From its foundation in 1901 as a school for the children of missionaries, Kodaikanal School has been a Christian school. As it evolved into Kodaikanal International School in the early 1970's, KIS articulated its faith position to be accepting and understanding of people of all faiths.

KIS prime philosophy and objective in Project Design 1974 was to develop the existing Kodaikanal School into:

"an autonomous, plural-cultural, multinational, Christian school in mission as a Christian service to children and parents of all communities of Indian and international society, providing an opportunity for a quality education deliberately set within a multicultural social experience coupled with a specially designed opportunity for deepened spiritual development.

What is implied is that KIS will be truly international in character.'

KIS Philosophy and Objectives - Design '94

In 1994 this was re-articulated in the KIS long range planning document Design '94.

Today, KIS defines itself as Christian by foundation and constitution and identifies itself as a school with "beliefs and principles derived from the life, person and teachings of Jesus Christ revealed in scripture as the basic principles for leading a true, just and peaceful life".

Every aspect of institutional decision making is based on these affirmations from internal policy making to procedure and curriculum. As an international community, KIS seeks to avoid culturally bound interpretations of Christian identity and is sensitive to its South Asian context and relevance to its ideals of global education.

"Our understanding of the role of Christianity in our life together is broad and inclusive, spiritual as well as moral, seeking to define the center, rather than the periphery of Christian faith and practice."

KIS Ethos: Christian Witness, Worship & Environment - Design '94

KIS is a Christian school by tradition and intent. The expression of this Christian character is found in required Religious Education courses and weekly assemblies, the worship of the school-related Church and its programs and the spiritual environment where students and staff of various backgrounds, religions and nationalities share together in a living, loving and learning community.

Affirming Kodaikanal International School as a Christian school includes the following:

1.   The person, ideals and spirit of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Bible shall guide all
      aspects of its life and direct all its activities.
2.   All administrators will be committed Christians. A significant majority of members of
      Board of Management and the teaching and residential staff will be committed
      Christians.
3.   The school community shall strive to create a climate that is marked by:

• a sense of God's presence and action in the world
• a creative, effective and self-giving response to student needs
• a consciousness of the vital importance of social justice to resolving both personal, societal and international problems

4.    Christian witness would also mean teaching the effectiveness of Christian
       values so that graduating students will be able to go back to their
       communities and be actively engaged and involved in developing the structures
       of their society, and learn to live with and for others.
5.    Provision will be made for regular Christian worship, religious education,
      retreats, youth and other spiritual life programs.
6.    The school will retain close and supportive ties to the Church at the
       Kodaikanal International School and shall maintain the Margaret Eddy
       Memorial Chapel. The school's Chaplains will serve as Pastors of the Church.
7.    Regular attendance of all Christian students is expected at the Sunday
       morning services. Attendance of other students at Christian worship will be
       most welcome. Boarding students of all faiths in Elementary School will be
       required to attend worship on campus.
8.   Curricular courses in religious education will be required at all levels of the
      academic program and will present the Christian tradition as well as other
      world religions.
9.   Sunday mornings will be kept free from scheduled events and students not
     attending worship on campus are expected to be quiet during worship time.

KIS Ethos: Multicultural Features, Design '94

The commitment of Kodaikanal International School to respect and affirm those of varied cultures and religious traditions includes the following:

1.    KIS is concerned for the spiritual growth of all its students and staff and seeks
       to meet the needs of that growth.
2.    Staff and students of faiths other than Christianity are significant to the
       mission of this school as a diverse and cooperative community. All staff and
       students, however, whatever their religious background, shall be expected to
       have ideals which are in harmony with the objectives of the school.
3.    Where possible within the school program, freedom will be granted to older
       students to participate in religious devotion of their own tradition off-campus.
4.    Where possible within the school program, assistance will be given to
       students of other faiths to enable them to follow customs of their religion, such
       as fasting for Ramadan.
5.    Recognition of religious holidays of other traditions and cultural celebrations of
      all cultural groups will be made in assemblies, with special meals, or other
      special events, where possible.
6.    Dialogue between those of different religious faiths will be encouraged both
       formally and informally. The search for spiritual values common to all faiths will
       be strongly encouraged.