“Which school should we put our kids in?”
That’s the question I hear more than any other in our BacktoIndia WhatsApp community. More than taxes. More than housing. More than jobs.
And I get it.
When we moved back to Bangalore in 2017, choosing a school for our sons was the single most stressful decision we made. More stressful than selling our apartment in the US. More stressful than the actual flight back.
Because you can always change a house. Changing schools mid-year? That’s a different story.
Bangalore has more international schools than almost any city in India. That sounds like good news. But when you’re sitting abroad, trying to compare 30+ schools from 10,000 miles away, it’s overwhelming.
So I put together this guide based on what I’ve seen, what our community parents have experienced, and what I hear from the school counselors and education experts I work with.
This isn’t a ranking. Every school has strengths, and what works for one family may not work for yours.
But this will give you a solid starting point.
If you want a broader overview of how Indian school syllabuses compare, read that guide first. It covers CBSE, ICSE, IB, IGCSE, and State Boards in detail.
What Makes a School “Good” for NRI Kids?
Before we get to the list, here’s what returning NRI parents should actually look for.
It’s not just about rankings or fancy campuses.
Transition support.
Does the school have experience handling kids coming from American, British, or other international school systems? Do they offer EAL (English as an Additional Language) or bridge programs?
Curriculum continuity.
If your child was in an inquiry-based system abroad, a sudden switch to rote-heavy learning will be jarring. IB and Cambridge schools offer the smoothest transition for most NRI kids.
Mid-year admission flexibility.
Most NRI families don’t move in April (when Indian school years start). Can the school take your child mid-year?
Class size.
Anything above 30 students per class makes individual attention nearly impossible. The best international schools keep it between 15 and 25.
Diversity.
A school with students from multiple nationalities and backgrounds helps NRI kids feel less “different” during the adjustment phase.
Parent community.
This matters more than you think. A school with an active, welcoming parent community can make or break your family’s settling-in experience.
Quick Comparison Table
Here’s a side-by-side overview of all 10 schools before we dive into details:
| School | Board | Established | Day/Boarding | Approx. Annual Fees | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The International School Bangalore (TISB) | IGCSE + IB DP | 2000 | Day + Boarding | Rs 8L to 11L | Whitefield-Sarjapur |
| Stonehill International School | Full IB (PYP, MYP, DP) | 2008 | Day + Boarding | Rs 14L to 21L | North Bangalore (near airport) |
| Canadian International School (CIS) | Cambridge IGCSE + IB DP | 1996 | Day | Rs 7L to 12L | Yelahanka / Sarjapur |
| Indus International School | IB + IGCSE | 2003 | Day + Boarding | Rs 6L to 11L | Sarjapur Road |
| Inventure Academy | IGCSE + IB DP | 2005 | Day | Rs 6L to 10L | Whitefield-Sarjapur |
| Bangalore International School (BIS) | Cambridge + IB DP | 1969 | Day | Rs 5L to 9L | Geddalahalli (North) |
| Candor International School | IGCSE + IB DP | 2011 | Day | Rs 5L to 8L | Near Electronic City |
| Trio World Academy | IB PYP + IGCSE + IB DP | 2010 | Day | Rs 6L to 10L | Sahakar Nagar |
| Neev Academy | IB (PYP, MYP) | 2005 | Day | Rs 5.5L to 8.5L | Yemalur |
| Mallya Aditi International School | IGCSE + ISC | 1983 | Day | Rs 4L to 7L | Yelahanka |
Note: Fees are approximate for the 2025-26 academic year and vary by grade level. Always confirm directly with the school. Fees may not include transport, meals, uniforms, or activity charges.
1. The International School Bangalore (TISB)
Board: Cambridge IGCSE (Grades 6-10) + IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11-12). Primary follows Cambridge International Primary Programme.
Campus: 140 acres. That’s massive by any standard. Whitefield-Sarjapur Road area.
Students: Over 1,100 students. About 275 boarders.
Why NRI parents like it: TISB is one of the most established international schools in Bangalore. Founded in 2000 by Dr. K.P. Gopalkrishna (who also founded the NPS school chain), it has a strong track record with university placements abroad.
The school accepts admissions throughout the year, which is a big deal for NRI families who can’t always time their move to April.
The 140-acre campus is genuinely impressive. Swimming pool, cricket pitch, athletics track, tennis and basketball courts, auditoriums, and dedicated boarding houses.
What to know:
- IGCSE in middle school, IB Diploma for 11th and 12th – this is a common and well-regarded combination
- Strong focus on university placements in the US, UK, and Australia
- Boarding community makes up about a quarter of students
- Entrance assessment required (can be done online for international applicants)
- Session runs August to June (different from most Indian schools)
- No scholarships or sibling discounts
Community feedback: Several parents in our group have their kids at TISB. The consistent feedback is “academically strong, campus is beautiful, but fees are high and the location is a bit remote from central Bangalore.”
One parent noted that the school has excellent support for kids transitioning from American schools, which makes sense given the large NRI student population.
Website: tisb.org
2. Stonehill International School
Board: Full IB continuum – PYP (Pre-K to Grade 5), MYP (Grades 6-10), DP (Grades 11-12), plus IB Career-related Programme.
Campus: 34 acres. North Bangalore, about 20 minutes from Kempegowda International Airport.
Students: Around 650 students from over 35 nationalities. Average class size of 15 to 18.
Why NRI parents like it: Stonehill is the only school on this list that offers the complete IB continuum from age 3 to 18. If your child has been in an IB school abroad, the transition here is essentially seamless.
The diversity is genuine. With students from 35+ countries and faculty from 15+ nationalities, NRI kids don’t feel like outsiders.
Founded in 2008, the school is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) – both respected international accreditations.
What to know:
- Full IB from nursery through Grade 12 – rare in Bangalore
- Day and boarding available (boarding from Grade 6)
- Student-teacher ratio of about 20:1, class sizes of 15 to 18
- EAL (English as an Additional Language) support available
- IB DP results consistently above global average
- 100% university placement rate in recent years
- Scholarships totalling nearly $2 million for recent graduating classes
- Session runs August to June
- Most expensive school on this list
Community feedback: “It feels like a school you’d find in Singapore or Dubai, not Bangalore” – that’s how one community dad described it. The campus is purpose-built, the staff is genuinely international, and the approach is very much in line with what NRI families are used to abroad.
The downside? Location (far north) and cost. At Rs 14L to 21L per year, it’s a significant commitment.
Website: stonehill.in
3. Canadian International School (CIS)
Board: Cambridge IGCSE + IB Diploma Programme. Montessori through Grade 12.
Campus: Multiple campuses – Yelahanka and Sarjapur Road.
Why NRI parents like it: CIS was the first school in Bangalore to introduce the IB Diploma Programme. Established in 1996, it has nearly three decades of experience with international education.
The school recently built the Wolfpack Arena for athletics, and it’s the first carbon-neutral school in Bangalore, running on 100% solar energy. If sustainability matters to your family, CIS walks the talk.
CIS students consistently get into top universities worldwide. The school has a strong college counseling program that starts early.
What to know:
- First school in Bangalore to offer IBDP
- 100% solar energy campus
- Pioneer in 1:1 iPad integrated learning (since 2011)
- Strong college counseling for US, UK, and Canadian university applications
- Multiple campus options based on your location in Bangalore
- Well-established parent community
Community feedback: CIS comes up frequently in our groups. Parents appreciate the balance between academic rigor and holistic development. The Sarjapur campus is newer and popular with families in south-east Bangalore.
A few parents mentioned that the school can feel “corporate” compared to smaller schools. But the infrastructure and academic outcomes are strong.
Website: canadianinternationalschool.com
4. Indus International School
Board: IB (PYP, MYP, DP) + IGCSE
Campus: Large campus on Sarjapur Road. Day and boarding options.
Why NRI parents like it: Indus has a strong brand in Bangalore’s international school circuit. The school emphasizes its “Indus Learning System” which focuses on individualized learning paths.
The campus is well-equipped with sports facilities, performing arts spaces, and modern classrooms. Boarding is available for families who might need it temporarily while setting up their home in Bangalore.
What to know:
- Both IB and IGCSE pathways available
- Strong sports program
- Day and boarding options
- Located on Sarjapur Road – accessible from Whitefield and south-east Bangalore
- Good track record of university placements
Community feedback: Mixed reviews in our group. Some parents praise the facilities and academic programs. Others have mentioned management concerns and inconsistent communication. I’d strongly recommend visiting the campus and talking to current parents before deciding.
Website: indusschool.com
5. Inventure Academy
Board: Cambridge IGCSE + IB Diploma Programme
Campus: Whitefield-Sarjapur Road area.
Why NRI parents like it: Founded in 2005 by the India Learning Foundation (a non-profit), Inventure has consistently been listed among the top 20 day schools in India.
The school has a strong emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, and design thinking. If your child is creative and self-driven, Inventure’s approach might be a good fit.
Class sizes are smaller than most schools on this list, which means more individual attention.
What to know:
- Non-profit school with a strong educational philosophy
- IGCSE for middle and senior school, IB DP for 11th and 12th
- Emphasis on design thinking and innovation
- Active student council and MUN programs
- Smaller school community – which can be a pro or con depending on your preference
- Day school only (no boarding)
Community feedback: Parents who choose Inventure tend to love it. The school attracts families who value progressive education over brand names. “It doesn’t have the flashiest campus, but the teaching is excellent” is a sentiment I’ve heard multiple times.
Website: inventureacademy.com
6. Bangalore International School (BIS)
Board: Cambridge + IB Diploma Programme
Campus: Geddalahalli, North Bangalore.
Why NRI parents like it: BIS is the oldest international school in Bangalore, founded in 1969 by an American educator named Eloise Bennet. She wanted a school that followed North American teaching methods. That legacy continues.
For NRI families, there’s something comforting about a school that was literally built with international students in mind – over five decades ago.
BIS follows the Cambridge curriculum through middle school and offers the IB Diploma Programme for 11th and 12th.
What to know:
- Oldest international school in Bangalore (founded 1969)
- Originally designed for expat and international families
- Cambridge + IB DP combination
- North Bangalore location
- Strong alumni network spanning decades
- Smaller, more intimate school environment
Community feedback: BIS doesn’t generate as much buzz as newer schools, but parents who choose it often stay loyal. “Old school charm with genuine international values” is how one community parent described it.
The campus isn’t as modern as some newer schools, but the teaching quality and school culture get consistent praise.
Website: bangaloreinternationalschool.org
7. Candor International School
Board: Cambridge IGCSE + IB Diploma Programme
Campus: 25 acres near Electronic City, off Bannerghatta Road.
Why NRI parents like it: If you’re settling in south Bangalore (Electronic City, Bannerghatta Road, JP Nagar), Candor is one of the best international school options in that corridor.
Founded in 2011, it’s newer than some others on this list but has built a solid reputation quickly. The school follows IGCSE through middle school and offers the IB Diploma Programme for senior students.
We actually have a detailed Candor review on BacktoIndia that you should read if this school is on your shortlist.
What to know:
- 25-acre campus with good sports and arts facilities
- IGCSE + IB DP pathway
- Strong location for south Bangalore families
- Relatively newer school – still building its alumni base
- Competitive admission process with entrance assessments
Community feedback: Parents in our south Bangalore group generally speak well of Candor. The campus, teaching approach, and class sizes get positive mentions. One parent cautioned that “it’s still growing into its potential,” which is fair for a school that’s about 15 years old.
Website: candorschool.edu.in
8. Trio World Academy
Board: IB PYP + Cambridge Secondary 1 + Cambridge IGCSE + IB Diploma Programme
Campus: Sahakar Nagar area, North Bangalore.
Why NRI parents like it: Trio has won several awards, including “Best School Brand in India” by The Economic Times. The school combines IB and Cambridge curricula in a way that gives students flexibility.
IB PYP for primary years, Cambridge for middle school, IGCSE for secondary, and IB DP for 11th and 12th. This blend is designed to give students the best of both systems.
The school also has a partnership with FC Barcelona’s academy for sports, which is a draw for sports-minded families.
What to know:
- Unique IB + Cambridge hybrid curriculum
- FC Barcelona academy partnership for football
- Named “Institution of Happiness” by QS I-GAUGE
- Virtual campus tours available for families still abroad
- Zoom calls with grade coordinators for international applicants
- Sahakar Nagar location (north-central Bangalore)
Community feedback: Trio gets mentioned often for its sports facilities and the BARCA academy. Academically, parents say it’s strong but not as intense as TISB or Stonehill. “Good balance between academics and everything else” is a common sentiment.
Website: trioworldacademy.org
9. Neev Academy
Board: IB World School (PYP, MYP). Currently up to Grade 8 at the international campus.
Campus: 16 acres, Yemalur (between Whitefield and Indiranagar).
Why NRI parents like it: Neev is a boutique international school. Originally established in Indiranagar in 2005, it has expanded to a purpose-built Yemalur campus.
The school is known for its nurturing environment, especially for younger children. If you have kids in primary school, Neev’s approach to early education gets consistently strong reviews.
The location is also a major plus. Yemalur is centrally located compared to most international schools that tend to be on the outskirts.
What to know:
- IB PYP and MYP authorized
- Currently does not go up to Grade 12 at the international campus – check for updates
- Smaller school with a focus on individual attention
- Strong early childhood and primary programs
- Central location compared to most international schools
- Fees in the Rs 5.5L to 8.5L range – more accessible than some others
Community feedback: Parents with younger kids (pre-primary through Grade 5) rave about Neev. “My daughter actually looks forward to going to school” is the kind of feedback I hear. For older kids, the limitation is that you may need to switch schools for Grades 9 to 12.
Website: neevacademy.org
10. Mallya Aditi International School
Board: Cambridge IGCSE + ISC (Indian School Certificate for Grades 11-12)
Campus: Yelahanka, North Bangalore.
Why NRI parents like it: Mallya Aditi has been around since 1983. It’s one of the few schools in Bangalore that combines an international curriculum (IGCSE) with an Indian senior secondary option (ISC).
This makes it interesting for NRI families who want an international approach for middle school but want to keep the option of Indian university applications open through ISC.
The school has a strong reputation for arts, theater, and creative expression – not just academics.
What to know:
- IGCSE for middle school, ISC for senior secondary
- Strong arts and creative programs
- Established in 1983 – one of the older international schools
- Relatively affordable compared to full IB schools
- Day school only
- Yelahanka location works well for north Bangalore families
Community feedback: Parents who choose Mallya Aditi tend to value its progressive ethos and creative focus. “It’s not a factory. They actually care about the whole child” is feedback I’ve heard from multiple parents. The school is smaller and less flashy than some others, but that’s part of its appeal.
Website: malyaaditi.org
How to Choose: A Framework for NRI Families
With 10 schools to consider, here’s how to narrow it down:
Step 1: Location first.
Bangalore traffic is real. A 45-minute commute each way will drain your child and your family. Pick 3 to 4 schools within a 20-minute radius of where you plan to live.
If you haven’t decided where to settle, read our guide on how to settle in Bangalore and our list of best gated communities.
Step 2: Match the board to your child’s future.
Planning to stay in India long-term? IB + IGCSE is great but also consider whether your child might need to prepare for JEE/NEET. Going to IB/Cambridge doesn’t preclude Indian college entrance exams, but it does require supplementary coaching.
Planning to potentially move back abroad? Full IB or Cambridge is easier to transfer internationally.
Step 3: Visit in person.
This is non-negotiable. Websites lie. Brochures are marketing. Visit the campus. Talk to teachers. Watch how students interact. Talk to parents in the parking lot.
If you’re still abroad, most schools now offer virtual tours and Zoom meetings with admissions teams. Use them. But plan a visit trip before finalizing.
Step 4: Talk to current NRI parents.
This is where our WhatsApp community really helps. Post the schools you’re considering. Within hours, you’ll get honest feedback from parents who actually have kids in those schools.
Step 5: Apply to 3 to 4 schools.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Popular schools have waiting lists. Apply to multiple, attend open days, and let your child have a say (especially if they’re 10+).
Admission Tips for NRI Families
A few practical things I’ve learned from our community:
Start 6 to 12 months early.
Top international schools in Bangalore fill up. If you’re planning a mid-2026 move, start your school research and applications now.
Keep all documents ready.
Birth certificate, previous school report cards, transfer certificate (TC), passport copies, OCI card (if applicable), and address proof. Some schools need the TC attested by the Indian Consulate if you’re applying from abroad. This can take weeks.
Don’t panic about mid-year admission.
Most international schools (especially IB and Cambridge) accept mid-year transfers. They’re used to globally mobile families. TISB, Stonehill, and CIS all explicitly welcome applications throughout the year.
Grade placement may differ.
India uses a March 31 age cutoff. The US uses September. Your child might be placed one grade lower than expected. Don’t fight it. Read our guide on how the admission process works for more on this.
Budget beyond tuition.
Annual fees are just the starting point. Add transport (Rs 50,000 to 80,000), meals, uniforms, activity fees, school trips, and supplies. The real cost is typically 20 to 30% above the published tuition.
What About CBSE and ICSE Schools?
This guide focuses on international schools (IB, IGCSE, Cambridge). But CBSE and ICSE schools in Bangalore are excellent too, and significantly more affordable.
If you’re considering those options, check out our guides on CBSE vs ICSE and CBSE vs IB.
Some of the best CBSE/ICSE schools in Bangalore (like NPS, DPS, Bishop Cotton, and Cathedral) offer strong academics at a fraction of the international school fees.
The right choice depends on your child, your budget, and your long-term plans. Our overview of best cities for quality education also covers how Bangalore compares to other cities.
FAQ
Q: Can my child join an international school in Bangalore mid-year?
Yes. Most IB and Cambridge schools accept mid-year admissions, subject to availability. Contact the admissions office directly. Schools like TISB and Stonehill explicitly welcome year-round applications.
Q: Do international schools in Bangalore require entrance exams?
Most do. Typically assessments in English and Math, plus an interview. Many schools now offer online assessments for families still abroad.
Q: What’s the typical fee range for international schools?
Rs 5L to 21L per year depending on the school and grade level. Full IB schools tend to be at the higher end. IGCSE-only schools are slightly more affordable.
Q: Will my child struggle with Hindi if they’ve never learned it?
International schools in Bangalore generally don’t require Hindi. Many offer Hindi as an option alongside French, Spanish, Mandarin, or Kannada. This is one of the advantages of choosing an international school for NRI kids.
Q: Is boarding a good option for NRI families?
It can be, especially if you’re still settling in and need time to find permanent housing. TISB and Stonehill both have well-run boarding programs. But most NRI families I know prefer day school so the family can settle in together.
Q: Which school is best for kids coming from American schools?
IB schools (Stonehill, CIS) offer the smoothest transition because the inquiry-based approach is similar. Cambridge/IGCSE schools (TISB, Inventure, Candor) also work well. The key is class size and transition support more than the specific board.
Q: How do I verify if a school is genuinely IB authorized?
Check the IBO website directly at ibo.org. Any school can call itself “international.” Only IBO-authorized schools can offer the IB programme. Do this check before applying.
One Last Thing
Choosing a school feels like the biggest decision in the world right now.
I know because I was in your shoes in 2017. Sitting in front of my laptop at midnight, comparing schools, reading reviews, second-guessing everything.
Here’s what I wish someone had told me: there is no perfect school.
There are good schools. There are schools that are a better fit for your child. But perfection doesn’t exist.
What matters more than the school name is how your child feels when they walk through the gates. Do they feel welcome? Do they feel challenged? Do they feel safe?
My younger son (born in Dallas, started school in Bangalore at age 5) struggled for the first three months. I questioned our choice every day.
By month four, he had friends. By month eight, he was thriving.
Kids are more resilient than we give them credit for. Your job is to pick a good school, support them through the transition, and give it time.
You’ll figure this out. I promise.
Disclaimer: School fees, curricula, and policies change frequently. Information in this guide is based on publicly available data as of early 2026. Always verify details directly with the school before making decisions. This is not a paid promotion for any school.
Sources:
- IBO – Find an IB School – ibo.org
- Cambridge International – Find a School – cambridgeinternational.org
- Council of International Schools – cois.org
- Individual school websites (linked above)
- BacktoIndia Community Parent Feedback (2024-2026)
- EzySchooling, YellowSlate, and Edustoke school databases for fee verification
If you’re planning your move back, join our WhatsApp community at backtoindia.com/groups – 20,000+ NRIs helping each other with real, lived experience. It’s free and volunteer-run.
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