Written By Anshima | Edited By Varsha & Adi | Updated on 17th Sep, 2024
As parents who have mostly studied under CBSE or ICSE boards, the concept of international schools can seem unfamiliar and overwhelming. When it comes to selecting an international school for our children, we often find ourselves unsure of what to look for, given our limited experience with this educational model.
But don’t worry! In this blog, we’ve done the research for you. We’ve compiled information on some excellent international schools in Vadodara, highlighting their unique selling points (USPs), features, facilities, parent reviews, and more.
Our goal is to provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision about your child’s education.
So, let’s dive in!
Quick Summary
List of best international schools in Vadodara:
- Cygnus World School: Best for a Balanced Curriculum
- Billabong High International School: Best for Unique Programs
- Navrachna International School: Best for Academic Excellence
Conclusion
Top Picks
Cygnus World School
Billabong High International School
Navrachna International School
Our Selection Process
1. Cygnus World School
1. Cygnus World School
Curriculum: IB, CBSE
Fees: Approx.₹1,04,738.
What’s Special?
The most notable aspect of Cygnus World School, which is one of the elite international schools in Vadodara is its well-rounded and balanced curriculum. The school excels academically, achieving 100% results in the IBDP, with the highest scorer securing 41 out of 45 points. In the CBSE Class 10 exams, 34% of students scored above 90%, and 75% achieved over 80%.
Beyond academics, the school offers enriching experiences, such as sending students to the Everest Base Camp and the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai.
On the sports front, both boys and girls represent the school at state-level basketball competitions, reflecting their commitment to all-around development.
Google Review
Cygnus World School has earned an impressive 4.1 stars from 178 reviews, solidifying its position as one of the top international schools in Vadodara.
Parents consistently praise the school for its holistic approach to education, with a strong focus on both academics and extracurricular activities. Many appreciate the school’s modern facilities, like its large outdoor play area and well-equipped labs, as well as its initiatives that promote self-study and project-based evaluations.
Additionally, parents of children with special needs have commended the school’s inclusive environment and the unwavering support provided by teachers and staff.
However, a few have noted that the school can be on the expensive side, but most agree that the level of education and the care for students’ well-being make it worthwhile.
Overall, Cygnus World School continues to shine as a leading institution for nurturing well-rounded, confident students.
Quick Stats
- Mrs. Kanchan Joshi is the head of Cygnus World School and has been a part of the institution since 2015. She holds a Master’s degree in Science from Lucknow University.
- The school holds an impressive student-to-teacher ratio of 30:1.
- The school is affiliated with CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) and IB.
- It is a day school.
- It’s located at Motnath Mahadev Mandir Rd, near Motnath Mahadev Temple, Harni, Vadodara.
What Have They Got?
- Cygnus World School boasts a beautiful infrastructure with modern amenities.
- Classrooms are equipped with smart boards and LCD projectors.
- The outdoor kids’ play area features a turf ground with rubberized safety flooring for added protection.
- The hallways are adorned with captivating paintings that draw your attention.
- The school has two separate blocks for primary and secondary students.
- The well-stocked library includes a silent reading area for focused learning.
- For outdoor sports, there are two synthetic turf basketball courts and a football ground.
- The music room is equipped with both modern and traditional instruments.
- A multipurpose hall houses three badminton courts, and there is also a dedicated skating rink.
- The school provides a pottery room where children can engage in hands-on pottery making.
- There is a vibrant art room for creative expression.
- Separate labs are available for chemistry, biology, and physics, along with an innovation lab for fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.
Fees
The annual fees for Cygnus World School for the 2021-22 academic year were ₹1,04,738. Please note that the fees vary depending on the grade your child is enrolled in and are subject to change for the current year.
Social Media
The school is highly active on social media, frequently sharing updates on events and celebrating student accomplishments in both academics and sports. Recent highlights feature a 100% CBSE Board result, a fun science activity with millet recipes, the Grade 12 graduation ceremony, and more.
For more details, be sure to check out their Facebook page or website.
Varsha & Adi’s Take
First and foremost, we were amazed by the beautiful and expansive campus at Cygnus World School. The school strikes the perfect balance between academics, co-curricular activities, and sports.
What truly impressed us was the level of training in sports, where students are prepared to compete at the state and national levels in basketball, karate, boxing, and even Formula 1. The academic performance is equally outstanding, with a remarkable 100% pass rate and many students achieving above 90%.
Overall, we are thoroughly impressed with this school and highly recommend visiting the campus in person to experience it 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!
3. Navrachna International School
3. Navrachna International School
Curriculum: CBSE, IGCSE, IB
Fees: For IB Approx. ₹92,610- ₹371,543
What’s Special?
The most notable aspect of Navrachna International School is its academic excellence. They follow 3 curriculums, CBSE, IGCSE, and IB, and their students do well in all 3 curriculums.
In 2024, the school’s results were fantastic! The CBSE Class 12th topper scored 96%, while the 10th-grade topper got 96.40%. IB students did amazingly well with 43 out of 45, and the IGCSE results hit a high of 95.4%. Pretty impressive, right?
Google Review
Navrachna International School has earned a 4.0-star rating from 152 reviews on Google, reflecting its status as one of the best international schools in Vadodara.
Many parents praise the school for its excellent sports infrastructure and holistic approach to education. One parent shared how the school provided great opportunities for both academics and sports, helping students explore their full potential.
Another highlighted the helpful and supportive staff, particularly in sports and extracurricular activities.
However, some reviews also mention concerns about the administrative process, with a few parents feeling that communication with the administration could be improved.
Quick Stats
- Mrs. Kashmira Jaisawal recently took on the role of Principal at Navrachana International School in April 2024.
- With a master’s in Educational Leadership from The College of Saint Rose, she brings a wealth of experience. She completed her schooling at Sophia High, Kota, with a focus on science.
- The school holds an impressive student-to-teacher ratio of 17:1.
- The school offers a CBSE, an IGCSE, and an IB Board.
- It is a day school, and boarding facilities are available too.
- It’s located at Vasna – Bhayli Main Rd, Bhayli, Vadodara, Gujarat.
What Have They Got?
- Navrachana International School Vadodara (NISV-IB) is an English-medium school located on a 25-acre campus.
- It offers modern educational and sports facilities, along with air-conditioned classrooms and boarding accommodations.
- The school provides excellent infrastructure for athletic training, including a 400-meter track, long jump and triple jump pits, and a high jump mat.
- They’re also equipped with all the necessary gear for practicing hurdles, javelin, shot-put, discus, relay races, and more.
- Two standard-size concrete basketball courts
- Two grass tennis courts
- One full-size grass football ground
- Three half courts for practice sessions
- One full-size cricket ground
- Two cement wickets and one regular wicket for net practice
- Bats, stumps, balls, and other necessary cricket equipment
- Four table tennis tables with 1-star, 3-star, 5-star, and 7-star TT balls
- 50m Olympic-size swimming pool with an excellent water pumping system
- Floaters, fins, and other necessary swimming equipment
- Qualified lifeguards on duty
- Large, smooth area used as a skating rink, with cones and markings
- A well-equipped gymnasium with a certified coach.
Fees
The annual academic fee at Navrachna International School for CBSE is as follows:
- Grades 1 – 8
- Class Tuition Fee: ₹133,350
- Allied Activities Fee: ₹5,200
- Meals Fee: ₹35,000
- PTA Fee: ₹300
- Imprest Deposit: ₹5,000
- Total Admission Fee: ₹178,850
- Annual Fee: ₹111,155
- Grand Total: ₹189,965
- Grades 9 – 10
- Class Tuition Fee: ₹144,900
- Allied Activities Fee: ₹9,900
- Meals Fee: ₹35,000
- PTA Fee: ₹300
- Imprest Deposit: ₹5,000
- Total Admission Fee: ₹195,100
- Annual Fee: ₹12,075
- Grand Total: ₹207,175
- Grades 11 – 12
- Class Tuition Fee: ₹155,400
- Allied Activities Fee: ₹8,150
- Meals Fee: ₹35,000
- PTA Fee: ₹300
- Imprest Deposit: ₹5,000
- Total Admission Fee: ₹203,850
- Annual Fee: ₹12,950
- Grand Total: ₹216,800
The fee structure for IB is as follows:
- Pre-Primary
- Class Tuition Fee: ₹92,610
- Allied Activities Fee: ₹4,988
- Meals Fee: ₹29,400
- PTA Fee: ₹315
- Imprest Deposit: ₹5,000
- Total Admission Fee: ₹132,313
- Annual Fee: ₹7,720
- Grand Total: ₹140,033
- Grades 1 – 8
- Class Tuition Fee: ₹167,029
- Allied Activities Fee: ₹18,795
- Meals Fee: ₹36,750
- PTA Fee: ₹315
- Imprest Deposit: ₹5,000
- Total Admission Fee: ₹227,889
- Annual Fee: ₹13,920
- Grand Total: ₹241,809
- Grades 9 – 10
- Class Tuition Fee: ₹237,479
- Allied Activities Fee: ₹30,298
- Meals Fee: ₹36,750
- PTA Fee: ₹315
- Imprest Deposit: ₹5,000
- Total Admission Fee: ₹309,842
- Annual Fee: ₹19,790
- Grand Total: ₹329,632
- Grades 11 – 12
- Class Tuition Fee: ₹371,543
- Allied Activities Fee: ₹44,021
- Meals Fee: ₹36,750
- PTA Fee: ₹315
- Imprest Deposit: ₹5,000
- Total Admission Fee: ₹457,629
- Annual Fee: ₹30,960
- Grand Total: ₹488,589
This fee includes a wide range of facilities and services.
Social Media
The school is highly active on social media, frequently sharing events and celebrating student achievements in both sports and academics.
Recently, they showcased a Grade 6 student who earned a silver and two bronze medals at the WAKO National Kickboxing Championship 2024 and highlighted an anti-bullying event. They also held a general body meeting with the founders of ‘Mindful Solutions’ and ‘Showers of Compassion.’
For more updates, you can check out their Facebook page or website.
Varsha & Adi’s Take
What impressed us the most at Navrachana International School is the excellent infrastructure and sports facilities. The school strikes a great balance between academics and sports. Along with top-notch facilities like a skating rink, swimming pool, badminton and basketball courts, table tennis, gym, and more, they also offer three academic curriculums—CBSE, IGCSE, and IB. Their students excel across all three programs.
We suggest you visit the school in person to get the feel of the learning environment firsthand.
Conclusion
Let’s wrap this up! Each of these schools has something unique to offer. Cygnus World School is perfect for those seeking a balanced curriculum, Billabong High International School impresses with its innovative programs, and Navrachana International School shines with its academic excellence. Whether you’re looking for holistic education, creative learning, or top-notch academic results, these schools have you covered. There’s truly something for every kind of learner.
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.
