Chettinad Vidyasharam is a co-educational, independentday school located in Chennai, India. It was founded in 1986 by Kumara Rani of Chettinad, Dr.Meena Muthiah, a prominent Chennai based philanthropist and educationalist. The school is a long cherished dream of Mrs. Muthiah, whose vision was to start an educational institution combining the virtues of art and culture, which will endeavour to raise the integrated child who is not dwarfed by consideration of caste, creed or community. The CBSE affiliated school, located in the upscale neighbourhood of MRC Nagar, is one of the country's largest private day schools in terms of Campus Size and Student Enrollment. Chettinad Vidyasharam has consistently been ranked as one of the best schools in India and among the top ten day schools nationwide by renowned educational agencies. In 2014, the school was ranked as the 'Best School in Chennai' by The Times of India, which commissioned the country’s foremost market research group IMRB International to survey 150 schools in Chennai, and rank them on the basis of five parameters: academic performance, infrastructure, teaching quality, sports facilities, and use of technology.
Annual events
Maithri
Maithri, is a biennial cultural festival hosted by Chettinad Vidyasharam. Touted to be one of South India's largest school cultural fests, with a staggering budget of 15 Lakhs and upwards, the event attracts students from across the state. The fest, consisting of events ranging from Creative Writing to Channel Surfing, is fiercely competed by students, who are evaluated by celebrity judges. P.S.Senior Secondary School, Mylapore are the defending champions of Maithri.
Trishna
Trishna is a biennial science fair organised by Chettinad Vidyasharam. It is a platform for aspiring scientists to put forth their innovative ideas. The science fair attracts young minds from different cities, who throng to witness the creativity and magnificence on display. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was the Chief Guest of the event in 2007.
CVMUN
Chettinad Vidyasharam Model United Nations, is one of the country's largest student run conferences, where over 500 students partake in as diplomats, to understand the intricacies and nuances of International Relations. In 2015, the conference had a footfall of 564 students, making it the largest school MUN in all of South India. The 3-Day Conference is recognised by the United Nations Information Centre for India and Bhutan
In Popular Media and Culture
A few portions of Superstar Rajnikanth's 2016 Blockbuster Film Kabali was shot in the school premises.
K.S.Ravikumar's 2009 Hit Film, Aadhavan, starring actor Surya, was shot in the school's adjoining Chettinad Palace.
The school also features in Director Shankar's 2003 coming-of-age film Boys.
Portions involving Jyothika from the film Kaakha Kaakha, where she played a teacher, were shot in the school.
