by kfi | Jul 27, 2026 | In the Spotlight |
Congratulations to Priscilla Dhanapal Mohl (Class of 1973) and Valerie Guarniere (Class of 1984) for being awarded the 2025-26 Margaret Eddy Distinguished Alumni Award. This prestigious award honors KIS alumni who reflect the school’s values of excellence, integrity, compassion and service. Named as a tribute to Margaret Eddy, whose dedication and leadership helped shape the heart of KIS. This award celebrates alumni who have made a meaningful and lasting difference in their professional fields, in their communities, and within the KIS family.
by kfi | Jul 27, 2026 | Announcements, Archives |
To celebrate the 125th Anniversary of KIS, a number of events have been planned at the school throughout the year. A very successful Alumni weekend drew over 100 alumni for festivities including Field Day. KIS has also hosted the 8th Pan India and South Asia IB Conference which has been described as a huge success, emphasizing KIS’s success in 50 years of the IB program. For future events, please go to this link: KIS 125th Events
by kfi | Jul 20, 2026 | Environment and Humanity |
Located in the Palani Hills—a biodiversity hotspot in the southern Western Ghats— The Kodaikanal International School (KIS) Center for Environment and Humanity (CEH) is dedicated to fostering environmental awareness, education, and action in Kodaikanal and its surrounding communities. The CEH aims to engage students, local residents, visitors, and decision-makers in understanding the unique ecology of the Palani Hills, the threats it faces, and the sustainability practices necessary for local and global environmental protection. The CEH offers experiential learning programs, research opportunities, and leads community-driven conservation projects, all designed to develop practical solutions to pressing environmental issues. Some of the important programs run by the center include waste management, regenerative agriculture, climate change and biodiversity.
The CEH works with local experts such as farmers, scientists, researchers, civic organizations, and official agencies to identify solutions to issues facing the Palni Hills bioregion. The CEH also recognizes the relationship between ecological and social processes, and seeks to promote more sustainable ways for humans to interact with their environment. The aim is to integrate environmental consciousness into government policies, private institutions, schools, and individual lifestyles.
In the long term, the plan is to enhance the CEH at Swedish Hill with a focus on transforming it into a world-class environmental research and education facility. Key components include major renovations to the existing heritage building and minimal new construction designed to improve both sustainability and functionality, prioritizing environmentally-focused and student-centered infrastructure improvements to create a campus that is self-sufficient. Beyond serving as a hub for learning and collaboration, the campus will function as a living demonstration of sustainable building and land management, showcasing energy, water, and waste independence in Kodaikanal. The upgraded facility will feature a visitor center, indoor and outdoor learning spaces, an environmental science lab, a conference hall, and accommodation for up to 40 students.
The installation of solar photovoltaic panels above the auditorium and cafeteria, along with solar gazebos and solar-integrated skylights at the visitor center, will showcase renewable energy solutions in action. These technologies will not only reduce the campus’s carbon footprint but also serve as a model of sustainable energy use for the community. The natural wastewater treatment and reuse system will further minimize environmental impact, providing a live demonstration of how to manage resources efficiently and sustainably, contributing to environmental protection.
The Biodiversity Research and Learning space will be the heart of learning at CEH and will include an environmental science lab, biodiversity exhibits and training rooms, and a library. It will enable CEH to host deep dive workshops and courses that empower students and the local community. The library will provide access to valuable research, and the biodiversity exhibit will serve as an interactive space for learning about the rich flora and fauna of the region, promoting conservation awareness. The science lab will be a hub for hands-on environmental research and experimentation providing practical skills and contributing to ongoing conservation efforts in the Palani Hills.
The CEH has crafted the Indian Climate Experience, a comprehensive and immersive exhibition that weaves together science, culture, civic engagement, and technology. This experience is designed to deepen students’ understanding of the profound impacts of climate change, both globally and specifically in Kodaikanal. Through interactive exhibits, immersive displays, and thought-provoking installations, the Indian Climate Experience showcases the progress and lessons learned from climate action in the Palani Hills, India, and beyond. Highlights include “Life in a Forest,” featuring camera trap footage of local wildlife, and a bicycle-powered wind turbine that demonstrates alternative energy. The exhibit will be housed on the ground floor of the CEH, a 2,200-square-foot open-concept space.
by kfi | Jul 8, 2026 | The KIS Scholarship Fund |
The Scholarship Program is the central focus of our 125th Anniversary and the most direct way to transform lives. This program enables students from diverse backgrounds to access a Kodai education, bringing new perspectives, talents, and experiences into our community. Scholarships at KIS support not just tuition, but the full experience, academics, residential life, outdoor education, arts, and service learning.
This fund allows families in financial difficulty or from diverse backgrounds to send their children to KIS, providing them with an opportunity to receive a world-class education. To be eligible for a scholarship, candidates must demonstrate both financial need as well as academic excellence. Scholarship students will receive a free or a generously subsidized education for two or more of their high school years at KIS.
by kfi | Jul 8, 2026 | Fund a Need |
Fund a Need is a “where needed” fund which enables KFI to support projects, programs and scholarships over and above the restricted fund programs.
Some of the most meaningful opportunities arise in the moment and require immediate support. Fund a Need allows KFI to respond flexibly to evolving priorities, whether that means enhancing student programs, upgrading facilities, investing in new ideas, or addressing KFI’s administrative needs.
It ensures that we can act quickly and thoughtfully, without being limited by restricted funding. For many alumni, this is a way to support the school in a broad and meaningful way, trusting that their contribution will be directed where it has the greatest impact.
