Admissions open  Nursery, LKG, UKG & Grades 1–5 Call 044 2445 4091 Email us
Chithkala school emblem: a swan in the sun above an open book Chithkala चित्कला Nursery & Primary School · Adyar

வணக்கம் Welcome to Chithkala

Where little minds learn to shine

For 52 years, families in Adyar have trusted Chithkala to give their children a joyful start: strong academics, good values and a love for India's languages, music and festivals, all in a safe and caring school.

Since 1974 English medium Tamil Nadu State Board Co-educational
Smiling Chithkala students playing chess together in their classroom
Students cheering with arms raised on a field trip to the paddy fields
52 years of nurturing young learners in Adyar
1974Founded 1 June
Age 2+Nursery to Grade 5
3Languages taught
CCTVMonitored campus
Recognisedby the Government of Tamil Nadu
The meaning of our name

A name chosen for imagination

Chithkala is a name of the Divine Mother in the Sri Lalitha Sahasranamam. It speaks of the inner spark of consciousness that supports creativity and imagination. Our founders felt it was the right name for a school, and we try to live up to it every day.

கற்க கசடறக் கற்பவை கற்றபின்
நிற்க அதற்குத் தக

Learn well what is worth learning, and then live by what you have learned.

Thirukkural 391

Our programs

The right start for every stage

From a child's first school day at age two to the end of Grade 5, Chithkala grows with your child.

Ages 2–3

Pre-KG

Nursery: play, explore, belong

A warm, gentle first step away from home. Children settle in through play, songs, stories and lots of care.

  • Rhymes, songs and stories in English, Hindi and Tamil
  • Colours, shapes, sorting and early counting
  • Art, clay and hands-on play with sand, water and textures
  • Good habits, sharing and making friends
Enquire about Pre-KG →
LKG & UKG

Kindergarten

Montessori and kindergarten methods

Taught by teachers trained in kindergarten and Montessori methods, using hands-on learning aids that make letters and numbers click.

  • Phonics, reading readiness and writing
  • Number sense with Montessori materials
  • First words in Tamil, Hindi and English
  • Music, dance, art and confident speaking
Enquire about LKG & UKG →
Grades 1–5

Primary

Tamil Nadu State Board

A full State Board curriculum in English medium, with the attention of a small, caring school and a strong grounding in values.

  • Tamil, English and Hindi
  • Mathematics, Science and Social Studies
  • General Knowledge and good values
  • Computers, yoga, karate, music, dance and crafts
Enquire about Primary →
What children learn

Three languages, one confident voice

Children at Chithkala grow up at home in three languages. They learn to read, write and speak each one, and they get plenty of practice speaking in front of others.

TamilOur mother tongue, from first letters to Thirukkural
EnglishMedium of instruction across every subject
HindiSpeaking, reading and writing from the early years
Mathematics Science Social Studies Yoga General Knowledge Computer Education Arts & Crafts Music Dance Public Speaking
Beyond the classroom

Every child has a hidden talent. We help them find it.

Arts, music, movement and stage time are part of every week, so children grow in confidence as well as knowledge.

Dance

Classical and group dances, performed with pride on Annual Day.

Music

Songs, bhajans and rhymes that build memory, rhythm and joy.

Karate

Focus, discipline and self-confidence. Our students have won karate competitions.

Yoga

Gentle stretches, breathing and quiet moments that help children focus and feel well.

Computers

Hands-on computer education from the early years.

Art & Craft

Painting, drawing and craft. Our young artists win prizes in Adyar.

Public Speaking

Children give short speeches in Tamil, English and Hindi.

Field Trips

Learning excursions that bring lessons to life outside school.

A day at Chithkala

What your child's day looks like

Each day has a happy, steady rhythm: learning in the morning, activities and play in the afternoon, and plenty of care in between.

Grades 1–58:40 AM – 3:40 PM
Pre-KG8:40 AM – 1:30 PM
LKG & UKG8:40 AM – 2:00 PM
School officeOpen until 6:00 PM
Admissions enquiries044 2445 4091
  1. Good morning!

    Children are welcomed at the classroom by their teachers.

  2. Assembly & prayer

    A prayer and a thought for the day.

  3. Morning lessons

    Languages, Mathematics and Science while minds are fresh.

  4. Snack & play

    A short break to eat, run and play.

  5. Lunch together

    Children eat together and learn good table manners.

  6. Pre-KG home time

    Our youngest learners are handed over to their families.

  7. LKG & UKG home time

    Kindergarten children head home after a full morning.

  8. Activity time

    Grades 1–5 enjoy music, dance, art, computers, yoga or karate.

  9. Home time

    Grades 1–5 are handed over safely to parents and guardians.

Our story

Founded by scholars, built on values

Chithkala Nursery & Primary School opened its doors on 1 June 1974. Our founders were scholars and teachers who wanted children to get a sound modern education rooted in Indian culture, morals and ethics.

That idea still guides us today. We teach character and values alongside modern methods, so that each child grows as a whole person. Chithkala welcomes children of every faith and every ability, and the school is recognised by the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Smt. Ananthalakshmi MahadevanFounder and Sanskrit scholar. Her husband, a retired Professor of Mathematics at Presidency College, Chennai, served as Secretary of the Mathematical Association of India.
Sri Rajarama IyerFirst Secretary and Correspondent of the school, and for many years Headmaster of the Board High School, Tiruvarur.
Smt. Meera ParthasarathiCorrespondent of the school today, carrying the founders' vision forward.
1974School founded in Adyar
52 yearsGenerations of Chithkala families
Every faithChildren of all backgrounds welcome
Every abilityEach child cared for as they are
The Chithkala way

Why parents choose us

01

Values first

Prayer, stories and daily habits teach honesty, kindness and respect.

02

Rooted in Indian culture

Music, dance and the festivals of every faith are part of school life, so children grow up with an inclusive, harmonious outlook.

03

Modern teaching

Montessori methods, computer education and teachers who keep learning new ways to teach.

04

Every child, every ability

Patient teachers who notice each child and help them at their own pace.

05

Safe and secure

A CCTV-monitored campus in a sturdy concrete building.

06

Parents as partners

Regular parent–teacher meetings so you always know how your child is doing.

Celebrations & events

A year full of stages, prizes and festivals

Every event gives children a chance to bring out their talents and to celebrate together.

The highlight of the year

Annual Day

Celebrated in grand style. Children give speeches in Tamil, English and Hindi, and perform songs, solo dances and group dances for families.

On the field

Annual Sports Day

Races, games and cheering. Prizes are given generously so every child feels like a champion.

14 November

Children's Day

A big celebration with a fancy dress competition and prizes for our little stars.

All through the year

Festivals of every faith

At Chithkala we celebrate all festivals together. Children learn about each one, share in the joy of every tradition and grow up with an inclusive, harmonious outlook.

PongalTamil New YearRamzanVinayaka ChathurthiKrishna JayanthiNavarathriDeepavaliGuru Nanak JayantiChristmasIndependence DayRepublic Day
Proud winners

Our students have won awards for Thirukkural recitation and painting in competitions across Adyar, and have won karate competitions.

Campus & safety

A safe, happy place to learn

Our campus is a safe, cheerful place for young children, with bright murals, open courtyards and watchful teachers.

Students in uniform in the school courtyard beside murals of karate and other activities
CCTV monitoringClassrooms and common areas are monitored for your peace of mind.
Concrete buildingA sturdy, well-kept school building in Adyar.
Parents as partners

You will always know how your child is doing

We meet parents regularly to talk about each child's progress. We ask every parent to attend.

Step 1

Progress report

Your child's progress report, with remarks from the class teacher.

Step 2

One-to-one talk

The class teacher goes through the report with you and answers your questions.

Step 3

PTA meeting

Parents and teachers meet together to plan for the term ahead.

Trusted in Adyar

What families and our neighbourhood say

Chithkala is rated 4.7 out of 5 on Justdial, and our celebrations regularly appear in Adyar Times, the neighbourhood weekly.

Volunteer with us

Share your skills with our children

We welcome volunteer teachers in computer learning, handicrafts and Sanskrit. If you have a few hours to give, we would love to hear from you.

Email us to volunteer

Computer learning
Handicrafts
Sanskrit
Admissions

Join the Chithkala family

Admissions are open for Nursery, LKG, UKG and Grades 1 to 5. Here is how it works.

  1. Send an enquiry or call us

    Fill in the form or call 044 2445 4091. We will answer your questions and fix a time for a visit.

  2. Visit the school

    See our classrooms, meet our teachers and bring your child along.

  3. Submit the application form

    Collect the form from the school office and return it with photocopies of the required certificates, including your child's birth certificate.

  4. Confirm the seat

    Once the documents are checked, pay the fees to confirm your child's place.

Good to know

  • Nursery admits children from 2 to 3 years of age.
  • For Grade 1 and above, a Transfer Certificate (TC) from the previous school is required.
  • Tuition fees are paid term by term, at the start of each term.
  • The full term's fee is due even if a child leaves before the term ends.
  • A TC is issued once all fees are paid in full.

Admission enquiry

Tell us about your child. We will call you back within two working days.

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Questions parents ask

Frequently asked questions

Can't find your answer? Call the school office on 044 2445 4091. We are happy to help.

What age can my child join?

Children can join Nursery between 2 and 3 years of age. We also admit children to LKG, UKG and Grades 1 to 5, subject to seats being available.

Which board and medium do you follow?

We follow the Tamil Nadu State Board curriculum, and English is the medium of instruction. The school is recognised by the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Which languages will my child learn?

Tamil, English and Hindi. Children also practise speaking in front of others in these languages.

What are the school timings?

School starts at 8:40 AM. Pre-KG goes home at 1:30 PM, LKG and UKG at 2:00 PM, and Grades 1 to 5 at 3:40 PM. The school office stays open until 6:00 PM.

What activities are offered?

Music, dance, yoga, karate, computer education, art and craft, public speaking and learning excursions.

How do you keep children safe?

The campus is monitored by CCTV, and children are handed over only to parents or authorised guardians at home time.

Is the school open to children of all faiths?

Yes. Chithkala welcomes children of every faith and every ability, and we celebrate the festivals of all faiths together.

How can I find out about fees?

Please call or visit the school office for the current fee structure. Tuition fees are paid term by term.

Visit us

Come and see Chithkala

We would love to show you around. Call ahead and we will plan a visit for you and your child.

Call the office

+91 44 2445 4091

Office open until 6:00 PM on school days.

Write to us

Questions about admissions, fees or a visit? Send us a note.

Find us

4th Main Road, Indira Nagar, Adyar

Opposite TTK Hospital, Chennai 600020. Tap for directions on Google Maps.

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