Written By Sangeeta | Edited By Varsha & Adi | Updated on 03rd Sep, 2024
When we were kids, CBSE was the most popular curriculum, and it still is, but ICSE has become the new choice for today’s time.
Many parents now prefer ICSE schools because the curriculum offers a comprehensive, well-rounded education with a strong focus on critical thinking, analytical skills, and a broad understanding of subjects.
While Dehradun is often associated with boarding schools, it also has some of the best ICSE schools.
We will shortlist the top ICSE schools for you, highlighting what makes them special, what they offer, and their fee structures. Stay with us to explore the best ICSE schools in Dehradun.
Quick Summary
List of Best ICSE Schools in Dehradun
- Col. Brown Cambridge School: Best for holistic education.
- Welham Girls’ School: Best for Academics.
- St. Joseph’s Academy: Best for Character development.
- Shri Ram Centennial School: Best for Sports.
- The Doon School: Best for Legacy School.
Top Picks
Col. Brown Cambridge School
Welham Girls’ School
St. Joseph’s Academy
Our Selection Process
1. Col. Brown Cambridge School
1. Col. Brown Cambridge School
What’s Special?
Col. Brown Cambridge School is known for its holistic education approach.
With highly qualified teachers and coaches, the school prepares students for various competitions, helping them excel and enjoy their educational journey while equipping them for future challenges.
Google Review
This school has a 4.5 rating on Google from 133 reviews, with most comments praising it as one of the best boarding schools available.
Reviews highlight the school’s focus on the overall development of children, not just academics. One comment specifically mentions that Col Brown Cambridge School is exceptional for its personal attention, care, and friendly atmosphere. Teachers are noted for their close relationships with students and parents, and regular health checks are provided.
While there are some negative comments, the school is working on addressing them. If you’re looking for a top boarding school for boys in Dehradun, this comes highly recommended.
Quick Stats
- Mr. S.K. Tyagi is the Headmaster of the school and is highly regarded by students. He brings over a decade of experience in the education sector.
- The school is affiliated with the Indian School of Certificate Examination (ICSE) Board.
- They offer classes from 1st to 12th and are for Boys and an English Medium Residential School.
- The school is located near Kasturba Road, Dalanwala, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
What Have They Got?
- The hostel is well-equipped for student comfort, with electric lights in all rooms, water supply, and electric fans in the dining hall, dormitories, classrooms, recreation rooms, library, and assembly hall. The school also has its own bakery and serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food.
- The school has a well-equipped hospital with an isolation ward, a trained nurse on-site, and a qualified doctor who visits daily. Medical checks are done at the start of each term, and hygiene is regularly inspected. The charge is Rs 100 per term, with extra fees for tests and special medicines.
- They have a theatre called The Tamarind Theater, which was opened on March 17, 1993, seats 1,200 and includes a projection room, activity rooms, green rooms, and a sports room. Nearby, a new Music Room was added, and a Common Room was built for Bursar House boys. Brick walls were also erected to prevent erosion around the grounds and tennis courts.
- They provide sports facilities like tennis, basketball, football and many more.
- They offer a range of extracurricular activities, including debate, elocution, excursions abroad, social work, trekking, adventure activities, Indian and Western music, photography, pottery, arts & crafts, Western dancing, chess, and carrom.
Fees
It’s great to see that the school provides clear fee information on their website.
- The registration fee is Rs. 5,000 if paid offline at the school reception or Rs. 5,120 if paid online via www.colbrownschool.com.
- For Class II-V, the fee structure includes a school fee of Rs. 3,80,000, a refundable caution deposit of Rs. 20,000, and a non-refundable admission fee of Rs. 48,000.
- For Class VI-XII, the school fee is Rs. 5,80,000, with the same refundable caution deposit of Rs. 20,000 and non-refundable admission fee of Rs. 48,000.
Note that there will be additional costs for celebrations, medical specialists, woollen uniforms, council registration, travel, and trekking will apply.
Social Media
For more information about contact details or student life at the school, visit their website or check their Facebook page or Instagram.
Varsha & Adi’s Take
If you are looking for a school for your son and are searching for one that not only focuses on studies but also gives equal importance to sports and other activities, then you have Col. Brown Cambridge School. This school is recommended to all parents of boys for its well-rounded education.
2. Welham Girls’ School
2. Welham Girls’ School
What’s Special?
This school is renowned for its academic results and is highly preferred by parents who want their kids to excel in studies. In 2024, they achieved a 100% passing rate in both Class 10 and 12, with averages of 92.58% in Class 12 and 94.45% in Class 10. What impressed us even more is that in the Class 10 results, every student scored over 80%—isn’t that impressive?
Google Review
This school has a 4.3 rating from 222 reviews on Google.
Many parents have praised the school for its excellent boarding facilities. As an all-girls school, it has received positive feedback for the improvement in their daughters. One review highlighted the well-trained teachers and their understanding of students. However, some parents mentioned issues with the parking facilities, but the school is working on improvements.
Quick Stats
- Mrs. Vibha Kapoor is the school’s principal and is known for her strong leadership and commitment to student safety and well-being. She joined the school as principal in 2022.
- The school has an impressive student-to-teacher ratio of 8:1, ensuring excellent one-on-one attention.
- They follow the CISCE curriculum.
- They are both a day school as well as boarding school but for only girls.
- They offer classes from 6th to 12th.
- You can visit this school near The school has an impressive student-to-teacher ratio of 8:1, ensuring excellent one-on-one attention.
What Have They Got?
- They provide career counselling and organise various seminars and talks, giving students an overview of different careers and emerging trends.
- They offer preparatory courses for exams such as NIFT, NID, CLAT, CUET, BBA, SAT, and AB.
- They provide extended assistance for exams like IIT JEE and NEET.
- They offer Advanced Placement (AP) programs, which are recognized by universities around the world. Nearly all colleges in the U.S., as well as over 500 universities in 75 countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia, consider AP credits and have policies related to AP placement.
- They provide sports facilities for Basketball, Badminton, swimming, Table Tennis, Lawn Tennis, Karate and many more.
- Co-curricular activities are highly valued at this school. Students receive training in classical music, art, pottery, Western music, dance, and many other areas.
- They have student and staff exchange programs with a few schools in the UK and the USA.
Fees
The school fee structure is as follows:
The annual school fee is Rs. 935,000, the admission fee is Rs.100,000 (paid at the time of registration), the security deposit is Rs. 467,500, the imprest deposit is Rs. 40,000, and the uniform deposit is Rs. 20,000.
Results
In 2024, they achieved an average of 92.58% in Class 12 and 94.45% in Class 10.
Social Media
They are quite active on social media, with 1.6K followers on Facebook—impressive, right? Their website is also excellent, providing detailed information. You can also visit their Facebook and Instagram pages for updates on events.
Varsha & Adi’s Take
We were really impressed by this school’s board results and the high level of training of its teachers. Their facilities are top-notch as well. If you’re looking for an all-girls school with a strong academic reputation, definitely consider visiting this school. They also offer boarding facilities for girls.
3. St. Joseph’s Academy
3. St. Joseph’s Academy
What’s Special?
St. Joseph’s Academy, founded in 1934, is managed by the Brothers of St. Patrick, known for building strong character in students.
They focus on high ideals and moral values, offering religious instruction to Catholic pupils and Value Education to others. The school provides practical knowledge in humanities and sciences, following the Indian School Certificate Examination syllabus, and includes games and physical training in the timetable.
Google Review
St. Joseph’s Academy has 4.4 stars from 488 reviews on Google, which, if you ask us, is a big achievement. Getting reviews from such a large number of people and still maintaining this rating is commendable. Most of the comments were praising the school. There were some disappointments, such as a few parents not being satisfied with the teachers, but the school is working on addressing these issues.
One parent shared that this school is one of the best ICSE school in Dehradun. The experienced teachers and staff impart quality education and moral values. The classrooms are very good, and the campus is beautiful, neat, clean, and well-maintained. My grandson studies here. I strongly recommend this school.
Quick Stats
- Bro. Joseph M. Joseph is the school’s principal and is well-respected in the education field. He believes that success is not an accident. It is the result of hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrificing, and, most of all, a love for what you are doing or learning to do.
- The school follows the ICSE curriculum.
- They offer classes from LKG to class 12th. They are a co-educational school.
- You can locate the school near Rajpur Rd, Irigation Colony, Karanpur, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
What Have They Got?
- St. Joseph’s Academy has three computer labs, one for each school level, with over fifty computers in each. The labs are well-ventilated, equipped with printers and whiteboards, and feature updated Dell, Compaq, and HP systems with the latest software to meet ICSE and ISC curriculum needs.
- The school has sports facilities for tennis, football, cricket, athletics, and many other sports.
- SJA has two libraries: one for classes 1–5 and another for classes 6–12, each stocked with books for academic study and moral learning.
- The Audio Visual Room at SJA is a state-of-the-art facility with a seating capacity of about 150 people.
Fees
We couldn’t find detailed information about the annual fees on the school’s website. We recommend contacting the school directly at 0135-2712071 / 2712426. You can also email school_office@stjosephacademy.in for more information.
Social Media
Unfortunately, this school does have a social media account on Facebook, but they are not active there. However, you can still get a glimpse of their school over there. You can also visit their school website for a better understanding of the school.
Varsha & Adi’s Take
We strongly believe that if good character matters to you and you want your kids to become better individuals, you should visit this school. We recommend visiting with your children to see if it’s the right fit for them. The school is also well-regarded for its quality education and use of the latest technologies in their syllabus.
4. Shri Ram Centennial School
4. Shri Ram Centennial School
What’s Special?
Shri Ram Centennial School is renowned for its sports facilities, offering over 14 sports with well-qualified coaches to prepare students for any level of competition. They provide sports such as swimming, badminton, basketball, football, horse riding, and more.
Google Review
This school has 4.5 stars from 110 reviews on Google. Most parents are satisfied with the teachers and facilities. One parent commented that the school has been an incredibly enriching experience for their family, praising the staff’s dedication, the supportive learning environment, and the focus on holistic development. They highly recommend the school to all parents seeking excellent education for their children. Many also noted that the campus is spacious and the teachers are well-qualified.
Quick Stats
- Dr. Arvindnabha Shukla is the school’s Principal. He has over 33 years of experience in education and completed his education at The ICFAI University, Dehradun.
- They follow the ICSE curriculum.
- They offer classes from Pre-nursery to class 12th and provides boarding facilities also.
- You can visit the school near Knowledge Village, Sherpur, Shimla Bypass Rd, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
What Have They Got?
- Shri Ram Centennial School, Dehradun, features a 25-acre green campus with modern facilities for quality education and growth.
- Shri Ram Centennial School has focused on developing logical reasoning and critical thinking skills through a 9-year partnership with the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF). The school organises challenging Olympiad competitions to boost students’ higher-order thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
- SRCS incorporates life skills education into its curriculum to help students handle life’s challenges and support holistic development, as recommended by the NEP 2020.
- They encourage students to explore beyond academics by offering options such as Visual Art, Pottery, Indian Music, Western Music, Dance, and Drama.
- The school offers international exchange programs that help students experience the world, build confidence, flexibility, and critical thinking, and develop the skills needed to become global citizens.
- They offer over 14 sports with well-qualified coaches, including basketball, football, horse riding, cricket, and more.
Fees
They have a detailed fee structure with no hidden charges, outlining all fees clearly. Monthly fees range from Rs. 11,500 to Rs. 14,000. You can view the complete fee structure on their website’s fee structure page.
They also offer financial aid, including Sibling Discounts and Armed Forces Discounts.
Social Media
They are quite active on social media, and their school website is also impressive. You can check out their Facebook and Instagram pages, and visit their website for more information, including contact details.
Varsha & Adi’s Take
Offering 14 different sports and that too with well-qualified teachers is really impressive, right? If your kid is also a future cricket star, or future Sania Mirza, or the next Sunil Chhetri, you should consider this school for your kid. This school will not disappoint you, and that we can guarantee.
5. The Doon School
5. The Doon School
What’s Special?
The Doon School, founded in 1935, is renowned as a prestigious legacy boarding school in Dehradun. Celebrated as one of India’s premier schools, it has consistently upheld its distinguished reputation over the decades. The school’s exceptional facilities and outstanding boarding programs make it a top choice for families, both in India and globally, as reflected in positive parent reviews.
Google Review
The Doon School has a 4.3 rating on Google from 664 reviews.
These reviews are from parents, students, and alumni. After reading them, we understood that the school takes reviews very seriously. If they receive any comments for improvement, they ensure they work on them.
One comment stated that The Doon School is one of India’s finest schools, with a strong intellectual heartbeat. The Doon School is a full boarding school for boys only, not just a school that welcomes borders. The school’s beautiful seventy-acre campus features a vast range of flora, fauna, and bird life. The atmosphere is nice, and students are well-mannered.
Quick Stats
- Dr. Jagpreet Singh is the Headmaster of The Doon School and the 11th headmaster in its history. With a career spanning over three decades, he has worked at two leading boarding schools. He spent over twenty years at Mayo College, leaving as Vice Principal before moving to PPS Nabha. Dr. Singh holds a Master’s Degree in History, an MPhil in Education, and a B.Ed. from Ajmer University.
- They offer classes from Nursery to 12th Grade (note that this school has different policies than other schools, they only take admission for grade 7th and 8th)
- They offer IB, ICSE and ISC curriculums.
- You can visit the school near Mall Rd, Krishna Nagar, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
What Have They Got?
- Spread over 35 lush acres, the school is a beautiful blend of history and modernity. You’ll find a library, auditorium, art and media school, music school, and the Rose Bowl amphitheatre, among other facilities.
- They offer classes in Art, French, German, Sanskrit, Life Skills, Music (Hindustani Classical and Western Classical), Physical Education and Yoga.
- They provided the latest technology equipped labs for Science, Computer, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
- In 2019 they even conducted a Formula 1 car design competition, amazing right!
- Students here get trained by well qualified coaches in sports like Hockey, Badminton, Cricket, Golf, Polo, Shooting and Swimming.
Fees
The school website provides clear instructions for both Indian and overseas students.
For Indian students, the school fees are as follows:
- Up to 3 years: Rs.12,000,
- 3 – 5 years: Rs.15,000,
- 5 – 7 years: Rs.18,500,
- 7 – 9 years: Rs.22,000,
- 9 – 11 years: Rs.29,000,
- 11 – 13 years: Rs.36,000.
For overseas students, the fees are:
- Up to 3 years: $600 USD,
- 3 – 5 years: $850 USD,
- 5 – 7 years: $1,000 USD,
- 7 – 9 years: $1,300 USD,
- 9 – 11 years: $1,500 USD,
- 11 – 13 years: $1,800 USD.
Social Media
The school website is well-maintained and provides all the information you need about their facilities, fee structure, and important announcements. You can also check their social media pages, such as Facebook and Instagram, for updates and additional details.
Varsha & Adi’s Take
We think this school is top-notch, not just because of its long-standing legacy but also because it’s known globally as one of the best boarding schools for boys. The teachers are not only highly qualified but also include some from overseas. They offer the latest technology to their students, making sure they stay current while still honouring their impressive legacy. You should definitely visit and see for yourself why this school is so popular!
Conclusion
Finally, we are at the end of this blog, but we will still give a glimpse of which schools are on our list and why we included them.
However, don’t just follow our words blindly, it’s important for you to visit these schools’ websites and even visit the schools with your kids.
If you are searching for a school that offers everything and is known for providing holistic education, then go for Col. Brown Cambridge School. If your focus is only on education and marks, then Welham Girls’ School is your best option. Oh, and that’s an all-girls school, so it’s best for your daughter as they are also known for safety. St. Joseph’s Academy is known for character development, and if your kid has an interest in sports, then you have Shri Ram Centennial School. The Doon School is best for a legacy school.
So, What’s Next?
We suggest asking yourselves, What do you want for your kid? ” Make a list – the “must-haves” and the “nice-to-haves”. Also, don’t be shy – talk to everyone! Friends, neighbours, they may have some thoughts. Check online too, but remember, reviews are like opinions, everyone’s got one!
Oh, school visits! Take a tour, meet the teachers, ask questions, and see if it clicks.
Open houses are super helpful too – you’ll learn about what they teach and meet other parents. And don’t forget the money talk- school fees are just the tip of the iceberg. There’s uniforms, field trips, and the occasional surprise costs.
Stay on top of the applications, it may be followed by an interview. When it comes to interviews, just being yourself is the key, even for the kid.
But really, you can’t go wrong with any of these schools as they are the best in Bangalore. Let us know which one you wind up enrolling your kid into!
Varsha & Adi
Hi, we are Varsha and Adi, and we’re on a mission to help parents make the right choice for their kids’ education. Picking a school is like a 10-year commitment, and we realized parents needed clear, no-nonsense info. That’s why we created Candid Schools, where you can get the real deal on schools without the fancy jargon. Our goal is simple: to give parents the info they need to make the best choice for their little ones.
