Families Relocating to Chennai

Families Relocating

Our school is home to families from around the world, many of whom have experienced relocation themselves. From orientation programs to a welcoming parent network, we make sure every family feels connected, and students adjust quickly both academically and socially.

Parent Volunteer Committee

Parent Volunteer Committee Corner

Welcome to our school community! — a place where families, students and staff come together to create an environment that feels warm, inclusive and full of possibility. Whether you’re settling into a new city or simply beginning a new chapter in your child’s education, we are here to help you feel at home every step of the way.

Our Parent Volunteer Committee (PVC) is a friendly, open group of parents who work collaboratively to support school life in meaningful and joyful ways. We believe that when families participate in the school community, it enriches the experience for everyone - students feel more connected, parents build lasting friendships, and the whole school grows stronger.

Throughout the year, the PVC collaborates with the faculty to host a range of initiatives that celebrate our diversity, nurture student wellbeing, and bring our community closer together. From cultural events and sports support to service projects, sustainability efforts, well-being initiatives and parent-led workshops, there are many ways to get involved.

As you settle into school life, we invite you to explore our PVC, meet other families, share your ideas and find the spaces where you feel inspired to participate. Your presence - whether big or small - adds warmth, creativity and strength to our community.

We can’t wait to meet you and look forward to welcoming you into a school family that is kind, inclusive and deeply supportive. If you need guidance, have questions or simply want to connect, we’re right here.

Welcome once again - we’re so glad you’re part of our community!

Welcome to Chennai Guide

Discovering Chennai

New city, new routine! But you will find your way around soon! Our school community has put together this guide to share a little of the Chennai we know, helping families find their way around the city and feel more at home in it. Chennai is often described as a city that welcomes you warmly and makes it surprisingly easy to feel at home.

Neighbourhoods

Where to live & commute tips

Established residential areas, beachside living & tech corridor.

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Eating Out

South Indian classics to global cuisines

From legendary dosas & filter coffee to international dining.

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Shopping & Everyday Essentials

Malls, boutiques & daily groceries

Modern retail, heritage bazaars & easy delivery apps.

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Sport, Play & Family Time

Academies, parks & recreation

Sports clubs, wellness studios & family beach outings.

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Weekend Getaways

Coastal retreats & hill stations

Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry & tranquil coastal resorts.

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Neighbourhoods

Chennai is a large city, and where you choose to live can make a real difference to your family's everyday routine. If you are new to the city, it helps to consider both the school commute and your workplace before deciding where to settle.

Adyar

An established, green residential neighbourhood with easy access to schools, hospitals, shops, restaurants and the beach.

Besant Nagar

Close to Elliot's Beach, with cafés, restaurants and plenty happening around the neighbourhood. A favourite with families who enjoy being outdoors and close to the sea.

Thiruvanmiyur

Well connected to Adyar, ECR and OMR, with a mix of independent homes and apartment communities.

ECR (East Coast Road)

More space, proximity to the coast and several gated communities and apartment developments. Particularly convenient for families whose work and daily routines are centred around South Chennai.

OMR (Old Mahabalipuram Road)

Chennai's IT corridor, with newer residential communities and convenient access to many technology workplaces.

Alwarpet / R.A. Puram / Mylapore

Central, established neighbourhoods with restaurants, shopping, cultural spaces and good access to different parts of the city.

While many families choose to live closer to school, aLphabet also has a school bus service, which families living further away often opt for, making a wider range of neighbourhoods possible.

One Chennai tip from us:distance on a map doesn't always translate into travel time. If you can, do the school and work commute during weekday traffic before deciding where to live.

Practical Tips

Useful to Know

The Monsoon Season

The monsoon, usually around October to December, can bring periods of heavy rain. If you're arriving around this time, don't be surprised by sudden downpours, or by how quickly everyone becomes an expert on which roads to avoid when it rains!

Languages & Communication

English is widely spoken, particularly in schools, workplaces, shops and restaurants, so families relocating from overseas generally find everyday communication manageable. At the same time, learning even a few words of Tamil is always warmly received.

Getting Around

App-based cabs and autos are widely available, and the Chennai Metro can be useful depending on where you live and work. Distance on a map doesn't always translate to travel time, so test your route during weekday rush hours!

From Our School Community

Some of the best recommendations will come from the families who already call Chennai home!

Our aLphabet parent community is a wonderful resource when you're settling in, whether you're looking for a sports coach, a dance class, a children's activity, somewhere to eat, help finding your way around the city or simply another family to ask, “Where do you go for this?”

Settling into a new city isn't only about knowing where things are. It's about finding your people, your places and, slowly, your own version of home.

Welcome to Chennai!