A significant educational shift is underway in Telangana. For years, the privilege of an international curriculum was largely confined to Hyderabad. Now, a wave of premium international schools is establishing a strong presence in the state's districts, including Khammam, Warangal, Nizamabad, and Karimnagar, fundamentally altering the educational landscape for local and NRI families.
Beyond Hyderabad: A New Educational Hub Emerges
In just the last couple of years, at least five such schools have opened their doors outside the capital city. Despite imposing annual fee structures ranging from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 3 lakh, demand is surging rapidly. School managements report that these institutions are attracting a diverse mix of students, including locals and children who have recently returned from countries like the US, UK, Germany, Australia, and Singapore.
The appeal lies in the modern infrastructure and globally recognized pedagogy. Classrooms are fitted with smart boards and follow an international curriculum, such as the IGCSE. Even primary classes are thoughtfully designed, equipped with stackable beds and reclining seats to ensure young students get adequate rest during the school day.
Meeting the Demand of Affluent & NRI Families
The trend is a direct response to a growing demand from affluent parents in the districts who previously had no choice but to send their children to Hyderabad. "Many affluent parents living in the districts, who were enrolling their children in international schools in Hyderabad earlier, are now turning to these schools. In fact, we have a lot of NRI kids too," said P Ravi Maruth, who runs Cedar Valley International School in Khammam.
He added that these NRI children often live with grandparents or one parent while the other works overseas. His school, set up in 2023 and offering the IGCSE syllabus, already has 500 students. Similarly, a school in Warangal, started a few years ago, reports a steady inflow of students, particularly up to Class 7.
Parents express immense relief at having quality options closer to home. S Kalyani shared her experience of bringing her son back from the US due to uncertainty. "Thanks to an international school in Khammam offering Cambridge syllabus, he fit right in, despite not being in a metropolis," she said, praising the quality teachers and wide range of activities.
Quality Education Without the Metropolis Premium
For returnees and locals alike, these schools offer a compelling value proposition: a global-standard education without the need to relocate to a major city or pay its premium. Dentist Jawali Reddy, who enrolled his daughter in a Karimnagar school, highlighted this balance. "While getting an international education, I want her to stay at home and pursue her other hobbies—classical dancing and karate. This was the best option," he said.
The financial advantage is also stark. Another parent noted that while schools in Hyderabad charge upwards of Rs 4 lakh per annum, the district-based institution costs only about Rs 2 lakh. Mallela Nageswar Rao, who returned to Karimnagar after a decade in the US, simply wanted a nearby school that would ignite curiosity and creativity through an international curriculum.
Teacher Training: The Cornerstone of Success
Educational experts hail this development as a welcome change driven by rising incomes and a desire to stay in hometowns without compromising on education. KV Praveen Raju, a veteran of IB schools, points out that the model is viable if management invests correctly. "Hyderabad was offering IB syllabus 25 years ago. So, it is not an impossible task for schools in districts to run an international school today, as long as the management is ready to invest in teachers' training," he emphasized.
This focus on faculty is evident. Teachers at these new schools are recruited from across India and are not only BEd qualified but also specifically trained in Cambridge programmes. This investment in human resources is key to delivering the promised international standard of education and sustaining the growing demand in Telangana's districts, marking a new chapter in the state's educational evolution.
