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Normal and international schools difference

What’s the difference between normal schools and international schools? Explore Hari Shree’s global-local approach.

October 23, 2025

 

As a parent, you would want your child to have an enriching school experience that not only focuses on physical and educational development but also a holistic one. Naturally, you would wonder: What kind of education should I give to my child? Which school would ensure an overall development for my child? If you are looking to find answers to these questions, we have got you covered.

 

While a plethora of international schools exist in Coimbatore, it is important to know which is the right one for your child.

 

Chettinad Hari Shree Vidyalayam is one of the best international schools in Coimbatore, with a focus on creating a safe and joyful environment for the children. But before diving into how its global local approach is shaping and nurturing students to be better global citizens, let’s understand what sets international schools apart and why you should choose one.

 

Academic Excellence with Global Curriculum

 

International schools offer a global curriculum which focuses on academic excellence. It prepares them for the international exposure, i.e. as preferred by most foreign universities. Chettinad Hari Shree Vidyalayam, which is one of the best international schools in Coimbatore, offers students a holistic learning experience to shape them better for the upcoming and competitive world.

 

Normally, public and private schools follow a national-level curriculum, leaving the gap between what is prevalent on the international level and what students are taught.

 

Balanced Approach with Extra-curricular Programs

 

Another important experience for students is the inclusion of extra-curricular programs to give them an immersive experience. It builds up a good balance and aids in building interest in different areas while complementing academic learning as well. The goal is to develop the child from all the facets, i.e. physically, emotionally, intellectually, cognitively, and spiritually, as opposed to lop-sided development with focus on just one aspect.

Hari Shree Vidyalayam is one of the top international schools in Coimbatore due to its offering of a well-rounded curriculum, often making it highly sought one amongst others.

 

Celebrations, field trips, and carnivals become meaningful extensions of their learning, weaving cultural richness and shared experiences into their journey. Alongside this, Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is thoughtfully integrated, helping children develop empathy, resilience, and the confidence to build strong, healthy relationships, equipping them not just for school, but for life.

 

State-of-the-art Infrastructure and Boarding Facilities

 

International schools undoubtedly have state-of-the-art infrastructure and boarding facilities compared to national schools. Most international schools are also residential schools and are on par with global education standards. With high-end offerings like technological labs, bigger spaces for activities to boost physical and cognitive abilities, and an enriched learning atmosphere integrating with co-curricular activities like swimming, sports, music, theatre, and others, to increase the capabilities of the students, preparing them to compete in the global arena.

While national or private schools do have some of these but the overall focus is seldom on the holistic development. Top international schools like Hari Shree Vidyalayam offer all-around development for the children, making it one of the best and preferred choices for parents.

 

Hari Shree’s Global Local Approach is a Strong Commitment Towards Bringing Global Learning paired with Cultural Integrity.

 

We believe in the integration of international pedagogical standards with the unique offerings of Indian traditions to bring a wholesome development. Our students not only focus on academic accomplishments but also on the social and cultural aspects of the ever-changing world. At Hari Shree, we empower learners to be global citizens with strong roots to local values and learnings, thus enabling them to embrace diversity with their unique individual approach.

We adopt dynamic approaches to give students an innovative outlook as compared to other schools, pressing beyond the mundane learning. The whole process adopted by our talented and trained teachers emphasises collaboration and active exploration of concepts through global themes and experiential learning.

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FAQ:

 

1. Is an international school better than CBSE?

 

CBSE schools are excellent for students preparing for Indian competitive exams like IIT-JEE or NEET, with a strong focus on mathematics and science. Whereas, Hari Shree Vidyalayam is one of the top international schools offering globally recognised curricula like IB or Cambridge, emphasising critical thinking, creativity, and real-world application.

 

2. What is the difference between a normal school and an international school?

 

“Normal” or national schools typically follow Indian boards like CBSE or ICSE, with a structured syllabus and exam-centric approach. International schools offer inquiry-based learning, a global curriculum, and multicultural exposure. They often have smaller class sizes, diverse faculty, and world-class infrastructure with co-curricular programs for a balanced approach.

 

3. Which is better: ICSE or Cambridge Curriculum?

 

Both are strong academic boards, but they serve different purposes. ICSE is known for its rigorous curriculum and strong emphasis on English and humanities, making it ideal for students aiming for Indian universities. The Cambridge curriculum, however, is globally recognised and focuses on conceptual learning, research, and global coverage, which is perfect for students planning to study abroad.

 

4. Which international school in Coimbatore is best for academic excellence?

 

Coimbatore has several reputed international schools, but Chettinad Hari Shree Vidyalayam stands out for its unique global-local approach, blending international pedagogy with Indian cultural grounding. Hari Shree offers state-of-the-art infrastructure, personalised learning, and a focus on holistic development.