Cities / Bangalore / Bangalore International School
Bangalore International School
The first international school in Bangalore, opened in 1969 by Eloise Bennett out of a garage on Millers Road as the American Community School. CIS accredited, IB and Cambridge through to age 18 on a campus in Geddalahalli, north east Bengaluru.
In brief
The first international school in Bangalore, opened in 1969 by Eloise Bennett out of a garage on Millers Road as the American Community School. CIS-accredited, IB and Cambridge through to age 18 on a campus in Geddalahalli, north-east Bengaluru.
Cambridge IGCSE in Years 9 and 10, then a choice between Cambridge A-Level or the IB Diploma in Years 11 and 12. Around 500 students, ages 3 to 18. Fees in the INR 178,000 to 303,000 range depending on year, which is mid-market for Bangalore international schools and notably below Stonehill or Canadian International.
Parent voice is consistent on two things. Teachers know children individually in a way that many Bangalore international schools do not match, and communication with parents through portals, weekly updates and accessible coordinators is steady. Critical voices focus on inconsistency in pedagogy across departments and on the fit with children who need a more structured, drill-led approach. Strongest match is families willing to invest long-term and engage actively with the school.
Fees
Annual fees
| Year level | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-school (PreK, K1, K2) | 3 | ₹178,200 |
| Grade 1-5 | 6 | ₹196,000 |
| Grade 6-7 | 11 | ₹212,000 |
| Grade 8-10 (IGCSE) | 13 | ₹266,000 |
| Grade 11-12 (IB Diploma) | 16 | ₹230,000 |
| A/AS Level | 16 | ₹303,000 |
One-time fees
| Item | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Security Deposit (refundable) | ₹20,000 | |
| Admission / Infrastructure Fee | ₹100,000 |
Reviews
- Long-running Hennur campus, founded 1969, IB and Cambridge. Listed regularly when parents ask for international school options, though never the unanimous top pick.
- Reviews split sharply. Parents praising the school highlight inclusive education and behavioural and occupational therapy support; the inclusion programme is the most distinctive positive theme.
- Critics among parents describe the culture as toxic and say teachers, with some exceptions, are unsupportive and inadequately trained, and the administration is politicised and financially motivated.
- Bus transport draws specific complaints. One parent said drivers are rude and drive irresponsibly with children still on board.
- Teaching quality is reported as inconsistent. Parents describe some teachers as engaging and others as passive.
- One ex-student comment in 2022 strongly discouraged enrollment, contrasting with newer 2024-25 accounts where parents call it one of the better international options in the city.
Positives
- Inclusive education and SEN support. Parents of neurodivergent children specifically recommend the school for behavioural and occupational therapy provision.
Considerations
- Polarised parent experience. MouthShut and Reddit show a wide split between strong recommenders and parents reporting culture and admin problems.
- Teaching consistency. Some teachers praised as exceptional; others described as disengaged or under-trained.
- Bus and transport. Repeated complaints about driver behaviour with children on board.
- Administration. Critics describe the administration as politicised; specifics are limited but recur across reviewers.
Leadership
Dr. Shivananda C.S.
Dr. Shivananda C.S. is the Head of School at Bangalore International School, bringing over twenty years of global experience in international education leadership. He is a qualified NPQH leader and a K-12 school development strategist. His vision for the school centers on academic excellence, student wellbeing, and joyful engagement. He focuses on fostering a strong sense of belonging and genuine relationships within the school community. Dr. Shivananda is committed to personalized university guidance and maintaining an inclusive, safe environment where every learner can thrive through small, consistent improvements that yield lasting impact.
Accreditations
- Council of International Schools 01