The Tamil Nadu education system is poised for a paradigm shift with the introduction of the State Education Policy (SEP), which rejects the National Education Policy (NEP) framework in favour of a more localized approach. A 550-page report, submitted by a panel led by Justice D. Murugesan, former Chief Justice of Delhi High Court advocates for retaining the state’s five-year entry age for Class I, instead of the NEP’s six-year proposal, and opposes the 5+3+3+4 structure. Key recommendations include abolishing coaching centers, discouraging commercialization of education, and enhancing physical education. The SEP also calls for doing away with common entrance tests for undergraduate admissions, favoring Class XI and XII board marks. With measures like open-book assessments and delayed board exams until Class X, the proposals aim to prioritize student well-being and minimize stress.
Chennai’s schools are expected to exemplify the SEP’s student-focussed vision, further solidifying the city’s reputation as an educational powerhouse. Proposals such as removing common exams before Class X and introducing open-book assessments are likely to create a less stressful learning environment for students.
Schools in Chennai operate under a diverse governance model, with many run by the Tamil Nadu government and others privately managed, some receiving financial aid from the government. While private schools predominantly use English as the medium of instruction, government schools offer education in both Tamil and English. Most private schools are affiliated with the Tamil Nadu State Board or the Tamil Nadu Matriculation Board, while some follow national frameworks like the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE), and National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). Additionally, a few institutions cater to global curricula, offering the International Baccalaureate, American, Anglo-Indian, and Montessori systems. Here is a look at the popular CBSE schools in Chennai.
SBOA School and Junior College
Founded in 1979, SBOA School and Junior College has built a strong reputation for providing quality co-educational learning from LKG to Grade 12. The school, with a fee structure ranging between ₹56,000 and ₹60,000 annually, offers a balanced academic experience with a teacher-student ratio of 31:1. The school follows a traditional academic calendar from April to March.
Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan Senior Secondary School
Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan Senior Secondary School (PSBB), a prominent private institution, occupies a spacious 4.76-acre campus and serves students from nursery to Grade 12. With an annual fee of ₹75,000, PSBB maintains a student-teacher ratio of 25:1. The school charges between ₹57,000 and ₹60,000 for new admissions, while monthly fees range from ₹4,000 to ₹5,000.
Maharishi Vidya Mandir
Maharishi Vidya Mandir offers a premium education experience through its CBSE curriculum, catering to students from Nursery to Class 12. With an annual fee of ₹1,25,000, the school stands out for its exceptional teacher-student ratio of 1:5.
D.A.V. Public School
D.A.V. Public School, established in 1990, has long been recognized for offering quality education under the CBSE board, from Nursery to Class 12. With a modest campus size of 1.57 acres, the school offers an affordable fee structure, with total costs for new admissions ranging from ₹28,000 to ₹30,000. The monthly fee structure is set between ₹2,000 and ₹3,000. With a student-faculty ratio of 28:1, the school ensures that students receive adequate support throughout their academic journey.
Chettinad Vidyashram
Founded in 1986, Chettinad Vidyashram offers a prestigious education under the CBSE board, serving students from Pre-Nursery to Class 12. The school operates on a vast 75.34-acre campus, providing a conducive environment for both academic and extracurricular pursuits. With a total cost for new admissions ranging from ₹58,000 to ₹60,000 and monthly fees between ₹4,000 and ₹5,000. The school maintains a teacher-student ratio of 21:1.
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