Best ICSE Schools in Chennai for 2025 – 2026

Chennai is one of the largest cultural and educational centres of South India and it is home to one of the best ICSE schools in the country. The Council of the Indian School Certificate Examination manages the ICSE schools. Its curriculum is detail-oriented and has practical lessons that help build analytical skills among the students.

Choosing the right school is a difficult choice as they shape young minds in the early stages of development. Here, we have discussed in detail the top 10 best ICSE schools in Chennai.

In This Article

• St. Michael’s Academy
• Chettinad Hari Shree Vidyalayam
• Billabong High International School
• Abacus Montessori School
• Manthan Vidyashram School
• Vaels International School
• St Francis International School
• The School – KFI, Thazhambur
• St.Patrick’s Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School
• The Grove School

List of 10 Best ICSE Schools in Chennai for 2025 – 2026

With the commencement of the new academic session of 2024-2025, parents are in a rush to find out the best ICSE schools in Chennai. School plays an integral part in improving the academic and social ability of a child. We have taken into consideration the most important factors while curating the list of top 10 best ICSE schools in Chennai, mentioned below:-

1. St. Michael’s Academy

St. Michael’s Academy was founded in 1953 by the Patrician Brothers. Patrician Brother is a religious congregation in Ireland and manages numerous schools in India. The school ranks among the best ICSE schools in Chennai and aims to provide value-based learning among the students. St. Michael’s Academy provides holistic education to its students so that they can have self-confidence and be the best version of themselves.

School Type	Day School	Establishment Year	1953
Board	ICSE, ISC	Classes	LKG – XII
School Time	8:30 AM to 2:45 PM	Fees Range	₹5,001 – ₹20,000
Languages Taught	Hindi/ English
Address	No. 2, III Canal Cross Road, Gandhi Nagar, Chennai – 600 020
Contact No	044 2491 5331

Admission Process:

Admission is purely done on a merit basis. Entrance exams are a must from UKG to Class XI, and a transfer certificate is a must to complete the admission process. Parents need to visit the school office to fill the admission form. For more admission, related details, parents can go through their online website.

Age Criteria:-

LKG :- 3.5 Years as on May 31st
UKG – IX, XI :- Entrance test

Admission Documents:-

1. 1. • Duly completed Registration form
      • Birth Certificate
      • If Catholic, Parish Card and Baptism Certificate
      • Ration Card
      • Aadhar Card (or ) Rental agreement
      • Student’s and Parents Passport size Photograph (Class II onwards)
      • Original Transfer Certificate (Class II onwards)
      • Community certificate (Class II onwards)
      • Duly attested copy of previous school Progress Report Card (Class II onwards)

Facilities

1. 1. • Library
      • Transport
      • Student Counsellor
      • Playground
      • Auditorium
      • AV Room
      • STEM Lab
      • Canteen
      • Lecture Hall
      • Healthcare – Doctor on call, Infirmary Room
      • Security – Security Guard, CCTV, Fire Safety

Extra-Curricular Activities

1. 1. 1. Sports
      • Indoor Games – Carrom, Chess, Table Tennis
      • Outdoor Games – Cricket, Discus throw, Football, Volleyball, Hockey
   2. 2. Art
      3. Dance
      4. Music
      5. Yoga

2. Chettinad Hari Shree Vidyalayam

The Chettinad Hari Shree Vidyalayam was founded in 1954 and is managed by the Chettinad Group. The school intends to provide a space where students can learn freely and feel loved and cared for. The school is one of the best ICSE schools in Chennai and has gained numerous recognition over the years. Initially, the students follow the Montessori method, and from class II onwards, the school follows the ICSE curriculum. The school offers a separate programme for separate grades and aims to generate a thrive for lifelong learning. To imbibe creative thinking, independence and leadership qualities, the school follows a project-based learning approach.

School Type	Day School	Establishment Year	1954
Board	ICSE, ISC	Classes	Playgroup – XII
School Time	8:45 AM to 3:00 PM	Fees Range	₹20,001 – ₹70,000
Languages Taught	Hindi / English
Address	20, Srinivasa Ave Rd, Ramakrishna Nagar, Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600028
Contact No	04424615254

Admission Process:

The school follows an ICSE Curriculum and provides admission for all grades. From grades II onwards, students need to qualify for an admission test that determines their intellectual ability. Once the merit list is prepared, the school notifies the parents over the phone and sends an email. The complete admission process is online-based, and parents need not visit the school premises before admission is granted. Parents can also go through their admission section to know the process details.

Age Criteria:-

LKG – 3 Years

Admission Documents:-

1. 1. • Birth Certificate of the Child/Aadhar Card
      • Recent Passport Size photo of the child
      • School report card ( Must for admission from UKG onwards)
      • Adhar card of both parents

Facilities

1. 1. • Library
      • Transport
      • Student Counsellor
      • Playground
      • Auditorium
      • AV Room
      • STEM Lab
      • Canteen
      • Lecture Hall
      • Healthcare – Doctor on call, Infirmary Room
      • Security – Security Guard, CCTV, Fire Safety

Extra-Curricular Activities

1. 1. 1. Sports
      • Indoor Games – Carrom, Chess, Table Tennis
      • Outdoor Games – Cricket, Discus throw, Football, Volleyball, Hockey
   2. 2. Art
      3. Dance
      4. Music
      5. Yoga

3. Billabong High International School

Lina Asher founded Billabong High International School, and her core principle is to create a safe space for every student to be stress-free and at the same time get the best educational programme. She has the vision to run the school with a system that allows students to learn how to live life successfully and joyfully. Billabong High International School is said to be one of the best ICSE schools in Chennai as their educational system is based on neurosciences and energy science.

School Type	Day School	Establishment Year	2009
Board	ICSE, ISC	Classes	Nursery – XII
School Time	8:30 Am – 4:00 Pm	Fees Range	₹150,000 – ₹300,000
Languages Taught	English, Hindi
Address	6F, Radio Colony St, Palavakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600041
Contact No	098413 11117

Admission Process

The admission process is based on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are age and eligibility criteria for admission in any grade. You can enquire online to get started with the admission process. If you are looking for admission above grade 2, your child must successfully pass a competency level test.

Age Criteria:-

LKG – 3 Years

Admission Documents:-

1. 1. • Birth Certificate of the Child/Aadhar Card
      • Recent Passport Size photo of the child
      • PAN Card size photo of both parents together
      • School report card ( Must for admission from UKG onwards)

Facilities

1. 1. • Library
      • Transport
      • Labs
      • PlayGround

Extra-Curricular Activities

1. 1. 1. Sports
      2. Theatre
      3. Field Trips

4. Abacus Montessori School

Founded in 1986, Abacus Montessori school is one of the best icse schools in Chennai. It is a contemporary school that balances academic learning and imbibing a strong value system to the child. The school management attaches great importance to the needs of the child and every decision is taken keeping in mind the inclusivity of 400 children from primary to class 12.

School Type	Day School	Establishment Year	1986
Board	ICSE, ISC	Classes	LKG – XII
School Time	8:15 Am – 3:30 Pm	Fees Range	₹10,000 – ₹50,000
Languages Taught	English, Hindi
Address	3, Thirumalai Nagar Annexe III Main Road, Phase-2, Thirumalai Nagar Annexe, Perungudi, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600096
Contact No	044 2496 0904

Admission Process: Parents  can seek admission for their child in Abacus montessori school by following 3 simple and easy steps. The registration or enquiry form is available throughout the year. However admission is granted only when the child reaches the age criteria. Once the form is filled, an admission interview is then arranged followed by payment of the admission fee to book the spot. 

Age Criteria:-

LKG- 2 Years 6 months

Admission Documents:-

1. 1. • Birth Certificate of the Child/Aadhar Card
      • Recent Passport Size photo of the child
      • PAN Card size photo of both parents together
      • School report card ( Must for admission from UKG onwards)

Facilities

1. 1. • Library
      • Transport
      • Student Counsellor
      • Playground
      • Healthcare – Infirmary Room
      • Security – Security Guard, CCTV
      • Science Lab – Physics, Chemistry, Biology
      • Children’s Kitchen

Extra-Curricular Activities

1. 1. 1. Sports 
         1. Indoor Games – Chess
         2. Outdoor Games – Cricket, Discus throw, Kho Kho, Volleyball, Badminton, Tennis, 
      2. Art
      3. Literature
      4. Life – Vedic Science

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5. Manthan Vidyashram School

Established in 2002, Manthan Vidyashram School follows the ICSE Curriculum. The school aims to provide a holistic learning environment where children can learn in a carefree manner without much burden. The school follows a blended curriculum of matriculation, CBSE and ICSE boards and is widely recognized as one of the best ICSE schools in Chennai. Special programs like communication and presentation skills and defence techniques facilitate the students’ moral learning and personal development.

School Type	Day School	Establishment Year	2002
Board	ICSE, ISC	Classes	Nursery – XII
School Time	8:15 Am – 4:15 Pm	Fees Range	₹10,001 – ₹50,000
Languages Taught	Hindi/ English/ Sanskrit
Address	2/155, Natco Colony North Street, Kottivakkam Chennai – 600 041.
Contact No	99419 11159

Admission Process

Parents seeking admission for their candidate can go through the school’s official website. Students must meet the age criteria of the specific grade and should have the appropriate class knowledge. Before offering admission, students are assessed on their existing skill level. To understand the existing depth of concepts related to specific subjects like English, Science and Mathematics, students need to bring their existing books and have a one-to-one session with the Manthan subject teachers.

Age Criteria:-

Pre KG – 2+
Mon I – 3+
LKG – 4+

Admission Documents:-

1. 1. • Birth Certificate of the Child/Aadhar Card
      • Recent Passport Size photo of the child
      • PAN Card size photo of both parents together
      • School report card ( Must for admission from UKG onwards)
      • Children born outside India to produce PIO/Passport copy

Facilities

1. 1. • Library
      • Transport
      • Student Counsellor
      • Playground
      • Auditorium
      • Healthcare – Infirmary Room
      • Security – Security Guard, CCTV

Extra-Curricular Activities

1. 1. 1. Sports – Cricket, Football, Volleyball, Hockey
      2. Art
      3. Dance
      4. Music
      5. Yoga

6. Vaels International School

Established in 2017 by the Vaels group of Institutions, Vaels international school has been considered as one of the top icse schools in Chennai. Since its inception it has been offering an innovative approach and combines it with personal and spiritual development.  The school emphasizes on fostering creativity through implementing various lab activities in their thoughtfully created curriculum. 

School Type	Day School	Establishment Year	2017
Board	ICSE, ISC	Classes	LKG – XII
School Time	9:00 Am – 5:00 Pm	Fees Range	₹10,000 – ₹50,000
Languages Taught	English, Hindi
Address	SH 49, Anna Enclave, Injambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600115
Contact No	96000 39910

Admission Process: 

The school offers admission on a first come, first serve basis. For admission to Play School till class 3, students must fall within   the age criteria mentioned in their website. For others it is strictly based on their written test and interview. Admission forms are available online and can be downloaded too for offline submission. The application form must be submitted along with two passport size photographs, a copy of the child’s birth certificate to the school.

Age Criteria:-

Playschool :- 1.5 Years – 2.5 Years
Nursery :- 2.6 Years – 3.5 Years
JKG :- 3.6 Years – 4.5 Years
UKG :- 4.6 Years – 5.5 Years

Admission Documents:-

1. 1. • Birth Certificate of the Child/Aadhar Card
      • Recent Passport Size photo of the child
      • PAN Card size photo of both parents together
      • School report card ( Must for admission from UKG onwards)

Facilities

1. 1. • Library
      • Transport
      • Student Counsellor
      • Playground
      • Healthcare – Infirmary Room
      • Security – Security Guard, CCTV
      • Lab – Cyber Lab, Science Lab, Math Lab
      • Cyber Zone
      • Swimming Pool

Extra-Curricular Activities

1. 1. 1. Sports 
         1. Indoor Games – Chess
         2. Outdoor Games – Cricket, Discus throw, Football, Kho Kho, Volleyball, Badminton, Tennis, Silambam, Archery
      2. Art
      3. Literature
      4. Science

7. St Francis International School

The St Francis School is one of the best ICSE schools in Chennai. This international school has one of the best educational infrastructure and programs for students. They are committed to inspiring every student by developing their skills. They believe that all students have their own way of learning. The international standards of this school give the best platform to the students to build their intellectual level. The parents have wonderful things to say about this school, like how well their children have been treated and helped cope with their anxiety/fear. In conclusion, St Francis’s objective is to develop a sense of responsibility and confidence in every student.

School Type	Day School	Establishment Year	2009
Board	ICSE, ISC	Classes	LKG – XII
School Time	8:30 AM to 3:15 PM	Fees Range	₹20,000 – ₹50,000
Languages Taught	Hindi/ English
Address	79, Anna Main Road, Kolapakkam (Porur), Gerugambakkam Post, Chennai 600128
Contact No	9444006862

Admission Process:

They have a considerate admission process. Every class has different criteria, and along with that, some documents need to be ready at the time of admission. Every new academic year begins in May, and you can check out their process in detail on their admission page.

Age Criteria:-

Pre KG- 2.5+ as on 31st May
LKG – 3.5+ as on 31st May
UKG – 4.5+ as on 31st May

Admission Documents:-

1. 1. • Birth Certificate of the Child/Aadhar Card
      • 5 Recent Passport Size photo of the child
      • PAN Card size photo of both parents together
      • School report card ( Must for admission from UKG onwards)

Facilities

1. 1. • Library
      • Transport
      • Lab
      • Counsellor
      • PlayGround
      • Disable Friendly

Extra-Curricular Activities

1. 1. 1. sports
      • Indoor – Carrom, Chess, Table Tennis
      • Outdoor – Badminton, Cricket, Shot Put, Tennis, Football, Volleyball
   2. 1. Aerobics
      2. Arts
      3. Choir
      4. Clubs
      5. Craft
      6. Judo
      7. Scouts & Guides
      8. Yoga

8. The School – KFI, Thazhambur

KFI is one of the best ICSE schools in Chennai. Many parents have faith in this school because of its core principles and educational approach. They continuously try to develop the students’ minds to help them learn efficiently and grow their minds spiritually and emotionally. Schools are more than just a place of knowledge, and thus they offer an environment where there is no wrong question, and every student feels free to explore. Students are encouraged in every aspect to become the best version of themselves.

School Type	Day School	Establishment Year	1973
Board	ICSE, ISC	Classes	I – XII
School Time	8:20 Am – 4:00 Pm	Fees Range	₹30,000 – ₹60,000
Languages Taught	English, Hindi, Tamil
Address	Damodar Gardens, Besant Ave Rd, Adyar, Chennai – 600020
Contact No	94454 33845

Admission Process:

You can find all the other related information on the school’s website. You must know that there are some criteria for your child’s admission. Also, don’t forget to carry the required documents.

Age Criteria:-

LKG – 3 Years 6 months as on 1st June

Admission Documents:-

1. 1. • Birth Certificate of the Child/Aadhar Card
      • Recent Passport Size photo of the child
      • PAN Card size photo of both parents together
      • School report card ( Must for admission from UKG onwards)

Facilities

1. 1. • Dining Hall
      • Library
      • Labs

Extra-Curricular Activities

1. 1. 1. Sports
      2. Arts
      3. Music

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9. St.Patrick’s Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School

Founded in 1875, thes school was established to provide quality education to the children of British settlers.  The St.Patrick’s Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School is a highly recognized school in Chennai. The school is affiliated with the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination. Counted as one of the best ICSE schools in Chennai, this school aims to provide holistic education through activity-based learning that fosters curiosity and open-mindedness among young minds. 

School Type	Day School	Establishment Year	1875
Board	ICSE, ISC	Classes	LKG – XII
School Time	9:30 Am – 3:00 Pm	Fees Range	₹150,000 – ₹300,000
Languages Taught	English, Hindi
Address	15, 1st Cres Park Rd, Gandhi Nagar, Adyar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600020
Contact No	044 2442 0209

Admission Process: 

The school offers admission on a first come, first serve basis. For admission to LKG, candidates should have completed 3 years as on May 10. For admissions to higher standards, it is completely on merit basis. Certified sports persons are also considered for their sports quota admission.

Age Criteria:-

LKG – 3 Years as on 30th May

Admission Documents:-

1. 1. • Birth Certificate of the Child/Aadhar Card
      • Recent Passport Size photo of the child
      • PAN Card size photo of both parents together
      • School report card ( Must for admission from UKG onwards)

Facilities

1. 1. • Library
      • Transport
      • Student Counsellor
      • Playground
      • Healthcare – Infirmary Room
      • Security – Security Guard, CCTV
      • Lab – Cyber Lab, Science Lab, Math Lab

Extra-Curricular Activities

1. 1. 1. Sports 
         1. Indoor Games – Chess
         2. Outdoor Games – Cricket, Discus throw, Football, Kho Kho, Volleyball, Badminton, Tennis, Silambam, Archery
      2. Art
      3. Literature
      4. Life – Vedic Science

10. The Grove School

The Grove School believes it is important to impart a sense of right and wrong from an early age. The child’s journey to adulthood is the most important, and school plays a crucial role. Being one of the best ICSE schools in Chennai, they have constantly made improvements in their approach. They focus on every student’s character and shape their personality and impart knowledge that will last a lifetime. Through their educational curriculum, they want to create competitiveness among students to taste the real world.

School Type	Day School	Establishment Year	1984
Board	ICSE, ISC	Classes	LKG – X
School Time	8:30 AM to 4:30 PM	Fees Range	₹50,000 – ₹100,000
Languages Taught	English, Hindi, Sanskrit, and Tamil
Address	1 Eldams Road, Alwarpet, Chennai – 600018.
Contact No	24355592

Admission Process :

A comprehensive admission process is followed to avoid any confusion. The seats are limited and the admission is against vacancies. If you want admission for your child, you can fill out the online application and then further the process. Before that, you must gather the required documents for a smoother process.

Age Criteria:-

Pre KG- 2 Years
Mon I – 2 years 6 months
LKG – 3 Years

Admission Documents:-

1. 1. • Birth Certificate of the Child/Aadhar Card
      • Recent Passport Size photo of the child
      • PAN Card size photo of both parents together
      • School report card ( Must for admission from UKG onwards)

Facilities

1. 1. • Library
      • Transport
      • Lab
      • Playground

Extra-Curricular Activities

1. 1. 1. Sports
         • Indoor – Carrom, Chess, Table Tennis
         • Outdoor – Badminton, Cricket
      2. Dance
      3. Arts
      4. Music

FAQ’S

1. Do students have to appear for an admission test to enrol at an ICSE school in Chennai?

Yes, most ICSE schools conduct an admission test for new students.

2. Do ICSE schools admit students mid-semester?

It depends on the rules of the particular school. It is best to check with the ICSE school to know the exact procedure.

3. Is it compulsory for students to pass in all the subjects?

Yes, getting qualified marks in all the subjects is a must.

4.Do CBSE and ICSE have different approaches?

The syllabus of CBSE focuses on theoretical concepts whereas the ICSE syllabus has a more practical knowledge-based approach.

5. Can students reappear in exams to obtain a pass certificate?

Yes, if candidates have not scored the qualifying marks in one or more than one subject, then they can reappear in exams to obtain a pass certificate.