents are seeking a school that offers traditional academic programs or one that provides international curricula, the city’s educational institutions provide ample choices for parents and students. From the long-established giants like PSBB and Sishya to newer, innovative schools like Akshar Arbol, each institution is committed to delivering quality education and developing well-rounded individuals.
As 2025 progresses, these schools continue to evolve, ensuring that their students receive not only top-tier academic training but also opportunities for personal growth, leadership, and global awareness. The best schools in Chennai stand out for their combination of strong academic foundations, modern facilities, and a holistic approach to education.