St.Peter's Matriculation Higher Secondary School
Kodaikanal
IGCSEInsights ✦
If you’re exploring residential schools in the hills, St. Peter’s often comes up as a long-standing option in
Nursery - 12Boarding
Fee on request5/5 · Facebook
Sholai School, CLOAAT
Parent InsightsP.O. Box 57, Bharathi Anna Nagar, Pethuparai, Perumalmalai, Kodaikanal, 624101
If you’re looking for a school that blends academics with nature, Sholai School (CLOAAT) in Kodaikanal might catch your attention. It’s not your typical school — it’s small, deeply connected to the environment, and follows a philosophy inspired by J. Krishnamurti.
IGCSECo-edNursery - 12Ratio 5:1Around 60 students students
- ✦Generates its own electricity through solar and micro-hydro systems.
- ✦Deeply influenced by J. Krishnamurti’s educational philosophy.
- ✦Offers both Cambridge and NIOS pathways.
Summary for Parents
Overview
- •Sholai School (CLOAAT) is a small, eco-conscious residential school in Kodaikanal that blends academics with sustainable living. It’s ideal for families who value experiential learning and a peaceful, non-competitive environment.
What kind of child will this school work best for
- •Curious, hands-on learners who enjoy nature and practical work.
- •Children comfortable with residential life and small peer groups.
- •Students who thrive in a non-pressured, reflective environment.
Strengths
- •Strong focus on sustainability and self-sufficiency.
- •Personalized attention due to small class sizes.
- •Peaceful, natural setting ideal for holistic growth.
- •Flexible academic pathways (Cambridge and NIOS).
Potential trade-offs / Things to check
- •Remote location and limited access to city amenities.
- •Maintenance and infrastructure concerns raised by some parents.
- •Limited subject and extracurricular options compared to larger schools.
- •Small peer group may not suit every child.
Recommendations / Questions to Ask
- •Request a detailed, updated fee structure.
- •Ask about subject availability and teacher qualifications.
- •Clarify medical and safety arrangements.
- •Visit the campus to experience the environment firsthand.
- •Discuss how the school measures academic progress.
Note
- •Different schools work for different families.
School Information
Board / Curriculum
IGCSE
Grades offered
Nursery - 12
Medium
English
Type
Co-ed
Students
Around 60 students
Student–Teacher Ratio
5:1
Boarding
Day school only
Pincode
624101
Leadership & Staff
- • Founded by Brian Jenkins
- • small, close-knit teaching community
- • emphasis on dialogue and experiential learning
Fees & Admissions
| Class / Category | Fee (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application Form Fee | ₹250 | As per Mature Students form |
| Visitor Accommodation | ₹1,500 per family | For up to 4 persons |
| Meals (for visitors) | ₹300 per person | During campus visits |
• The school does not publish a detailed fee structure online.
• Scholarships are available for families who cannot afford full fees.
• As a fully residential school, there are no transport fees.
• Always confirm the latest fee schedule directly with the school at contact@sholaischool.in.
Admission Process for Interested Parents
Admission Steps
- 1.Email contact@sholaischool.in to request an application form.
- 2.Submit the completed form with two essays by the child, a photo, and a birth certificate.
- 3.Schedule a campus visit (overnight stay available for ₹1,500 per family + ₹300 per meal per person).
- 4.The school may arrange a one-month trial period for the child.
- 5.Admissions are rolling — contact the school directly for current timelines.
Documents Required
- 1.Application form
- 2.Essays
- 3.Photo
- 4.Birth certificate
- 5.Previous school records
- 6.Any medical or behavioral disclosures
What Parents Say
Aggregated from parent reviews across platforms. Ask these questions during your school visit.
Academic Boards (Cambridge / NIOS)
Positives
The Cambridge and NIOS options give flexibility and allow students to learn at their own pace. Teachers can give individual attention due to small class sizes.
Watch out for
Some parents feel there are limited subject specialists for higher-level Cambridge subjects.
💬
Ask: Which subjects are currently offered for IGCSE and A-level? Are there qualified teachers for each?
Learning Environment
Positives
The school’s multi-age learning and experiential approach help children develop independence and curiosity.
Watch out for
Some parents worry that small class sizes mean fewer peers and limited exposure to competition.
💬
Ask: How does the school ensure academic rigor while maintaining its relaxed environment?
Extracurriculars & Practical Learning
Positives
Parents love the hands-on learning — farming, carpentry, and nature-based projects.
Watch out for
Families looking for competitive sports or structured arts programs may find fewer options.
💬
Ask: What extracurriculars are available for older students?
Infrastructure & Campus
Positives
The eco-friendly campus and self-sufficient systems are a big draw.
Watch out for
Some reviews mention maintenance issues and the challenges of a remote location.
💬
Ask: How does the school handle medical emergencies and transport logistics?
Campus & Facilities
Reported between 35–70 acres (sources vary).
Accommodation: Separate hostels for boys and girls, dining hall, and staff housing.Classrooms: Open and flexible learning spaces; outdoor and workshop-style classrooms.Labs & Library: Science labs and a library focused on hands-on learning.Sports & Recreation: Swimming pool, football, badminton, cricket, volleyball, cycling, trekking, and non-competitive sports.Practical Learning: Organic farms, dairy, carpentry, engineering workshops, and food production units.Sustainability: Solar panels, micro-hydro power, biogas, and rainwater harvesting — the school is largely self-sufficient.Other: Auditorium, community spaces, and proximity to forest areas (occasional wildlife sightings).ADUKKAMATTUVAMPATTIKODAIKANALKUMBURVAYALMACHURMELPALLAMNAIDUPURAMPALAMALAIPALLANGIPERUMALMALAIPERUMPALLAMPRAKASAPURAMSHENBAGANURSRINIVASAPURAMVADAGOUNJIVELLAGAVIVILPATTI
Reviews from Other Platforms
Aggregated from public sources for reference. These are not verified by EduTribe.
What parents liked
"Fantastic environment and a brilliant mentor in Brian Jenkins who had directly worked with J Krishnamurti."
— Suhas R.
"A unique school — every child should experience Sholai."
— Xavier
"A wonderful place with a wonderful attitude and wonderful dream... Sholai School certainly has them."
— Preston Ahimaz
Concerns raised
"Not specialised ... Limited facilities ... No subject expertise ... High fee structure ... Extra fees ... Unmaintained facilities ... Inadequate security."
— Maddie Anderson (Justdial, June 2024)
"Limited amenities and remote location can be challenging for families used to city conveniences."
— Parent summary from multiple listings
"Small student body and non-competitive ethos may not suit children needing a conventional exam-focused pathway."
— Parent discussion on forums
What Kind of Peer Group?
Age Range
3–19 years, with multi-age learning groups.
Family Backgrounds
Families from across India and abroad, many drawn to alternative education and ecological living.
Socio-economic Profile
Mixed — includes both full-fee and scholarship students.
Child Profiles
Best suited for independent, curious children who enjoy outdoor learning and are comfortable in a small, residential community.
Verified Parent Reviews
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fee structure at Sholai School, CLOAAT?＋
Fee details are not yet published on EduTribe. We recommend contacting the school directly or checking their official website.
Which board does Sholai School, CLOAAT follow?＋
Sholai School, CLOAAT is affiliated with the IGCSE board.
What grades does Sholai School, CLOAAT offer?＋
Sholai School, CLOAAT offers classes from Nursery - 12.
Is Sholai School, CLOAAT co-educational?＋
Sholai School, CLOAAT is a Co-ed school.
Where is Sholai School, CLOAAT located?＋
Sholai School, CLOAAT is located at P.O. Box 57, Bharathi Anna Nagar, Pethuparai, Perumalmalai, Kodaikanal, 624101, Kodaikanal.
Does Sholai School, CLOAAT have boarding facilities?＋
Sholai School, CLOAAT is a day school and does not offer boarding.