KIS Elementary School

KIS.... the first 20 years

'They climbed trees, collected butterflies and roly-poochies.... went for walks around the lake and on picnics to nearby places, Fairy Falls, Bear Shola and Pillar Rocks.... enjoyed outdoor activities through the Boy Scouts and Campfire Girls.... celebrated American holidays.... rowing on the lake, visited the observatory opened in 1899 and played games, of course, with boys and girls strictly segregated.'

In Celebration - Kodaikanal International School Centennial 2001

Elementary School History

Kodaikanal International School was started in 1901 as Kodaikanal School for Missionaries Children providing elementary education for 13 primary age children of predominantly North American and European origins.

Over the years KIS Elementary School has had many homes, the historic Highclerc Hotel, Loch End campus and Kodaikanal Missionary Union 'KMU' building among others. In 1996 a purpose built Elementary School was finally opened on Ganga Campus, the site of former Lutheran and Canadian Baptist properties.

Today the Elementary School is a vital part of the KIS learning community. Preschool, Kindergarten and grades 1 - 5 are housed in large well-equipped classrooms supported by modern, up to date resources and facilities and shared with MS grades 6-8.

Spacious, airy and attractive buildings with stunning panoramic views of surrounding woodlands, valleys and the plains below provide a unique setting in which young children from many nations play and grow in peace.

KIS Elementary School Mission 2006

KIS Elementary School strives to provide a holistic program and nurturing environment, where each child can develop intellectually, physically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. It is our goal that each KIS student will walk on the world stage, or in its quiet corners, caring, sharing and seeking justice.