The true essence of education lies not just in imparting knowledge but in fostering curiosity and experiential learning. A child’s development is most effective when driven by constructive activities rather than passive instruction. The role of an educator, therefore, is not merely to teach what must be learned but to inspire students to discover knowledge for themselves. In an era where schools are rapidly increasing in number, it has become crucial for parents to choose institutions that prioritize holistic development over rote learning.
This is where St. John’s Public School, Chennai stands out. Committed to the philosophy that well-rounded growth is the cornerstone of modern education, the school seamlessly integrates experiential learning with the CBSE curriculum. Its dedication to nurturing young minds through academic excellence and extracurricular engagement makes it a beacon of quality education. Recognizing this commitment, The Academic Insights is proud to honor St. John’s Public School, Chennai as India’s Best CBSE School of the Year 2024, a testament to the visionary leadership of Dr.R.Kishore Kumar, the founder and correspondent, and the relentless efforts of the school’s dedicated principal, supervisory heads, teachers and other staff.
From the Scratch
The journey of St. John’s Public School, Chennai, is deeply connected to the educational path of its founder, Dr. R. Kishore Kumar. His career in education began in 1981-82 when he took up teaching, despite initially aspiring to become a doctor. Obeying a wise decision influenced by his father, though reluctant at first, he eventually discovered a passion for teaching and joined his father’s school as a biology teacher after completing M.Sc, B.Ed. Promoted as Vice Principal after 3 years and became Principal of an independent school in a short term.
Dedicated to his role, Dr. Kishore Kumar worked alongside his father for decades, gaining extensive experience in the field. He had established himself as a prominent figure in school education, even serving as a member of Tamil Nadu’s Planning Commission.
After his father’s passing in 2006, with a vision to create an institution rooted in his own educational philosophy, he embarked on a three-year search for the ideal location. In 2011, he acquired a two-acre property near Tambaram, Velachery – an area not conventionally considered suitable for a school. Undeterred, he secured financial backing and founded St. John’s Public School.
The school received an overwhelming response even before its building was fully constructed, with over 3,000 parents lining up from the early hours to collect application forms for admission. This remarkable trust was a testament to Dr.R.Kishore Kumar’s reputation, his presence in the media, and his strong associations with CBSE and Tamil Nadu’s school education department. Today, St. John’s Public School stands as a thriving institution, offering quality education from preschool to senior secondary levels, with a student capacity of 2,700.
A Thoughtfully Designed Infrastructure
The infrastructure of St. John’s Public School, Chennai, stands as one of its greatest strengths, meticulously designed to cater to students’ needs. Unlike conventional schools where architects dictate the layout, Dr. R. Kishore Kumar personally planned every aspect of the campus to enhance functionality and student comfort.
The school features spacious corridors, allowing for smooth and unrestricted movement. Classrooms are well-ventilated and optimized for effective learning, creating an environment conducive to academic excellence. The institution houses multiple libraries, each tailored to different student levels, with dedicated reference sections to support exam preparation.
Beyond academics, St. John’s Public School boasts state-of-the-art laboratories, including STEM labs, innovation spaces, and specialized facilities for extracurricular activities. Every resource is fully functional and easily accessible, ensuring that students receive a holistic and enriching educational experience.
Overcoming Challenges with Vision and Innovation
Running St. John’s Public School over the past 13 years has come with its fair share of challenges, particularly in financial management. Dr. R. Kishore Kumar, originally a teacher with limited expertise in finance, navigated these difficulties with a disciplined and pragmatic approach.
One of the most significant academic challenges has been maintaining an inclusive admission policy. Unlike many institutions that prioritize high-achieving students, St.John’s Public School welcomes children from diverse academic backgrounds, emphasizing holistic education over selective admissions. The school’s philosophy of “learning for life” was established from the very first year, with the theme of “Happy Schooling” shaping its approach. To build a strong foundation, Dr.R.Kishore Kumar recruited 54 teachers and conducted an intensive eight-day training program to align them with the school’s vision.
Adapting to the evolving needs of students has also been a persistent challenge. With increased screen time and digital exposure affecting student behavior, the school has continually innovated its teaching methods. Recognizing that traditional qualifications alone were not sufficient, St. John’s Public School introduced continuous teacher training, partnered with Apollo Hospital for health assistance, and provided access to dieticians, counselors, and behavioral experts to support students holistically.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented another major hurdle, but the school swiftly transitioned to online learning with the support of Microsoft, teachers, and parents. Even kindergarten students had structured virtual sessions, ensuring uninterrupted education. While the pandemic posed significant challenges, it also accelerated the school’s digital transformation, enhancing IT-based education and strengthening its overall academic framework.
Shaping the Future
Dr. R. Kishore Kumar envisions a future where education continuously adapts to the evolving needs of students in a high-tech world. Recognizing that today’s children are deeply engaged with technology, he aims to equip teachers with the skills and resources needed to guide them effectively. His focus is on integrating specialized courses, such as artificial intelligence, into the curriculum to ensure students gain relevant and future-ready knowledge. By constantly updating teaching methodologies, faculty training, orientation, induction programs and institutional frameworks, he strives to create a learning environment that nurtures curiosity, innovation, and lifelong learning.
