City Montessori High School
Parent InsightsRajinder Nagar Aishbagh Road Rajender Nagar Uttar Pradesh - 226 004 India
If you’re exploring ICSE schools in Lucknow, City Montessori High School, Rajendra Nagar is one name that will come up again and again. It’s one of the oldest and most established campuses under the CMS umbrella, known for its academic rigour and large student community.
- ✦Recipient of the UNESCO Prize for Peace Education (2002).
- ✦Holds a Guinness World Record as the world’s largest school by enrolment.
- ✦Hosts international events like COFAS and global music festivals.
Summary for Parents
Overview
- •City Montessori High School, Rajendra Nagar is one of Lucknow’s most established ICSE schools, known for its academic excellence, structured environment, and international exposure. It’s a large, well-organized campus that offers both strong academics and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities.
Best Fit For
- •What kind of child will this school work best for:
- •- Children who are self-motivated and can handle structured academics.
- •- Students who enjoy participating in large-scale events and competitions.
- •- Families looking for a school with a strong reputation and consistent results.
Strengths
- •Strengths:
- •- Excellent academic track record.
- •- Wide extracurricular exposure.
- •- Strong infrastructure and safety measures.
- •- Transparent fee structure.
- •- Experienced teaching staff.
Trade-offs / Things to check
- •Potential trade-offs / Things to check:
- •- Academic pressure, especially in middle and senior grades.
- •- Large class sizes may limit individual attention.
- •- Fee hikes have been a concern for some parents.
- •- Administrative responsiveness varies by year.
Recommendations / Questions to Ask
- •Recommendations / Questions to Ask:
- •- What is the current student–teacher ratio in your child’s grade?
- •- How does the school support mental health and stress management?
- •- What is the policy for fee increases and refunds?
- •- How are extracurriculars balanced with academics?
- •- What is the teacher retention rate?
School Information
Board / Curriculum
ICSE
Grades offered
Nursery - 12
Medium
English
Type
Co-ed
Students
Around 5,000 (Rajendra Nagar Campus I)
Student–Teacher Ratio
Approximately 34:1
Boarding
Day school only
Pincode
226004
Leadership & Staff
- • Principal – Ms. Jayashree Krishnan; Vice Principal – Ms. Reeta Fleming; Head Mistress – Ms. Archana Gaur
Fees & Admissions
| Class / Category | Fee (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Prospectus & Form Fee | 1,200 | One-time |
| Caution Money | 5,000 | Refundable |
| Admission Fee | 12,000–16,000 | Varies by class |
| Monthly Composite Fee | 4,470–11,720 | Increases with grade |
| Transport (optional) | 850–5,130 per month | Based on distance |
• Caveats: Fees are from the official CMS fee structure for AY 2025–26.
• Always confirm with the campus before paying, as rates may change yearly.
• Optional subject fees (Computer/Science) apply for higher classes.
Admission Process for Interested Parents
Timeline
Admissions typically open in March for the next academic year.
How to Apply
Through the CMS Admission Portal or by contacting the campus directly.
Eligibility
As per CISCE norms; age cut-offs vary by class.
Documents Required
Birth certificate, previous school's TC, residence proof, photographs, Aadhaar, and medical certificate.
Confirmation
Seat is confirmed after payment of admission and caution fees.
What Parents Say
Aggregated from parent reviews across platforms. Ask these questions during your school visit.
Academics
Positives
The school consistently produces strong ICSE and ISC results, with many toppers each year. Teachers are experienced and focused on exam preparation.
Watch out for
Some parents feel the academic load is too heavy, especially in middle school, with frequent tests and homework.
Ask: How does the school balance academic rigour with student well-being?
Early Grades
Positives
Montessori and primary sections follow structured early learning with caring teachers.
Watch out for
Parents mention that even younger children face frequent assessments and homework.
Ask: What is the homework policy for pre-primary and primary classes?
Extracurriculars
Positives
Offers a wide range of activities — music, robotics, sports, and international events like COFAS.
Watch out for
Some parents feel academics overshadow extracurriculars in certain years.
Ask: How much time is allocated weekly for non-academic activities?
Administration
Positives
The school has a long-standing reputation and experienced leadership.
Watch out for
A few parents have raised concerns about administrative responsiveness and fee-related issues.
Ask: How accessible is the principal or admin team for parent concerns?
Fees
Positives
Transparent fee structure available online; transport and optional subjects clearly listed.
Watch out for
Parents have occasionally raised concerns about fee hikes and refund policies.
Ask: What is the annual fee increase percentage and refund policy?
Campus & Facilities
Not officially listed, but accommodates around 4,000–5,000 students.
Reviews from Other Platforms
Aggregated from public sources for reference. These are not verified by SchoolCompass.
What parents liked
"It has been 12 years since I'm studying in this school so I think you all can trust my opinion. CMS is one of the best ICSE affiliated schools in Lucknow. The campus infrastructure and facilities here are extremely good. Teachers here are the best. They encourage us to ask doubts."
— Justdial
"It’s an excellent school."
— Justdial
"AC classrooms, expert faculty, regular evaluation, clean facilities."
— Justdial
Concerns raised
"There is a lot of pressure of studies, homework, test on children every week. They are having exams too often. Please reduce the pressure."
— Justdial
"Poor handling by the new principal, leading to a deteriorated condition of the school."
— Justdial
"Heavy and twisted course structure, including multiple tests in one day."
— Justdial
What Kind of Peer Group?
Age Range
3 to 18 years (Montessori to Class XII).
Family Backgrounds
Mostly middle to upper-middle-class families from Lucknow who value academic achievement.
Socio-economic Profile
Urban families who can afford private-school fees and extracurricular activities.
Child Profiles
Academically inclined children who thrive in structured, competitive environments. Children who prefer a slower, play-based approach may find the pace challenging.
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