Overview

The International School of Hyderabad (ISH) is a top-quality, non-profit, co-educational day school for students ranging from Early Childhood (3 years) through to Grade 12, and is located in the expansive ICRISAT campus in Patancheru, Hyderabad.

Established in 1981, ISH is under the trusteeship of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), a UN-sponsored organisation, and is a school of approximately 400 students representing approximately 23 nationalities, the majority of who are expatriates and a limited number being Indian nationals.

ISH is accredited with the Council of International Schools (CIS) and with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). ISH represents the first school to be accredited by CIS and to offer the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Telangana, and pioneered international education in India.

The school’s mission is founded in a belief of personal and inquiry-based learning creating independent thinkers, caring individuals, and lifelong learners prepared for global universities and leadership in a diverse world.

About International School of Hyderabad

ISH was originally created to support the children of ICRISAT’s international staff, but over time it has evolved into a vibrant and multicultural school that continues to be administered by a self-perpetuating School Board that incorporates ICRISAT and U.S. consular representatives.

The school’s philosophy stresses admissions that “fit” in order to support its collaborative, inquiry-based approach. Around 34% of ISH’s more 100 faculty members are from 12 different countries, and the student-teacher ratio is low (about 8:1), which allows for individualised attention.

The curriculum incorporates U.S. standards-based instruction for Early Childhood to Grade 8, Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) for Grades 9–10, and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and ISH’s own diploma programme (ISHDP) for Grades 11–12. The first IGCSE exams were held in 2003, and the first IB Diploma was awarded in 2007.

ISH helps to develop and foster values such as empathy and responsibility, while also featuring languages and community service (Spanish from Grade 3, and French in high school). As a non-profit organisation, ISH is able to remain mission-focused while providing a certificate-based education framework for broad public accessibility.

International School of Hyderabad Infrastructure

ISH’s infrastructure facilitates holistic, experiential learning in modern sustainable facilities situated within the ICRISAT campus:

• Academic Facilities: Dedicated buildings for Elementary and Secondary Schools, realising science laboratories (physics, chemistry, biology), computer rooms for learning coding and digital literacy, and language, music, and art rooms.
• Libraries and Resource Centres: Each section has a dedicated library that offers a mix of print/digital library collection, e-books and databases to support IB Extended Essays and IGCSE projects.
• Technology and Innovation: High-speed Wi-Fi, interactive whiteboards in classrooms, and world-class makerspaces for STEAM opportunities.
• Wellness and Safety: An on-site nurse, counselling room and access to ICRISAT medical unit and fire station; CCTV-surveillance, maned guards and ID card system for all students/parents/drivers for safety.

Sustainability is part of the core values of ISH, utilising the entire ICRISAT campus (3600 acres of outdoors spaces and indoor classrooms), including a museum, weather station, and multi-faith sites (Islamic Mosque, Temple or church) for nature-based education.

International School of Hyderabad Campus

The ISH core campus comprises 13 acres of ICRISAT’s sprawling campus of 3,600 acres in Patancheru (a 30 kilometre distance from the centre of Hyderabad) and provides a calm, green setting for project-based learning, with:

• Outdoor learning spaces: two football fields, one cricket pitch, two indoor shaded outdoor courts suitable for both basketball and tennis, an Olympic-sized, 25-meter swimming pool, and ample running trails for cross-country and cycling.
• Indoor facilities: air condition multipurpose gymnasium suitable for volleyball, badminton, or other indoor sports, and an amphitheater for assemblies and performances.
• Community spaces: shaded outdoor courtyards, an organic garden (for environmental projects), and a canteen that provides healthy and culturally diverse meals.
• Natural settings: site visits, lab visits, and biodiversity hotspots which include ICRISAT’s wild medieval fort, create further opportunities for inquiry with a field-based component on ISH campus.

Campus safety is provided through gated entry and the community experiences community engagement through activities like International Day which honours international diversity whilst honouring the vibrant cultural landscape in Hyderabad.

International School of Hyderabad Ranking

ISH has an esteemed status in the international education community in India, with respect to its forward moving accreditations and outstanding quality of educational offer:

• First in India to receive CIS Accreditation (an ongoing process since opening) and NEASC; first in Telangana to be internationally authorised to offer the IBDP.
• Ranked as a top 10 international school in Hyderabad (Edustoke and Yellow Slate Rankings, 2024–25) with a wonderful reputation for diversity and inquiry-based learning.
• High Academic Outcomes: 100% IGCSE/IB pass rate; IB DP averaged 34+ points (above global average), with graduates attending Ivy League universities.
• 4.0/5 Parent Rating (SchoolMyKids, 2024) commending faculty quality and strong facilities; highlighted as a preferred expatriate school in U.S. State Department Fact Sheets.

These awards above demonstrate ISH’s commitment to continue its position as a leading international education school and institution attracting global-minded graduates.

International School of Hyderabad Admission

ISH Admission takes place throughout the year, per merit and fit, with preference to students who thrive in collaborative teaching and learning spaces; however, given that we have a limited number of seats (ideal class size 15), we encourage interested parties to apply as soon as possible, especially if are moving to India as expatriates.

International School of Hyderabad Admissions Process

Inquiry and Application Admission Process: Complete an online admission form through ishyd.org and pay a (non-refundable) Admission fee of approximately INR 40,000 (USD 500).

• Tour and Observation: Schedule for virtual or in-person visit to campus and for the student to observe a class.
• Assessment: Complete an age-appropriate assessment—play-based for Early Childhood/Elementary, and academic subject assessments and/or interviews for Middle or High School (English, Math, and reasoning).
• Family Interview: Parents or guardians meet with the ISH staff to talk about child’s needs and alignment with ISH’s philosophy.
• Offer and Enrolment: An admission offer will be made (after conducting the admission process, this is a conditional offer) if the student is a good fit—submit required documents and join capital fee (approx. INR 1,70,000 (USD 2,000)) within 7-10 days or as agreed.

Special needs support for admissions will be assessed after form proposal status update.

International School of Hyderabad Documents Required

• Attested birth certificate.
• Academic transcripts/report cards from previous institutions for the last 2 years.
• Transfer Certificate (if applicable).
• Passport-size photos (student and parents).
• Proof of current address (utility bill/Aadhaar).
• Medical fitness certificate, immunisations.
• For non-Indians: Copies of passport and visa, equivalency certificate.

International School of Hyderabad Eligibility

• Age Requirement: By August 31 (e.g. EC1 – 3+ years, Grade 1 – 6+ years – within 1 year);
• Academically Appropriate: An above average facility with English; previous curriculum is adaptable (IB/IGCSE not required).
• Diversity Quota: Majority of students will be from overseas, limited to Indian students;
• Success in Assessment: Positive observations/interview; if disclosed, can accommodate special needs.

International School of Hyderabad Fee Structure

Estimated Annual Tuition for 2025 – 2026 (USD; approximate; does not include the Capital Fee of ~USD Capital Fee of USD 2000.

International School of Hyderabad Extracurricular Activities

• Sports: basketball; soccer; volleyball; cricket; swimming; also participate in inter-school competitions in the ISACI league.
• Arts and Performing: music (instrumental/choir); drama; visual arts; dance and theatre clubs.
• Clubs and Societies: debate; MUN; robotics; environmental (eco-projects); literary; language clubs (Spanish/French).
• Service and Global: community outreach; CAS (IB Creativity, Activity, Service); international exchange programs.
• Enrichment: field trips to ICRISAT sites; guest speakers; “Literacy Weeks” with authors.

International School of Hyderabad Career Guidance

Starting in Grade 9, ISH prepares students for careers and university pathways. Students receive personalised career and university counselling in Grades 11 and 12, including profile building, writing essays, and mock interviews. Students have a dedicated career counsellor who assists them in preparing for university applications and standard tests (SAT/ACT/IELTS [on-site testing center]), as well as connects students with schools across more than 50 countries.

The school has a 100% placement of graduates into universities. The Class of 2024 attained placements to highly regarded institutions including Harvard, Oxford, UC Berkeley, and the IITs with scholarship packages over USD 1 million collectively.

The membership of the alumni network is more than 5,000, which allows for mentorship opportunities in fields including tech, diplomacy, and sciences, while benefitting from Hyderabad’s status as a global hub for internship opportunities at Microsoft, Google, and UN organisations. They prepare students for meaningful and impactful careers through ethical leadership and related training.

Conclusion

International School of Hyderabad illustrates inclusive, transformative education through a combination of rigorous international curricula and a nurturant, diverse community on the beautiful ICRISAT campus. ISH is Hyderabad’s first global school, prepares students for a life of inquiry, cultural empathy, and resilience to be empathetic leaders. For families looking for a “right fit” that recognises uniqueness and brings everyone together, ISH is the best option shaping tomorrow’s innovators today.

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