Written By Anshima | Edited By Varsha & Adi | Updated on 17th Sep, 2024
Choosing the right ICSE school is no walk in the park. But the payoff? Totally worth it.
These schools are academic powerhouses, known for their rigorous academics and stellar results and prepping kids for everything from Ivy League universities to IIT-JEE and NEET exams.
So, it’s only natural that we want the best for our kids and become a bit of a detective in the process!
But let’s be honest – finding the right school can feel like a never-ending search. Scrolling through countless websites, juggling conflicting reviews, and piecing together scattered information can be overwhelming.
Don’t worry, though! We’ve done all the legwork for you and put together a handy guide to the best ICSE schools in Vadodara. We’ve gathered all the important details – fees, unique features, facilities, and real reviews.
So enjoy your cup of Chai as we guide you through the top schools that could be the perfect fit for your child’s future!
Quick Summary
Here is the list of ICSE Schools in Vadodara:
- Nalanda International School: Best for sports and co-curricular activities
- Billabong High International School: Best for Unique Programs
Our Selection Process
1. Nalanda International School
1. Nalanda International School
Curriculum: ICSE
Fees: Approx.
What’s Special?
One of the standout features of Nalanda International School is its strong emphasis on both sports and co-curricular activities, in addition to academics.
Students actively participate in school, state, and national-level competitions in sports like basketball, table tennis, and chess, as well as in debate and unique competitions like India’s Film Festival (FilmIt), where students made documentaries and movies and won many awards.
Academically, the school shines with a 100% pass rate in the ICSE board exams. Two top scorers achieved 97.8% in ICSE and 94.8% in ISC, with many students scoring a perfect 100% in individual subjects. It’s truly impressive!
Google Review
Nalanda International School has earned an impressive 4.5-star rating from 136 reviews, reflecting its position as one of the best ICSE schools in Vadodara.
Parents frequently praise the school’s well-rounded education system, highlighting its commitment to both academic excellence and extracurricular development, such as sports and cultural activities.
One parent noted how their child thrived not only in academics but also in sports, thanks to the school’s comprehensive curriculum. Another appreciated the supportive and approachable faculty, who create a nurturing environment for students.
While some suggest more focus on creative writing and in-school competitions, Nalanda remains highly regarded for providing an exceptional educational experience that promotes both intellectual and personal growth.
Quick Stats
- The school holds an impressive student-to-teacher ratio of 1:25.
- Nalanda International School offers education from Nursery through Class 12, following the ICSE and ISC New Delhi syllabi.
- It is a day school.
- It’s located at Sevasi-Mahapura Road, Sevasi, Vadodara, Gujarat.
What Have They Got?
- The school sits on a sprawling 20-acre campus, featuring lush greenery and a tranquil environment.
- Nalanda International offers a diverse range of sports activities, including Skating, Physical Education, and the traditional Indian sport of Mallakhamb.
- The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities like sports, games, drama, music, dance, and even electronics.
- The school offers a variety of co-curricular activities such as debates, elocution, poetry, story writing, and more.
- The school organizes seminars, elective projects, and leadership camps.
- The school provides personalized attention through additional support, advanced learning, and reinforcement classes.
- The school features a dedicated woodworking area where students can practice their skills. Beginning in Class 5, all students have access to this well-equipped, professionally managed workshop.
Fees
At Nalanda International School, the annual academic fee is around ₹100,000.
This fee covers a wide range of facilities and services. Please note that the exact amount may vary based on your child’s grade level.
Social Media
The school maintains an active presence on social media, regularly sharing updates on its events and celebrating student achievements in both academics and sports.
Recently, they highlighted their participation in the CISCE NWR Basketball Under-14 Boys Competition, held at LML School, Gandhinagar, where the team secured the bronze medal as second runners-up.
Additionally, this year’s 12th graders have been placed at prestigious institutions such as the University of Texas, Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, Ashoka University, NMIMS, and James Cook University in Singapore.
For more details, visit their Facebook page or website.
Varsha & Adi’s Take
We were really impressed with the school. They do an excellent job of encouraging students to participate in a variety of competitions, from national and international sports to debates and film festivals. One highlight for us was the wood workshop, where students create beautiful and precise artifacts, showcasing their creativity.
Academically, the school excels as well. Many parents have praised the helpful and experienced teachers. We highly recommend visiting the school in person to see all this for yourself.
2. Billabong High International School
2. Billabong High International School
Curriculum: ICSE
Fees: Approx. ₹90,000
What’s Special?
One of the standout features at Billabong High International School is its range of unique programs. From the Maker Program and Critical Thinking to Genius Hour, F1 in Schools, and AI & Drone programs, there’s something for every curious mind.
Plus, the school has a great track record of helping students secure placements in top universities around the world!
Google Review
Billabong High International School in Vadodara has earned an impressive 4.3 stars from over 160 reviews, reflecting a large reputation as one of the best international schools in Vadodara.
Many parents praised the school for its engaging curriculum and dedicated teachers, particularly noting how subjects like Gujarati are taught effectively, helping students understand and excel.
The school’s spacious campus and facilities, including a swimming pool and sports ground, also received positive feedback, with many appreciating the supportive environment for both academics and extracurricular activities.
However, some parents voiced concerns about specific areas, such as the school’s transportation system and the behavior of certain administrative staff.
One parent mentioned issues with the uniform and book distribution, expressing dissatisfaction with the staff’s attitude.
While the school continues to receive glowing reviews for its academic standards, addressing these concerns could further enhance its reputation.
Quick Stats
- Dr. Priti Shrimal, the principal of Billabong High International School, has been with the school since 2010. Previously, she served as the ICSE Curriculum Head at Kangaroo Kids. She holds a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. in Education from Mohanlal Sukhadia University.
- The school holds an impressive student-to-teacher ratio of 1:26.
- Billabong High International School offers the ICSE Board curriculum from preschool to grade 12.
- It is a day school and a day boarding school.
- It’s located at Kalali Vadsar, Ring Rd., Near Royal Acres, Vadodara, Gujarat.
What Have They Got?
- Classrooms are equipped with smart boards and advanced tech tools to enhance student learning.
- The school offers a neuroscience-based curriculum that integrates multiple disciplines to enhance retention and understanding.
- The school offers unique programs such as Critical Thinking and Genius Hour to foster innovative learning.
- The Maker program encourages hands-on creativity and problem-solving skills.
- The F1 in Schools program immerses students in the technical aspects of motorsports.
- AI and Drone programs focus on technology education and career opportunities.
- Leadership programs are designed to develop essential skills for future success.
- The school offers a dedicated preschool play area, along with facilities like a basketball court, swimming pool, football ground, cricket pitch, badminton court, and more.
- Students excel in both niche sports like Fencing, Skating, Capoeira, and Archery, as well as popular sports like football and basketball.
- Performing arts programs cover Dance, Music, Theatre, and Art.
- The school has partnerships with prestigious institutions such as Ashoka University, FLAME University, Hong Kong Baptist University, KREA University, National University of Singapore, Shoolini University, University College Dublin, York College of Pennsylvania, Wesleyan University, and Huron at Western.
Fees
The fees at Billabong High International School for day scholars are as follows:
- Annual Fee: approx. ₹90,000
- Admission Fee: approx. ₹10,000
- Application Fee: ₹500
- Security Deposit: ₹10,000
Awards
- In 2024, Billabong High International School proudly produced the ISC Science city topper with 95%, along with the Commerce and Humanities city toppers, both scoring 92.75%.
- Billabong High International School, Vadodara, is ranked among the top 3 primary schools in the city and is celebrated for its educational excellence.
Social Media
The school actively engages on social media, regularly showcasing events and celebrating student achievements in both academics and sports. Recent highlights include Hindi Diwas celebrations, a Grade 1 student’s book launch, and the athletic meet.
For more details, visit their Facebook page or website.
Varsha & Adi’s Take
Billabong High International School is all about giving students great exposure. With its ICSE board, the school preps kids for placements at top universities, both in India and abroad.
One of the coolest things is their unique programs, like Formula 1, where students get hands-on with the technical side of motorsports, plus AI, coding, leadership, and more. Honestly, it’s worth visiting the school to see it all for yourself!
Conclusion
In a nutshell, if you want a school where your child can score big in sports and dive into various activities, Nalanda International is a great choice.
On the other hand, if you’re after innovative programs and unique learning experiences, Billabong High might be the way to go. It all comes down to what suits your child best. So, check out your options, think about what fits your kid’s needs, and make the choice that will help them shine.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all – it’s about finding the right fit for your little superstar.
We wish you all the best!
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 and neighbors 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 are 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.
