If you’re looking for a school that is very different from the usual boarding schools in India, Sholai School in Kodaikanal is worth a closer look. It’s small, nature-focused, and has a very unique philosophy that may or may not suit every child.
About the School
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Complete Address | Sholai School, Centre for Learning, Organic Agriculture and Appropriate Technology (CLOAAT), P.O. Box 57, Bharathi Anna Nagar, Pethuparai, Perumalmalai, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624101 |
| Founding Year | 1989 (founded by Brian Jenkins) |
| Number of Students | Historically ~50–70 students (The Hindu, 2017 noted ~60). Current figure not published. |
| Boards/Curricula | Cambridge IGCSE & A Levels (Centre No IN499), NIOS, in-house Mature Students Program |
| Classes Available | Ages 3–19 (Cambridge Upper Secondary & Advanced; Primary/Lower Secondary not currently listed as offered) |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 5:1 (official website) |
| Co-Ed | Yes |
| Boarding Facility | Fully residential, ages ~7–20 years |
| Staff Highlights | - Founder Brian Jenkins (British-born, ex-Brockwood Park) - Current principal: J P Ramesh Kumar - Staff with expertise in sustainability, arts, theatre, outdoor education |
| Contact Information | Phone: 04542 290847 Admissions: +91 90476 94666 / +91-7868901665 / +91-9159635666 Email: [email protected] |
Details about School Campus
- Campus Size: Between 35–70 acres within a larger 100-acre CLOAAT estate (sources vary).
- Facilities & Infrastructure:
- Rural campus in Palani Hills, surrounded by forest and farmland
- Solar panels, micro-hydro plant, biogas, organic farm (food grown on campus)
- Small classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, woodwork, theatre, arts, music
- Boarding houses with vegetarian organic meals
- Sports: football, swimming, badminton, cycling, kabaddi, skating, athletics (non-competitive focus)
- Specialist spaces: art studios, theatre workshop, farm/agriculture areas, pond/river for nature learning
Estimated Fees
| Category | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition + Boarding | Not published | Parents must request official fee schedule |
| Application Fee | Not listed | Application form requested by email |
| Transport | Not applicable | Fully residential |
| Camps/Short Stays | ₹20,000 (example: summer camp, 2019) | Not annual fees |
| Visitor Stay | ₹1,500 per night + ₹300 per meal | For parents visiting campus |
Important notes for parents:
- The school does not publish its annual fee structure online.
- Always request a written fee breakup (tuition, boarding, meals, deposits, exam fees).
- Do not rely on third-party websites for fee information.
Parent Feedback and Ratings
- Justdial: 3.8 / 5 (4 reviews) Justdial
- Facebook: 5 / 5 (10 reviews, small sample)
- The Hindu (2017): Positive feature on ethos and small size
Positives:
“Great school, a very nostalgic and magical place almost out of a fairytale. The school really helps students explore many things with an open …”
“English being the only language spoken in the campus even the little ones of age 8 spoke with clarity and confidence.”
“A wonderful place with a wonderful attitude and wonderful dream … Sholai School certainly has them.”
Concerns / Negatives:
“Not specialised — Not beneficial — Limited facilities — No subject expertise — High fee structure — Extra fees — Unmaintained facilities — Inadequate security.”
“Our time at the school was cut short after we were both taken seriously ill through drinking contaminated water.”
“Not specialised, limited amenities.”
Sentiment Analysis
| Aspect | Positives | Concerns | Questions to ask |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grades | Small class sizes and a 5:1 ratio mean children get personal attention. Parents note that even younger children gain confidence in communication. | Limited subject breadth at primary level; Cambridge Primary not currently offered. Some parents may feel exam preparation is not intensive enough. | Ask which grades are currently active and how many students are in each. |
| Boards | Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels are a strong option for older students. NIOS provides flexibility for others. | Not all Cambridge subjects are available; parents have reported limited subject choice. | Confirm which IGCSE/A Level subjects are offered and request a sample timetable. |
| Campus Life | Strong focus on sustainability, outdoor learning, arts, and non-competitive sports. The natural setting is often praised. | Facilities are intentionally simple; parents expecting modern labs or competitive sports may be disappointed. | Ask about health and safety measures, especially water quality and medical facilities. |
What kind of peer group will the child have in this school?
- Age Range: 3–19 years, with mixed-age interactions due to small size.
- Family Backgrounds: Families from across India and some international students; many parents value alternative, holistic education.
- Socio-economic Profile: Mixed — includes scholarship students and fee-paying families. Not a luxury boarding school, but not low-cost either.
- Child Profiles: Best suited for curious, outdoorsy, reflective children who enjoy hands-on learning and community living. Less suited for children who need intensive exam coaching or highly competitive environments.
Unique things about the school
- Entirely powered by renewable energy (solar, micro-hydro, biogas).
- Organic farm supplies most of the food.
- Inspired by Krishnamurti’s philosophy of education.
- Very small, close-knit residential community.
- Offers both Cambridge and NIOS pathways.
Summary for the Parent
Sholai School is not your typical boarding school. It’s small, deeply rooted in sustainability, and follows a Krishnamurti-inspired philosophy. Children here grow up in a natural environment, with a lot of freedom to explore and learn in non-traditional ways.
What kind of child will this school work for best:
- Children who are curious, independent, and enjoy outdoor, hands-on learning.
- Children who thrive in small communities and don’t need high-pressure exam coaching.
Strengths:
- Very low student-teacher ratio (5:1).
- Strong sustainability and environmental ethos.
- Cambridge IGCSE and A Level options.
- Holistic development through arts, theatre, and outdoor activities.
Potential trade-offs / Things to check:
- Limited subject choices compared to larger schools.
- Facilities are simple, not modern or competitive.
- Fee structure is not transparent online.
- Past concerns about maintenance and health safety.
Recommendations / Questions to Ask:
- Request the latest fee structure in writing.
- Confirm subject availability for IGCSE/A Levels.
- Ask about current student numbers and class sizes.
- Inquire about health, water safety, and medical facilities.
- Visit the campus and, if possible, arrange a trial stay for your child.
Admission Process for Interested Parents
- Email [email protected] to request an application form.
- Child must write two essays; a maths test may follow.
- Parents and child are encouraged to visit the campus (overnight stay possible).
- If accepted, the child may be invited for a one-month trial period.
- Documents required: application form, child’s photo, birth certificate, previous school reports, health records.
Sources
- Official School Website
- Cambridge Directory Listing
- The Hindu Feature (2017)
- Justdial Reviews
- The Better India Feature
- Ian Lockwood Blog
- Delhi World Public School Blog Visit (2019)
- HappyDays Travel Blog (2017)