The Peepal Grove School, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh: Fee, Admission, Review, Facility and More

The Peepal Grove School, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, stands out as a unique residential institution that believes that education is founded upon the acquisition of core skills and knowledge taught through integrated experiences. It was established in 2006 by social activist, educationist and spiritual guide, Sri M, and inaugurated by the esteemed former President of India, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. The school is nestled in an enchanting valley in South India.The scenic 30-acre campus serves as an inspiring learning environment for students from Grades 4 to 12. Its reputation as one of the best residential schools in India and among top schools in the region stems from its distinctive approach to education, rooted deeply in nature, dialogue, and community.

About The Peepal Grove School

The school is committed to providing an environment that fosters in-depth exploration of knowledge and ideas. Each student is encouraged to think critically, creatively, and independently to achieve both academic and personal goals, while celebrating their cultural roots and embracing a global perspective.

The school strives to provide an environment that fosters students' exploration and expansion of their inherent potential.

The Founder says, “Here, teachers play the role of friendly guides who inspire students through dialogue and discussion, instead of ‘spoon-feeding’ them.

In the words of the Executive Director, “Education instead should open out the world for the child, encourage her to think on her own and discover things for herself. This will inculcate a love of learning which should last her throughout her life.”

The Principal emphasises, “The primary focus of the school is to meet the fundamental needs of students: the need for autonomy, relatedness and competence.”

Fee Structure

• Registration Fee: Rs. 6,000 (to be paid when submitting the application form)
• Admission Fee: Rs. 45,000 (one-time fee)
• Tuition and Boarding Fee for Grades IV to X: Rs. 6,10,000 per year
• Tuition and Boarding Fee for Grades XI to XII: Rs. 7,10,000 per year
• Refundable Caution Deposit for Grades IV to X: Rs. 4,88,000 (paid in full by due date after admission confirmation)
• Refundable Caution Deposit for Grades XI to XII: Rs. 5,68,000 (paid in full by due date after admission confirmation)
• Tuition and Boarding fees include food, lodging, library, labs, games, and cultural activities
• Payment Schedule: Tuition and Boarding Fee is payable in two equal instalments—first by March 15 and second by September 15
• Additional expenses payable by parents include books, picnic, excursion, medical, public examination fee, annual magazine, hairdressing, stationery, and miscellaneous items
• A tuck shop is available in school for students to buy some utility items. The school extends a credit facility (to be repaid by parents) for the students.

Admission Process

• The Online application form opens every September.
• Admissions for Grades 4, 7, 8, 9, and 11 are open from December to March for the academic year commencing in June.
• Selection for Grades 4 to 7 involves an interview with both students and parents.
• Selection for Grades 8 and 9 is based on a written test in English and Mathematics followed by an interview.
• Admission to Grade 11 requires a personal interview and subject-specific tests aligned with the chosen stream.
• Registration fee of Rs. 6,000 must be paid when filling out the online application form.
• Candidates from unrecognized schools or under private study must submit Aadhaar (Indian citizens) or passport (foreign nationals) along with a Certificate of Study.
• Successful candidates are intimated by email and must bring required documents as listed in the intimation letter on the joining date.
• Original Transfer Certificate must be submitted on the day of joining.

Curriculum & Academic Approach

TPGS adheres to the ICSE and ISC curriculum frameworks for Grades 4 through 12.

Our academic programme is designed to provide a creative space and means for students to delve deeper and beyond syllabus. The institution has a diverse mix of teaching faculty and is geared to utilize innovative tools and methodologies to ensure that each child is provided the tools and support to actualize their academic potential.

From grades 4 – 8, we focus on developing the fundamental skills – Explanation, Interpretation, Application, Perspective, Empathy and Self-Knowledge. The emphasis is on collaborative learning rather than direct teaching, which is student-centric. Students are taught spoken Sanskrit, as the language is the cultural base of all Indian thought.

From grade 9 – 12 the course becomes more rigorous. There is a greater focus on the board examinations. Students make use of multi-media facilities, a comprehensive library and well-equipped laboratories in their efforts to research, understand and excel in subjects.

A variety of assessment tools are used which may be formative, diagnostic, summative, evaluative or informative. When a concept is taught, the objectives are clearly specified and assessed using national/international benchmarks. At the end of each term, parents receive a comprehensive report regarding the progress of their child.

Sports, art, dance, music, drama, yoga and the ancient martial art form of Kalaripayattu are an intrinsic part of our programme and students are encouraged to pursue them with equal vigour.

Students regularly go on treks, cycling expeditions and camps. Students enjoy engaging in community service.  In each grade, students are taken on handpicked excursions around the country to expose them to the cultural diversity of the country. They get to interact with the locals and learn to live sustainably.

Infrastructure & Facilities

• The campus is situated in a lush, 30-acre valley surrounded by forested hills, offering a natural and serene learning environment.
• Academic facilities include well-equipped physics, chemistry, biology, and computer labs, as well as an art block.
• Sports facilities: Cricket ground, Football field, tennis courts, basketball court, indoor badminton courts.
• Unique traditional martial arts facility: dedicated Kalari pit for Kalaripayattu practice (only residential school in India with this).
• Extensive arts and cultural activity spaces: Bharatnatyam dance, Carnatic music, pottery, arts and crafts.
• Wellness support includes nutritious vegetarian meals and on-campus medical and psychological support.

Reviews & Reputation

Parents and students consistently praise The Peepal Grove School for its exceptional teaching quality, warm and disciplined environment, and rich extracurricular engagement. The school’s family-like, inclusive atmosphere, combined with its favourable student-teacher ratio, helps build strong teacher-student relationships that many regard as transformative. The unique blend of academics, arts, environmental education, and community outreach receives high acclaim for preparing students not just academically but for life’s challenges with resilience and empathy. The school also enjoys recognition for being one of the only residential institutions in India with a dedicated Kalaripayattu pit, a testament to its commitment to preserving traditional arts.

Conclusion & Recommendation

Children flourish in an atmosphere of trust and openness, where they are cared for, supported in their creative pursuits, and encouraged to develop their inborn talents. Our teacher-student ratio of 1:5 is one of the lowest in the country, allowing for individualised attention. In the absence of gadgets and daily city commute, children gain time. They cultivate skills, pursue hobbies, discover talents, explore surroundings, learn to share and live together in a cross-cultural diaspora.

Prospective parents are encouraged to visit the campus, engage with staff and students, and witness the harmony of nature and education themselves to fully appreciate what The Peepal Grove School offers.

In sum, The Peepal Grove School in Chittoor exemplifies a rare blend of nature, culture, and academic rigor, making it a compelling choice among the best schools in India.