Bangalore International School (BIS) is among the longest established international schools in Bengaluru. It began in 1969 as the American Community School, set up by a family who wanted a North American style education for children who otherwise had only boarding options, and it has grown over the decades into a school for ages 3 to 18 on a campus in Hennur. Its American roots remain part of its story, which is why it appears in our guide to the best American schools in Bangalore, but today its senior qualifications are Cambridge and the IB.
This page is an independent reference. No school pays to be listed on GlobalSchoolGuide. The details below were researched from the school and public sources, and anything we could not confirm is marked not published.
At a glance
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Curriculum and exam boards | Cambridge IGCSE in Grades 9 and 10; choice of Cambridge A Levels or the IB Diploma in Grades 11 and 12 |
| Stage range | Ages 3 to 18 |
| Founded | 1969, originally as the American Community School |
| Accreditation | Cambridge International and IB authorisation; further accreditation best confirmed with the school |
| Fee band | Upper range for Bengaluru |
| Campus area | Geddalahalli, Hennur, north east Bengaluru |
Curriculum and academics
BIS runs an international pathway that opens out in the senior years. Younger pupils follow an international primary and middle school programme, Grades 9 and 10 take the Cambridge IGCSE, and Grades 11 and 12 offer a genuine choice between Cambridge A Levels and the IB Diploma Programme. That choice is the school's defining feature, since few Bengaluru schools let a student pick between the two best known international sixth form routes under one roof.
The school's history as the American Community School still shapes its outlook, and families weighing a US style education will find our American curriculum guide a useful reference even though the leaving qualifications are now Cambridge and IB. With both A Levels and the Diploma on offer, students can match the route to the universities they are aiming for, whether in the United Kingdom, the United States, India or further afield.
Not sure BIS is the right fit?
Our school finder asks a few questions about your child and shortlists three Bengaluru schools, so you can sense check BIS against the alternatives.
Bangalore International School fees
BIS sits in the upper part of the Bengaluru international market, reflecting its long standing reputation and its dual A Level and IB offering. Our Bangalore international school fees guide maps the premium, upper mid and mid bands across the city so you can see where BIS falls relative to the other international options.
Beyond tuition, budget for an admission fee, any refundable deposit or caution money, transport across Bengaluru and trips. Fees usually rise through the grade bands, so the IGCSE and Diploma years cost more than the early years. Confirm the current schedule directly with the school and use the fees guide to frame the full annual cost before you apply.
Admissions
BIS admits across the year where places exist, considering applications by grade and reviewing prior school records alongside any assessment the school sets. Entry into Grades 9 to 12, where students commit to the IGCSE and then the A Level or Diploma route, usually involves a closer look at transcripts and subject background.
Families should contact the school to confirm the current application window, the assessment expectations and the documents required, and to discuss whether the A Level or the IB Diploma suits their child. A visit to the Hennur campus is the clearest way to judge the setting and the community.
Location and who goes there
The campus sits in Geddalahalli, Hennur, in the north east of Bengaluru, off the Hennur Bagalur Road. That puts it within reach of the northern and eastern residential belts and the airport corridor, which suits families based in those parts of the city, though those in the south or the tech districts of the south east should weigh the commute.
Its community is international and mixed, drawing expatriate families alongside Indian households who want a Cambridge or IB pathway. To place BIS beside the rest of the city's schools, start with the Bangalore city hub, which sets out the full landscape across Bengaluru and links through to the other profiles in the area.
Bangalore International School reviews
We do not yet hold verified parent reviews for Bangalore International School. GlobalSchoolGuide is independent and no school pays to be listed, so we publish a rating only once we can confirm reviews come from real families.
If your child attends or has attended BIS, your first hand account of the teaching, the A Level and IB pathways and value for money would help the next family. Share it through our school reviews hub.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bangalore International School a good school?
BIS is one of the longest established international schools in Bengaluru, offering Cambridge IGCSE, A Levels and the IB Diploma on a Hennur campus for ages 3 to 18. Whether it suits your child depends on fit and the pathway you want, which a visit will help you judge.
How much are Bangalore International School fees?
BIS sits in the upper part of the Bengaluru international market. Our Bangalore fees guide maps the city bands, and you should confirm current tuition, admission and any deposit or caution money directly with the school.
What curriculum does Bangalore International School follow?
BIS offers the Cambridge IGCSE in Grades 9 and 10, then a choice between Cambridge A Levels and the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12, within an international primary and middle school for younger pupils.
Where is Bangalore International School located?
The campus is in Geddalahalli, Hennur, in the north east of Bengaluru, on the Hennur Bagalur Road.
When do Bangalore International School applications open?
BIS admits across the year where places exist. Contact the school to confirm the current application window, the assessment and the documents required for your child's grade.
