Shri Ram Centennial School, Kasiga School, The Doon School and the two Welham schools are some of the top boarding schools in Dehradun that parents shortlist most often. They're quite different from each other, though. So before you pick one, compare the curriculum, how the hostel is run, what the fees cover and what admission requires.
And on that note, this guide covers ten schools, including boys-only, girls-only and co-ed options.
Boarding Schools at a Glance
| School Name | Board/Curriculum | Boys/Girls/Co-ed | Boarding Classes | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shri Ram Centennial School | ICSE | Boys & Girls Boarding | 4–12 | Knowledge Vihar, Sherpur, Shimla Road |
| Kasiga School | CBSE and Cambridge (CAIE) | Boys & Girls Boarding | 4–12 | Off Dehradun–Mussoorie Highway, Purkul Road |
| The Doon School | ICSE/ISC, IB Diploma option | Boys Boarding | 7–12 | Mall Road, Dehradun |
| Doon International School Riverside Campus | CBSE and Cambridge (CAIE) | Boys & Girls Boarding | 1–12 | Pondha, Dehradun |
| Welham Boys' School | CBSE | Boys Boarding | 4–12 | 5, Circular Road, Dalanwala |
| Welham Girls' School | CISCE (ICSE/ISC) | Girls Boarding | 6–12 | 19, Municipal Rd, Dalanwala |
| SelaQui International School | CBSE and Cambridge (CAIE) | Boys & Girls Boarding | 6–12 | Chakarata Rd, Selaqui Industrial Area |
| Tula's International School | CBSE | Boys & Girls Boarding | 4–12 | Dholkot, Selaqui, Chakrata Road |
| École Globale International Girls' School | CBSE and CIE | Girls Boarding | 4–12 | Village Horawala, Near Sahaspur |
| Unison World School | ICSE, ISC and CIE | Girls Boarding | 6–12 | Mussoorie Diversion Road |
We looked at the board, who the school admits and the boarding classes. These are ten top boarding schools in Dehradun that parents commonly consider, and the order doesn't represent an official ranking. Boarding classes and actual entry points can differ, so it’s best to confirm them with each school.
10 Boarding Schools Parents Can Consider
Shri Ram Centennial School, Dehradun
A co-ed ICSE school on Shimla Road, set up by the Shri Ram Education Trust. Boarding starts from Class 4, and day boarding from Class 2. Students can take part in programmes on global citizenship, leadership and character education, and the school offers academic support and counselling. Hostels are reportedly separate for boys and girls, which is worth confirming on a visit.
Kāsiga School, Dehradun
Kasiga is a co-ed school on a 35-acre campus in the Mussoorie foothills. It teaches CBSE alongside Cambridge courses, which suits families thinking about study abroad. Swimming, basketball, cricket, tennis and yoga are on offer. Boarding starts from Class 4, and the school says student health and well-being are a priority.
The Doon School, Dehradun
Founded in 1935, Doon is an all-boys, fully residential school. Boys join in Class 7 or, sometimes, Class 8, through an entrance test and interview. Senior students choose between ISC and the IB Diploma. Most teachers live on campus, and there's a learning support department for boys who need extra help.
DIS Riverside Campus
DIS Riverside Campus was established in 2015 by the Doon International Education Society with a focus on providing quality education and preparing students to become capable and responsible global citizens. It offers CBSE and Cambridge curricula and provides boarding from Class 1 to 12, making it one of the options for families looking for a boarding school in Dehradun for children across a wider age range.
Welham Boys' School, Dehradun
Welham Boys' School began its schooling in 1937. It takes boys mainly in Classes 4 to 7, and boarding runs through Class 12. The school is affiliated to CBSE, with hostel life organised through a housemaster-housemother system for each residential house.
Welham Girls' School
Opened in 1957, Welham Girls' is a girls-only boarding school affiliated to CISCE. Admissions happen in Classes 6, 7 and 11 only, and younger applicants sit an aptitude assessment. The school lists counselling and career guidance among its support.
SelaQui International School
SelaQui sits on a 52-acre campus in Selaqui village. It's co-ed, with CBSE and Cambridge courses, and there's an integrated programme for IIT-JEE aspirants. It has an equestrian centre, a swimming pool and an infirmary with resident doctors. Admission is by entrance test and an interview with the headmaster.
Tula's International School
Tula's is a co-ed CBSE school on 22 acres near Selaqui, with boarding from Class 4 to 12. It describes its approach as a modern take on the gurukul. There are three boarding houses, two for boys and one for girls. Sports include swimming, shooting, archery and horse riding.
École Globale International Girls' School
A fully residential girls' school on a large campus, École Globale follows CBSE, with Cambridge courses for senior classes. Girls can join from Class 4. Swimming, squash and horse riding are part of school life.
Unison World School
Unison is a girls' residential school opened in 2007, with classes from 6 to 12. It offers ICSE and ISC, plus IGCSE and A/AS Level routes. It's known for its wide range of co-curricular activities. Check with the school about hostel routines and how parents can stay in touch.
How to Choose the Right School for Your Child
The best boarding school is the one that suits your child, not the one with the biggest name. Thus, when choosing one, here are some things to weigh:
• Curriculum and academic support: does the board match your child's plans, and is there help for kids who fall behind?
• Hostel supervision: who looks after the children at night, and what happens when a child is homesick?
• Medical care and safeguarding: ask where the infirmary is, who's on call, and how the school handles complaints.
• Sports, activities and routine: ask for a sample day, from wake-up to lights out.
• Total cost and campus visits: ask for the full yearly cost, and visit before you decide.
Fees and Admission Requirements
Fees vary a lot between schools and change every year, so don't rely on a listing site. When you're looking at a boarding school in Dehradun, ask for a written breakdown and confirm these:
• Tuition, boarding and meal charges
• Registration fees, refundable deposits and extras like uniforms, trips, transport and medical costs
• Entry age, which classes are open and the application dates
• Documents needed, plus any entrance test or interview
Most top schools take applications well before the session starts, so ask about dates early
Conclusion
As a parent, it is best to shortlist two or three schools and visit before you decide. If a co-ed ICSE school with boarding from Class 4 suits your child,Shri Ram Centennial School is worth a look. Talk to its admissions team or walk through the campus. Check admission details or arrange a campus visit.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between day boarding and full boarding?
Day boarders spend the full school day on campus, often with meals, homework time and activities, then go home in the evening. Full boarders live in the hostel during term, with supervised evenings and weekends.
2. From which class can children join a residential school?
It depends on the school. Many Dehradun schools take boarders from Class 4, while some take students from Class 6 and Class 7. Check each school's entry classes.
3. What is usually included in boarding fees?
Usually tuition, room, meals and laundry. Uniforms, books, transport, medical bills, trips and pocket money are often charged separately, so ask for a written list of what's covered.
4. How do schools help children adjust to hostel life?
Most schools have houseparents, older student buddies, counselling and regular calls home. But since every school differs, it is best to ask each school how it handles a child's first few weeks and how often parents can speak to them.
5. Can parents visit the hostel before confirming admission?
Most schools allow campus visits by appointment, and some include the hostel. Rules differ, so book ahead and ask to see the dorm, dining hall and medical room.