Pinegrove School, Dharampur
Parent InsightsKasauli Road, Dharampur, District Solan, Himachal Pradesh 173209, India
If you’re considering a full-boarding school in the hills of Himachal Pradesh, Pinegrove School, Dharampur often comes up in conversations among parents.
- ✦Two campuses (Dharampur and Subathu) offering different hill-campus experiences.
- ✦Strong co-curricular record — national-level sports wins, brass band, and Round Square participation.
- ✦Member of IPSC and BSAI, connecting it to a network of reputed boarding schools.
Summary for Parents
Overview
- •Pinegrove School, Dharampur is a long-established CBSE boarding school known for its disciplined environment, strong academics, and active sports culture. It offers a structured, community-based experience in a scenic hill setting.
What kind of child will this school work best for
- •A child who thrives in a structured, disciplined environment.
- •A child who enjoys sports, outdoor life, and teamwork.
- •A child who is emotionally ready for full-time boarding.
Strengths
- •Consistent CBSE results and experienced teaching staff.
- •Excellent sports and extracurricular exposure.
- •Well-maintained boarding and medical facilities.
- •Transparent safety and compliance documentation.
Potential trade-offs / Things to check
- •Strict discipline and limited parental visits may not suit every child.
- •High annual fees; confirm inclusions and exclusions.
- •Limited flexibility for day-schooling options.
- •Some older negative reviews online — verify with current parents.
Recommendations / Questions to Ask
- •Request the latest Schedule of Fees and refund policy.
- •Ask about counselling and emotional support for new boarders.
- •Confirm supervision ratios in hostels.
- •Speak with current parents about their experience with communication and visits.
- •Check how the school handles emergencies and medical care.
School Information
Board / Curriculum
CBSE
Grades offered
Nursery - 12
Medium
English
Type
Co-ed
Students
514 (Dharampur campus, 2024)
Student–Teacher Ratio
Approximately 10:1
Boarding
Day school only
Pincode
173209
Leadership & Staff
- • Principal: Sanjay Chauhan (M.Sc., B.Ed.); 52 teachers (PGT 14, TGT 21, PRT 13); 1 Special Educator; 1 Counsellor/Wellness teacher
Fees & Admissions
| Class / Category | Fee (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | 7,500 | One-time |
| Admission Fee | 50,000 | One-time |
| Caution Money | 25,000 | Refundable |
| Annual Boarding Fee | 5,80,000 – 6,60,000 | Varies by source and year |
| Total New Admission Cost | ~7,42,500 | As per Ezyschooling (2024–25) |
• The school publishes its Schedule of Fees every December. Always request the latest version directly from the school.
• Fee differences across directories likely reflect inclusion/exclusion of uniforms, exam fees, or activity charges.
• Pinegrove is primarily a boarding school; transport costs are not consistently listed online.
Admission Process for Interested Parents
When forms are released
Registration open year-round; formal admissions and orientations usually in February.
Process
Submit admission form with registration fee → attend orientation (Dharampur for Classes II–VI, Subathu for VII–IX & XI) → selection based on availability and suitability.
Eligibility
Age-appropriate and medically fit for boarding life.
Documents required
Birth certificate, residence proof, passport/Aadhaar, photographs, transfer certificate, and progress report.
Important note
The school advises against admitting children who are unwilling to stay in a boarding environment.
What Parents Say
Aggregated from parent reviews across platforms. Ask these questions during your school visit.
Academics
Positives
Parents appreciate the school’s consistent CBSE results and use of smartboards. Teachers are described as attentive and experienced.
Watch out for
Some parents feel the academic environment is rigid and heavily rule-based.
Ask: How does the school balance discipline with flexibility for different learning styles?
Boarding & Pastoral Care
Positives
The boarding setup is well-maintained, with medical facilities and a structured daily routine.
Watch out for
Strict discipline and limited parental visits can be challenging for some children.
Ask: What emotional support systems are in place for new boarders?
Sports & Activities
Positives
The school has a strong sports culture and national-level achievements. Students get exposure to NCC, MUN, and Round Square events.
Watch out for
Some parents mention travel costs and time commitments for competitions.
Ask: How are sports and academics balanced during busy tournament seasons?
Fees & Value
Positives
Facilities and exposure are cited by many parents to justify the cost.
Watch out for
The fee range is high and varies across sources, which can be confusing.
Ask: Can the school provide a detailed written fee breakup and refund policy?
Campus & Facilities
40,754 sq. metres (~10.07 acres)
Reviews from Other Platforms
Aggregated from public sources for reference. These are not verified by SchoolCompass.
What parents liked
"Teachers, management, and other staff are all so kind and dedicated."
— Sulekha Mahto
"Relevant curriculum; extracurricular activities; multiple facilities; smartboards; regular evaluation; personal attention; reasonably priced; clean facilities."
— Rishab Bhardwaj
"Excellent."
— Anuradha Mohan
Concerns raised
"Worst school."
— Anonymous
"Not a good school."
— Anonymous
"Some parents have raised concerns about strict boarding rules and limited visits. The school's own admission form outlines firm disciplinary policies, which may not suit very young or sensitive children."
— Anonymous
What Kind of Peer Group?
Age Range
6–18 years (Classes I–XII)
Family Backgrounds
Mix of families from across India, including defence personnel, government employees, and NRIs.
Socio-economic Profile
Predominantly upper-middle to affluent families, given the boarding fee structure.
Child Profiles
Students who are active, disciplined, and comfortable with structured routines and community living.
Verified Parent Reviews
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