Third India campus will grow to serve over 1,800 students

Last modified on June 30, 2025

Christel House India has taken a bold step forward in its mission to break the cycle of poverty by signing an agreement to launch a new school in Pune, Maharashtra. Slated to open in April 2026, the Pune campus will eventually serve over 1,800 students from underserved communities, beginning with 180 students in kindergarten through Grade 2. Like all Christel House schools, it will employ an in-depth, whole-child approach that integrates rigorous academic learning with nutrition and healthcare, life skills, social support, and college and career guidance—all at no cost to families.

The new school draws its inspiration from the legacy of Savitribai Phule and her husband Jyotirao Phule—visionaries who pioneered inclusive education and women’s empowerment in India in the late 19th century. It will be housed in a new facility on a 13-acre campus, generously provided rent-free by the district government, Pune Zilla Parishad, and FIAT Industries India. Designed by Pensive Architecture and supported through FIAT’s CSR initiative, the campus will include 24 modern classrooms, science and computer labs, and activity areas.

This powerful public-private partnership between Christel House India and Pune ZP comes at a time of rapid growth in Pune, which is known as India’s education hub. With strong governmental and corporate support, the school is poised to meet the pressing need for English-medium schools in the region. “This is a landmark partnership where multiple stakeholders have united to turn a vision into reality,” said Jaison C Mathew, CEO of Christel House India. “The real work starts now.” Christel House International President and CEO David Harris underscored the global significance of the expansion: “This partnership is an exciting milestone in our global journey to bring Christel House’s proven, high-impact model to more children than ever before. With Pune Zilla Parishad’s leadership and Christel House India’s proven track record, the Christel House India/Jyoti Savitri International School will be a catalyst for generational change—equipping students with the tools they need to lead dignified, empowered lives.”