Shivani Chaturvedi

In the bustling city of Chennai, nestled within the vibrant community of the House of Hiranandani’s integrated township at Old Mahabalipuram Road, popularly known as OMR, lies a beacon of educational excellence – Hiranandani Upscale School (HUS). Established in the year 2011 by the visionary Surendra Hiranandani, HUS stands tall as a distinguished educational institution, proudly offering the globally renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum program.

The school’s objective is to provide a superior educational experience that nurtures young minds to flourish academically and personally within a supportive environment. Leading the institution with a wealth of experience is Sivakumar Srinivasan, the Director of HUS. With nearly two decades in the education sector, Srinivasan’s journey began as a physics teacher in 1998. Over the years, he has held various leadership roles, earning accolades such as the American Classroom Teaching Excellence Award in 2008 and the esteemed Best Principal Award in 2022.

Spread across a sprawling 3-acre campus, HUS boasts 55 spacious classrooms equipped with LCD projectors, creating an ideal environment for immersive learning experiences. The campus also features specialised facilities including laboratories, libraries, outdoor gaming areas, and multimedia rooms to cater to diverse educational needs. In line with its commitment to inclusivity, HUS recently inaugurated a Special Education Needs (SEN) department, staffed with qualified experts to provide personalized support to students with diverse learning requirements. This dedicated space underscores the school’s dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Beyond academics, HUS prioritises holistic development through a rich tapestry of extracurricular activities. From sports like football, karate, and gymnastics to arts and design programs, students are encouraged to explore their passions and talents. A distinguishing feature of HUS is its adoption of the globally renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum program. With IB-trained teachers experienced in international school curricula, HUS ensures a world-class education that prepares students for success on an international level. The school’s commitment to excellence is evident in its numerous achievements, including receiving the prestigious SDG Hero award for incorporating UN Sustainable Development Goals into its curriculum.

Moreover, HUS students consistently excel in academics, sports, and co-curricular activities, showcasing the school’s dedication to nurturing well-rounded individuals. The integration of technology into teaching and learning further enhances the educational experience, with platforms like ManageBac and Kognity providing interactive and engaging tools for student enrichment. In terms of support services, HUS offers ESL programs, remedial education, and comprehensive student well-being services including counseling and medical care. Additionally, the school places a strong emphasis on professional development for teachers, ensuring they stay abreast of the latest teaching methodologies and technologies.

Sivakumar Srinivasan, the Director of HUS says, “Our school excels in teaching and assessment across all three IB programs: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP). In each program, the school prioritise comprehensive evaluation methods that foster continuous improvement and independent learning. a) DP (Diploma Programme): Coordinated Curriculum Delivery: The DP Coordinator and Associate Coordinator oversee curriculum delivery, ensuring timely student work submission and alignment with IB standards. Rigorous Assessment Practices: Regular formative assessments, mid-terms, and term-end exams determine Predicted Grades based on student performance, fostering continuous improvement. b) MYP (Middle Years Programme): Teacher-Led Evaluation: MYP assessments center on tasks crafted and evaluated by classroom teachers, fostering a comprehensive understanding of student progress. Independent Project Evaluation: Each MYP student undertakes an independently developed personal project, externally validated by the IB, serving as a comprehensive evaluation of their capacity for independent work. c) PYP (Primary Years Programme): Holistic Approach to Learning: Teaching and assessment in PYP classrooms align with the program’s philosophy, focusing on holistic development and inquiry-based learning. Comprehensive Assessment Methods: Assessments include performance tasks, presentations, portfolios, and traditional tests, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of student learning. Professional Development: The school emphasises continuous professional development, offering program-specific training, monthly whole-school sessions, and external IB training for all teachers, ensuring they stay current with best practices. The students consistently achieve remarkable results in board exams and standardised tests, reflecting the effectiveness of our academic programs and support services.”

Over the past three years, MYP and DP students have demonstrated exceptional performance in board exams, with high average scores and individual achievements. The students excel in standardised tests like the SAT, facilitating their admission to prestigious universities worldwide.

With a teacher-student ratio of 20:1 and admissions open throughout the year, Hiranandani Upscale School offers a nurturing and enriching educational experience. Its annual tuition fee range of 2.5 lakh to 4.9 lakh per annum reflects its commitment to providing quality education accessible to all. As the day draws to a close and the campus buzzes with the energy of learning and discovery, Hiranandani Upscale School stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for students, educators, and the community at large, embodying the ethos of excellence in education, and nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.

Admission and fees

Open throughout the year with annual tuition fee range 2.5 lakh to 4.9 lakh per annum.

Also read: Hiranandani Foundation School, Powai