Pioneering Change in Learning A Small School, With a Large Vision
It was 1961, and a group of young mothers sitting together at a waffle party, sipping coffee, discussed their vision for an ideal, almost utopian school. One where there was an inspired faculty that focused on igniting the joy and love for learning. Where every child could be their authentic selves, reach their full potential and grow into the best version of themselves. This thought was far removed from the climate of academic pressure, fear-based culture and rote-learning prevalent at the time. One mother suggested getting together and setting up this informal dream school in their own drawing rooms and back gardens.
This was the start of something special, an idea that snowballed into a phenomenon — BIS.
The idea of a home away from home – a gentle, vibrant, warm and happy school held tremendous appeal for both Indian families & expats in the city. Within months, the Bombay International School Association was registered and received whole-hearted support from the community.
There was an illustrious list of 183 founder members that came together to drive this vision. It included artist Jehangir Sabavala and his wife Shirin, Page and Harsh Mehta, whose father, Jivraj Mehta, was the first Chief Minister of Gujarat and mother, Hansa Mehta, the Vice-Chancellor of Baroda University. Also onboard were H.J. Kania, India’s first Chief Justice, and Dr. Suma Chitnis, former Vice-Chancellor of SNDT University. Finally, H.M. Seervai, the then Advocate General of Maharashtra, and Kamla Bhoota, who founded the Bal Vikas Nursery.
The school’s initial parent body included notable personalities: celebrated artist M.F. Husain, physicist Dr Raja Ramanna, architect Charles Correa, actors Shashi and Jennifer Kapoor, Sujata Manohar, who was later a judge of the Bombay High Court and Supreme Court, and industrialist Keshub Mahindra.
We were off to a flying start!
On June 11, 1962, BIS opened its doors to 90 eager children. It was a humble beginning, with just six rooms and a terrace, but parents poured their hearts into creating a special place. They built furniture, offered legal support, and raised funds. While Principal Joan de Angeli led the way, parents ran the kitchen, taught classes and did everything it took to make BIS a reality.
In 1964, the school moved into Gilbert Building, its beloved home to this day. Over the years, BIS blossomed, always staying true to its founders’ progressive vision. We embraced the International Curriculum with IGCSE in 2007 and added the IB Diploma Program in 2011, seamlessly aligning with our philosophy of small classes, hands-on learning, and open communication.
Even today, our core values remain: small, nurturing classes, a culture of open dialogue, and parents as active partners in their children’s education. We’re proud of our journey and excited to continue empowering students to flourish and thrive.
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