Complaining about the traffic (and the school run, in particular) is a hot topic for all city dwellers, but the inhabitants of other global megacities are neophytes compared to the expats in Bangalore.
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Education in Bangalore
Naturally the quality of schooling is of the first importance when choosing where to educate your child – except, possibly, in Bangalore! Here the first consideration is, ‘Will I actually be able to get my child to the school alive?’ We exaggerate, of course, but the total chaos - made up of cars, buses, lorries, bicycles, auto rickshaws, pedestrians and random animals (yes, really) - make the school run (even with a driver) a harrowing experience.
For this reason, living within reasonable distance of your child’s school is a huge advantage and expats are naturally drawn to the suburban areas, where getting to work or school is a chore rather than a nerve-wracking adventure. The traditional spots have tended to be either to the east or north of the centre but the explosive growth of, the aptly named, Electronic City, in the south, has added another potential area for families (particularly if attached to a tech executive) to settle down in.
Be warned international schools are not plentiful in any area of Bangalore. And state schools are not usually considered by expats. Although there are local private schools, most of which teach in English, the fact that it is compulsory to learn Hindi and/or Kannada (the official local language) is a major disincentive for expats.
Choosing a school in Bangalore
The international schools have, not surprisingly, landed in the areas that are relatively easy to reach, but a few of them offer boarding too - possibly to save parents’ sanity as well as their children’s welfare. An alternative is the school bus service, which almost all the international schools provide, but this comes at an additional cost, on top of the already breath-taking fees.
The British may have finally left over 70 years ago but there are still traces of their legacy in the school curricula in the international schools and almost all teach IGCSEs, while three still have A levels as one of their leaving qualifications. Some follow the IB route from kindergarten to graduation. The remainder offer adapted Indian, Cambridge or International Baccalaureate programmes, leading up to the IB Diploma.
Best schools in Bangalore
Canadian International School 
Adapted curriculum/ Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 700 students
Established in 1997 in Yelahanka, a suburb close to Bangalore International Airport. Grown from the original 6 pupils in 1996 to the present 700 who come from 30 plus nationalities (boarders from around 15 different countries). Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) since 2010 and also by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Hot on tech, it is also the first Apple distinguished school in India and runs 100 per cent on solar power.
Click here to read our full review of the Canadian International School
International School of Bangalore (The) (TISB) 
National Curriculum for England/ Cambridge Primary Programme (CIPP)/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day and boarding; independent; privately owned; 1,200 students
Founded by Dr. Gopalkrishna, also chairman and founder of the National Public Schools group, Now nearly 20 years old with eye-catching International Baccalaureate Diploma results (in a recent year, 60 per cent of students achieved between 37 and 45 points against a global average of just under 30). University placements are equally impressive with students moving on to top global universities. On a huge campus with two boarding houses for boys and one for girls.
Click here to read our full review of the International School of Bangalore
Stonehill International School (pending)
PYP/ MYP / IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day and boarding; independent; privately owned; 550 students
Founded in 2008 and one of the schools in India owned and run by the Embassy Group. Offers the International Baccalaureat programme throughout the school. On a large campus to the north of Bangalore on the way to Kempegowda International airport. Outside the centre but with bus services provided for students. Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
These schools have been brought to our attention, but until we have more reports from parents, we are unable to consider reviewing them.
Bangalore International School (BIS)
Cambridge 1,2/ IGCSE/ A Level/ IB Diploma/ American High School Diploma/ AP; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 1,200 students
First international school in Bangalore (NOT to be confused with the International School of Bangalore TISB). Founded by an American female educator in 1969 and accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Students have the option of graduating with the school’s own diploma as well as A Levels, the American High School Diploma or the International Baccalaureate Diploma.
Candor International School
PYP/ Cambridge 2/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day and boarding; independent; privately owned; 650 students
Educating students from around 20 nationalities, including Indians, American and British on an eco-campus, certified by the Indian Green Building Council. Founded by Dr Suresh Reddy, who started the Saketh Educational Trust. Students tend to graduate to American, UK or Singapore universities.
Inventure Academy
Cambridge 1/ CISCE (India)/ IGCSE/ A Level; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,220 students
Established by the India Learning Foundation, in 2005, on a campus to the east of Bangalore City. A member of Round Square, whose approach is based on the theories of the educationalist Kurt Hahn, which allows them to exchange ideas and practices with other global schools.
Oakridge International School
PYP/ MYP/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 2-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 700 students
Taken over by the Nord Anglia Education group of global schools in 2019. Housed in a huge neo-colonial building, sitting on a large campus and equipped with impressive sporting and academic facilities. Like all other Nord Anglia schools, they benefit from an arts programme devised by the Julliard school in New York and a STEM programme drawn up in conjunction with MIT.
Treamis World School
PYP/ CSE (India)/ IGCSE/ A Level; ages 3-18; co-ed; day and boarding; independent; privately owned; 800 students
Opened in 2007, in Electronic City in Bangalore on a ten acre campus. The school offers an Indian curriculum, combined with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, IGCSEs and A Levels. The student population is largely Indian and weekly and full-time boarding are available.