About Us – The NEST School | IB & Cambridge School in Chennai

Building The NEST Generation

Explore how we are creating
new archtypes in education

Adopting Renowned International Curricula

Backed by a 75-Year Legacy in Education

Heartfelt Education in the Centre of the City

A Legacy of Passionate Educators

IB World School

The NEST School is now an IB World School offering the IB PYP!

*Only schools authorised by the International Baccalaureate can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme or the IB Career-related Certificate (IBCC).

IB World Schools share a common philosophy—a commitment to improve the teaching and learning of a diverse and inclusive community of students by delivering challenging, high quality programmes of international education that share a powerful vision**.

**Mission Statement from the IB. The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organisation works with schools, governments and international organisations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

Education isn’t just about knowledge transfer – it is about evoking a sense of inquiry and equipping learners with tools to find those answers – no matter how old they are, no matter where they go.

Education, like life, must be ever-evolving – taking cues from the world around it. At The NEST School, we are dedicated to nurturing a generation of leaders, scientists and artists. But more importantly, a generation of ‘self-actualised learners’ who are grounded in values, driven by creativity and problem-solving and led by a collaborative mentality.

A new archetype of children who are prepared for every future uncertainty and will redefine the paradigms of society and the world.

Our Identity

The NEST School is committed to supporting the dreams and goals of everyone in its ecosystem. We believe true education, true growth happens when there is openness and acceptance – of the dreams of every learner, parent, facilitators and staff in The NEST School.

By nurturing children to discover multiple perspectives and possibilities, we help them discover what they truly care about. Even our logo is a testament to this – a heart that brings together the spirit of collaboration and the pursuit of every individual's true passion.

#GenNEST

Building a new paradigm in learning starts with building a community of individuals who are working towards the same goal: nurturing Gen NEST. We believe the Guardians of Gen NEST – parents, facilitators and the rest of our staff – are indispensable to achieving this.

Vision

Nurturing young learners through the development of a global and creative mindset to power the transformation of their and our world

Mission

Children shape our world as much as we shape their world. As educators, we believe that transforming their learning experience is the key to unlocking a better, more empowered world.

Relevant to Real World & Individual Passions
Supported by Application & Experience
Activity & Collaboration Driven
Organic & Holistic
Anchored to Create Social Impact

Our Values and Culture

Collaborative & Vibrant

An environment where ideas are welcomed with open minds and hearts is a vibrant one. This is achieved by creating a hierarchy-free culture that fosters collaboration and an unwavering faith in our team.

Children Centric

When the focus moves from the ‘what’ to ‘who’, the shift in how education is designed, delivered and experienced transforms. Individual passions and talents trump archaic templates.

Curiosity & Creation

Learning becomes organic when the pursuit of curiosity is encouraged and facilitated. When facilitators nurture learners to construct their learning, creativity is but a natural consequence.

The NEST as a Family

By erasing formalities and archaic borders, we cultivate genuine relationships that are based on trust, mutual respect and an intrinsic affection that is palpable among everyone.

Positive Social Action

Socially-conscious and environmentally-responsible in the way we teach, function and live. We believe we are agents of positive change in our community and world.

The NEST School Pillars

Diversity & Differences – Without Hierarchy

We encourage diversity among our faculty and community by:

Cherishing and respecting differences
Not propagating hierarchy
Appreciating and looking for different perspectives

Self Management

If we manage each other, we manage the world – if everyone is at peace, the world is at peace
Manage our Body / Mind / Emotions & Life
Understand that we are responsible for our life and not the external environment

Working Together

Understand & accommodate differences in people
Understand that no human is an island
In collaboration or group work, the whole is greater than the sum of parts
Collaborate — don’t compete

Identify Individual Strengths and Talents

In uncertain environments fear holds us back; we need confidence to overcome it
Knowing our strengths lets us walk full stride despite external conditions

Community & Societal Consciousness

Strong sense of attachment to the society
Contributing to a sustainable living

Collecting data and analysing information

When faced with a new task – understand the process of collecting data, converting it into information and analysing it to arrive at a conclusion.

Real World Applications of 'What We Learn'

How what we learn is applied in 'Real World Context'

What We Learn

We "retain what we look for and acquire" as against being "taught"

Meet The Core Team

Deepa Umamaheswaran

Founder

With an MS/MPhil in Computer Science, Deepa's tryst with education began 18 years ago in collaboration with Meenakshi Group of Colleges. While analysing what makes education enjoyable for learners and facilitators, she believes that school should be a home away from home - a haven where emotionally strong individuals are nurtured to have an unquenchable curiosity for the world.

The NEST School Difference: The NEST School aspires to be a school that cherishes curiosity, allows children to make mistakes without fear, and create globally responsible citizens.

Sreekanth Narasimhan

Founder

With over two decades of experience across manufacturing and higher education, Sreekanth comes from a legacy of educators. While believing that education is the vehicle into a future that can't be predicted, he aspires to nurture open-minded, tolerant, independently-thinking problem solvers through The NEST School.

The NEST School Difference:Collaboration over competition - both amongst facilitators and learners. This is the key real-world skill that learners need today.

Mr. Richard Hillebrand

Director

A British educator with over three decades of experience in international education across the UK, India, Africa, and the Middle East, Richard brings a wealth of global expertise to The NEST School. With deep knowledge of IB and Cambridge curricula, he is committed to nurturing a culture of excellence, innovation, and future-ready learning. His leadership is rooted in the belief that education must inspire curiosity, character, and confidence in every learner.

The NEST School Difference: Global experience shaping local excellence — creating a learning environment that is inclusive, forward-thinking, and built for tomorrow’s world.

Shanmugam Paramasivan

Head of School

Shanmugam is a calm, reflective, and student-centric leader with over 25 years of experience across India’s top IB and Cambridge schools. With a strong foundation in Mathematics and Education Leadership, he brings a thoughtful, solution-driven approach to school leadership. His focus on empowerment, academic excellence, and building positive relationships drives a safe, high-performing learning culture.

The NEST School Difference: Nurture individual strengths, foster respectful collaboration, and create a culture of excellence grounded in empathy, purpose, and vision.

Praseeda Pradeep

Head of Academics

Praseeda brings a positive outlook to everything she does and values collaboration as the key to growth. A lover of books and a disciplined practitioner of Indian classical dance, she believes learning is a lifelong journey. With over two decades of experience, she has taught Mathematics across Indian boards, Cambridge AS/A levels and the IBDP. Her leadership roles in India and abroad reflect her strengths in mentoring, curriculum design, and academic excellence.

The NEST School Difference: A leader leads by example—with trust, adaptability, mentorship, and a commitment to building meaningful learning communities.

Shyamala Rupavahini J S

IGCSE Coordinator

Shyamala is an experienced educator with a strong foundation in Science, Philosophy, and Education. She has taught across ICSE, IGCSE, IB MYP, and Higher Secondary curricula, and has held roles including teacher, mentor, facilitator, and Vice-Principal. Her approach is rooted in empathy, clarity, and a deep belief in the potential of every learner. She is passionate about reflective, purpose-driven education that fosters critical thinking and real-world connection.

The NEST School Difference:Nurture not just knowledge, but empathy, purpose, and the courage to ask meaningful questions.

Bhagyashree Ganesh

Cambridge Lower Secondary Coordinator

Bhagyashree is a calm, mindful educator who embraces growth and challenge with clarity and care. With experience across Cambridge Primary, Lower Secondary, and IGCSE, she brings academic strength and a learner-centered approach. As a certified Speaking Exams Officer and mentor, she supports holistic development through inclusive and personalised learning.

The NEST School Difference: Respectful collaboration and creating safe, empowering spaces where every learner can thrive.

Priyanga P R

Primary Years Programme (PYP) Coordinator

Priyanga approaches her work with optimism, purpose, and a relentless drive to make a difference. A fast learner and clear communicator, she thrives in dynamic environments where adaptability and clarity matter. With a background in engineering and a strong foundation in transdisciplinary teaching, she brings analytical thinking and deep dedication to her role. Her journey from UPSC aspirant to PYP educator reflects her commitment to purpose, resilience, and nation-building through education.

The NEST School Difference: Consistent, child-centric progress—where purpose, collaboration, and responsibility shape empowered learners and educators.

M. Latha Maheswari

EYP Coordinator

Latha is an empathetic and reflective early years educator dedicated to nurturing young minds with warmth and purpose. She creates responsive, inclusive learning spaces where children feel seen, heard, and encouraged to explore with confidence. With over a decade of experience, she blends structured routines with creativity to support holistic development. Her academic background spans Education, Montessori training, and Computer Science, allowing her to integrate technology meaningfully into early learning.

The NEST School Difference: Building safe, joyful classrooms where exploration and imagination lead children toward confident, compassionate learning.