Sholai School campus is spread over 35 acres amongst a coffee estate having fruit trees and pepper vines and is bisected by a brook. It is set within the 100 acre grounds of the Centre for Learning, Organic Agriculture and Appropriate Technology (CLOAAT) which is entirely self-sufficient in energy and practises, as much as possible, living sustainably and in harmony with its natural environment. The climate at 3,800 feet altitude is pleasant and cool all year round. Just 3 kms away from the campus is virgin rainforest, where there are common sightings of Elephant, Gaur and other Wild Animals.
Sholai School follows a different approach to Education, inspired by the teachings of J. Krishnamurti. This involves a focus on creating an atmosphere in which children are encouraged to enjoy learning and to grow to be mature and sensitive individuals. We follow a holistic approach to education, with attention to physical and emotional wellbeing in addition to intellectual development.
Hence we teach the usual range of academic subjects, but with a fresh appraisal for each subject:
English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology Hindi and Tamil, Development Studies and Environmental Studies Sociology and Psychology, Global Perspectives.
Children also need hands-on experiences to confirm and support their theoretical knowledge. So we also teach Organic Farming, Food and Nutrition, Woodwork and Practical Engineering.
To understand themselves and to grow psychologically, young people also benefit from Theatre Workshop, Art, Music and Yoga. On almost every evening, the students and staff play football, badminton or swimming. Some students and staff also do cross-country running. Our focus is on exercising the body without undue stress. We do not encourage competitive sports.
Moreover our use of Appropriate Technologies (Solar, Micro-hydro and Bio-gas), Water Harvesting practise, Watershed Management and Organic Farming provide the students with an opportunity to learn in these crucial areas of Sustainability and Future Life Skills. Since the students are involved in the use and maintenance of these technologies effortlessly, they have become adept in understanding them. They are also testimony to Sholai School's commitment to integrating and balancing educational and environmental concerns.
Some highlights of the school are-
100 acre campus situated in beautiful natural surroundings close to the Reserve Forest.
We are a Centre for the University of Cambridge Assessment International Education (IN 499) doing IGCSE ('O' levels) and 'A' levels.
Our students, ranging in age from 7 to 20 years, come from all over India: from Kanyakumari to Ladakh and some come from abroad.
Quality residential facilities for students aged 7-20 years.
Inspired by J. Krishnamurti. Hence we emphasise self-awareness and right relationships between the teachers and students.
A Student to Teacher ratio of 5:1.
18 kilometres from Kodaikanal.
Sholai School, Kodaikanal (9 minutes, produced in 2018)
