I almost messed up my kids’ education.
True story. When we decided to move back to India in 2017, I was so focused on the logistics. Shipping. Bank accounts. Finding a house. The school thing? I thought it would sort itself out.
It did not.
My younger son was born in the US. He had never seen India except on FaceTime calls with his grandmother. My older one had vague memories of eating mangoes at his grandparents’ house. Both were used to American classrooms. Small groups. Teachers who knew their names. Projects instead of exams.
I panicked three months before our move. Started calling schools. Visiting campuses. Talking to every NRI parent I could find.
That research saved us. And now, after seven years of running BacktoIndia.com and helping thousands of NRI families, I know exactly which schools work for kids coming from abroad.
This is that knowledge. Condensed.
Why International Schools for NRI Kids
Here is the thing.
NRI kids are not regular kids who happened to live abroad. They think differently. They have been trained to question. To discuss. To challenge.
Put them in a traditional Indian school and they struggle. Not because they are dumb. Because the system is alien.
International schools bridge this gap. Same curriculum they know. Same teaching style. Same expectations.
The transition becomes smooth instead of traumatic.
If you are planning your move, also read our return to India checklist. It covers everything beyond schools.
Understanding Your Curriculum Options
Before the school list, you need to understand boards. Different schools offer different curricula.
| Curriculum | Teaching Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| IB (International Baccalaureate) | Inquiry based, holistic | Kids going to US/UK universities |
| IGCSE/Cambridge | Rigorous academics, British system | Kids considering UK education |
| ICSE | Balanced Indian and international | Kids staying in India long term |
My personal preference is IB. The approach feels natural to kids from American schools. But IGCSE works great too. Especially for UK university plans.
For detailed comparison, check our guide on CBSE vs IB curriculum.
The 10 Best Schools: My Picks
These recommendations come from personal research. Community feedback. Seven years of watching NRI families navigate this.
Not rankings copied from websites. Real experience.
1. Canadian International School (CIS)
CIS was the first school in Bangalore to offer the IB Diploma. That was in 2000. Twenty four years of experience with international education.
| Location | Yelahanka and Sarjapur Road |
|---|---|
| Curriculum | Cambridge IGCSE, IB PYP, MYP, DP |
| Annual Fees | Rs 8 to 12 lakhs |
What stands out:
The campus runs on 100% solar energy. First carbon neutral school in Bangalore. They started 1:1 iPad learning back in 2011. Before most schools even knew what that meant.
A mom in our WhatsApp group told me her daughter transitioned from a California public school without any culture shock. The teaching felt familiar. The expectations made sense.
Students from 40+ nationalities study here. Your kid will not be the odd one out.
2. The International School Bangalore (TISB)
TISB has numbers that matter.
Ranked 39th among IB schools worldwide. Third in India. These are actual IB organization rankings. Not marketing claims.
| Location | NAFL Valley, Whitefield |
|---|---|
| Curriculum | IGCSE, IB Diploma |
| Annual Fees | Rs 5.5 to 10.6 lakhs |
Principal Dr. Caroline Pascoe has over 20 years in international education. That depth shows in how the school operates.
Boarding available. Useful if you are still settling in and need flexibility.
The campus is about 30 minutes from Whitefield. Plan your housing accordingly.
3. Stonehill International School
Stonehill is pure IB. Nothing else. That focus pays off.
| Location | Tarahunise, North Bangalore |
|---|---|
| Curriculum | IB PYP, MYP, DP only |
| Annual Fees | Rs 6.8 to 15 lakhs (with boarding) |
Student teacher ratio of 7:1. Seven students per teacher. That is exceptional by any standard.
Students from 34 countries. Faculty from 15 countries. Genuinely international. Not just in name.
The campus sits on 34 acres near the airport. Purpose built. Spacious. Green.
Here is the catch. Location. If you live in South Bangalore, the commute will kill you. Consider boarding or relocate to North Bangalore.
Check our guide on best gated communities in Bangalore if you are flexible on location.
4. Indus International School
Indus has won “Number 1 School in Bangalore” from Education World for seven consecutive years. Consistency like that means something.
| Location | Sarjapur Road |
|---|---|
| Curriculum | IB PYP, MYP, DP |
| Annual Fees | Rs 7 to 10 lakhs |
What this really means is strong US university preparation. SAT prep. College counseling. Application support.
If your plan is sending kids back to the US for college, this alignment helps.
40 acre campus. Excellent sports facilities. Tennis. Swimming. Football. Cricket. For athletic kids, this matters.
5. Greenwood High International School
Greenwood offers something rare. Three curriculum choices under one roof.
| Location | Bannerghatta Road |
|---|---|
| Curriculum | ICSE, IGCSE, IB |
| Annual Fees | Rs 4 to 8 lakhs |
This flexibility is gold for NRI families unsure about which board to choose. Start with one. Switch if needed. Most schools do not allow that.
Bannerghatta location works well if you are settling in South Bangalore. Many tech families live in that corridor. HSR Layout. Koramangala. Electronic City. Commute is manageable.
Learning by doing is their approach. Projects. Field trips. Hands on activities. Very different from memorization factories.
6. Oakridge International School
Oakridge runs an MIT STEAM program.
Science. Technology. Engineering. Arts. Mathematics. All integrated. Not separate subjects but connected disciplines.
| Location | Sarjapur (near WIPRO office) |
|---|---|
| Curriculum | IB PYP, MYP, DP |
| Annual Fees | Rs 4 to 7 lakhs |
Students work on real world projects. They build things. They create solutions. Very American in approach.
Part of Nord Anglia Education network globally. Access to resources and exchanges that smaller schools cannot offer.
For families in the Sarjapur area (popular NRI settling spot), location is convenient.
7. Trio World Academy
Trio won “Best School Brand in India” from Economic Times. Also recognized as “Institution of Happiness” by QS I GAUGE.
Happiness in a school. That is refreshing.
| Location | Multiple campuses |
|---|---|
| Curriculum | IB PYP, MYP, DP |
| Annual Fees | Rs 3 to 7 lakhs |
They balance global learning with traditional Indian values. Leadership. Discipline. Service.
If you want kids to stay connected to Indian culture while getting international education, Trio does this well.
The fee structure is more accessible compared to other IB schools. Good value for quality delivered.
8. Mallya Aditi International School
Aditi is the original. Established in 1984. Forty years of experience.
| Location | Yelahanka |
|---|---|
| Curriculum | ICSE, IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels |
| Annual Fees | Rs 4 to 5 lakhs |
The culture encourages questioning. Teachers treat students as individuals. Critical thinking over memorization.
Something unique here. Weekly internships are mandatory for Grade 12 students. Real world corporate exposure before leaving school.
Campus is only 5 acres. But the architecture is award winning. Green. Open. Designed for learning.
Day school only. No boarding.
9. Jain International Residential School (JIRS)
JIRS is primarily boarding. And one of the best in India.
| Location | Kanakapura Road (40 km from city) |
|---|---|
| Curriculum | IGCSE, IB, CBSE |
| Annual Fees | Rs 5.5 to 10 lakhs |
If you are still in the US and want your child to start school before you complete the move, JIRS works. Excellent boarding facilities. Proper pastoral care.
Sports infrastructure is outstanding. Every sport you can think of.
The 40 km distance from Bangalore city is significant. But for boarding, location matters less.
10. Neev Academy
Neev is the quiet achiever. Not flashy. Not heavily marketed. But solid.
| Location | Yemalur |
|---|---|
| Curriculum | IB PYP, MYP |
| Annual Fees | Rs 5.5 to 8.25 lakhs |
Founded in Indiranagar in 2005. The Yemalur campus is purpose built on 16 acres. Modern. Green. Well designed.
Happy students. Engaged learning. Small class sizes. Teachers who care.
One limitation. Currently goes up to Grade 10 only. For senior secondary, students need another school.
Quick Comparison: All 10 Schools
| School | Curriculum | Annual Fees (Lakhs) |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian International | IB, IGCSE | 8 to 12 |
| TISB | IB, IGCSE | 5.5 to 10.6 |
| Stonehill | IB only | 6.8 to 15 |
| Indus International | IB | 7 to 10 |
| Greenwood High | IB, IGCSE, ICSE | 4 to 8 |
| Oakridge | IB | 4 to 7 |
| Trio World Academy | IB | 3 to 7 |
| Mallya Aditi | IGCSE, ICSE | 4 to 5 |
| JIRS | IB, IGCSE, CBSE | 5.5 to 10 |
| Neev Academy | IB | 5.5 to 8.25 |
What I Tell Parents in Our Community
After seven years of watching NRI families navigate school choices, here is what works:
Visit before deciding. Websites lie. Energy does not. Walk the campus. Watch students during breaks. Talk to teachers. Feel the vibe.
Talk to current NRI parents. Every school looks amazing in their own presentation. Get real feedback. Our BacktoIndia WhatsApp groups have parents from all these schools.
Location matters more than you think. Bangalore traffic is brutal. A 10 km distance can mean 45 minutes during peak hours. Choose schools near where you plan to live.
Check transition support. Good international schools have dedicated programs for kids coming from overseas. ESL support. Counseling. Buddy systems. Ask specifically about this.
Think about the end game. Where do you want your child for university? US colleges? UK? India? Let that guide your curriculum choice.
For more on settling in Bangalore, read our complete guide to returning to Bangalore.
The Admission Process
Most international schools follow a similar pattern:
Step 1: Online application with fee (Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000)
Step 2: Document submission
- Passport copies (child and parents)
- Previous report cards (last 2 years)
- Birth certificate
- Transfer certificate
- OCI/PIO card if applicable
Step 3: Assessment (English and Math, sometimes interview)
Step 4: Parent meeting with school administrators
Step 5: Offer letter and admission fee (Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,50,000)
Start early. Good schools fill up fast. Apply 6 to 12 months before your planned move.
What to Budget
International education is not cheap. But compared to US or UK private schools, it is affordable.
| Cost Category | Annual Range |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Rs 4 to 15 lakhs |
| Admission (one time) | Rs 50,000 to 2 lakhs |
| Transport | Rs 40,000 to 80,000 |
| Books and Supplies | Rs 20,000 to 50,000 |
| Uniform | Rs 10,000 to 30,000 |
First year total can be Rs 6 to 18 lakhs depending on school. Budget accordingly.
Most schools offer quarterly or half yearly payment options.
Common Questions From Our Community
Will my child adjust?
In international schools, yes. The student body includes other NRI kids and expat children. Teaching style is familiar. Most adjust within one to two terms.
What about languages?
English is primary medium. Hindi and Kannada taught as second languages. Kids pick up Indian languages over time. Do not stress about this.
Is quality really comparable to US/UK?
Top international schools in Bangalore are genuinely world class. IB results match global standards. University acceptances prove this.
What if we move back abroad?
IB and IGCSE are recognized globally. Credits transfer smoothly. This is a major advantage over CBSE or ICSE.
My Honest Recommendation
If I were moving back today with school age children:
North Bangalore families: Stonehill or Canadian International (Yelahanka) or Mallya Aditi
South Bangalore families: Greenwood High or Canadian International (Sarjapur) or Oakridge
Need boarding: Stonehill or JIRS or TISB
Budget conscious: Trio World Academy or Greenwood High
Pure academics focus: TISB or Indus International
There is no single best school. The best school is the one that fits your child. Your location. Your budget. Your educational philosophy.
What Our Community Says
Real feedback from our WhatsApp groups:
“We chose Canadian International for our daughter. Transition from California was smooth. She found friends within weeks.” Priya, moved from Bay Area in 2022
“TISB is academically intense. My son loves it. But not for every child. Make sure your kid is okay with high expectations.” Ravi, moved from New Jersey in 2021
“Stonehill boarding is excellent. We were still wrapping up in the US when our son started. The pastoral care gave us peace of mind.” Meera, moved from Seattle in 2023
Questions? Ask the Community
Not sure which school fits your situation? Need specific advice?
Join our WhatsApp community at backtoindia.com/groups. Over 20,000 NRI families helping each other. Many parents have kids in these exact schools. Ask them directly.
Real people. Real experiences. Real advice.
See you there.
Mani Karthik Founder, BacktoIndia.com
Related Guides on BacktoIndia.com
- Best International Schools in Hyderabad
- CBSE vs IB: Which is Better?
- CBSE vs IGCSE Comparison
- College Admissions for NRI Students
- NRI Quota in Indian Colleges
- How to Settle in Bangalore
- Candor International School Review
Sources
- Canadian International School: canadianinternationalschool.com
- The International School Bangalore: tisb.ac.in
- Stonehill International School: stonehill.in
- Indus International School: indusschool.com
- Greenwood High International School: greenwoodhigh.edu.in
- Oakridge International School: oakridge.in
- Trio World Academy: trioworldschool.com
- Mallya Aditi International School: aditi.edu.in
- Jain International Residential School: jirs.ac.in
- Neev Academy: neevacademy.org
- Education World India Rankings: educationworld.in
- IB Organization: ibo.org
- Cambridge Assessment: cambridgeinternational.org
Disclaimer: Fee information is approximate based on 2025 data. Schools revise fees annually. Verify current fees directly with schools.
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