Est. 1961 · Basavanagudi, Bengaluru
School of the Golden Compass
A school rooted in tradition, reborn with purpose. Where children grow in wisdom, skill, character, and joy — ready for any world they step into.
Our Story
Founded by Ms. Sophia Tenbroek & Mrs. Elizabeth Tenbroek — a legacy of 60+ years, now beautifully revived.
In 1961, two remarkable women — Ms. Sophia Tenbroek and Mrs. Elizabeth Tenbroek — did something bold: they opened South Bengaluru's very first co-educational school at a time when such a vision was rare and revolutionary.
They named it The East-West School — a place where the wisdom of the East and the rigour of the West would come together. They chose the Golden Compass as their emblem: a symbol of precision, direction, discovery, and the courage to chart one's own way.
Long before "skills-based learning" became a global conversation, The East-West was already teaching children to use their hands, trust their instincts, and love the world around them — through carpentry, needlework, art, nature study, and one of Bengaluru's finest English language programmes.
"We did not just teach children subjects. We taught them to navigate life — with skill, with kindness, and with a vision for the good of all."— The Spirit of Mrs. Elizabeth Tenbroek & Ms. Sophia Tenbroek
The Four Pillars
Joy is not a reward — it is the condition for all great learning. Every child at East-West belongs, is seen, is celebrated, and arrives each morning genuinely wanting to be here.
Academic depth, physical vitality, emotional intelligence and real-world competency are one ecosystem — every dimension of a growing human being nurtured with equal intention.
The East-West name was always a bridge. We honour the depth of Indian culture alongside the precision of a world-class curriculum. Character is woven into the fabric of every day.
We teach children to adapt, to problem-solve, to lead with compassion, and to thrive — whether in a boardroom, a forest, a community, or a crisis. The Golden Compass way.
What We Teach
Rooted in 60 years of East-West tradition and aligned to the highest global standards — our curriculum is experiential, holistic, and designed for the young learner of today.
Our Approach
Every lesson begins with a genuine question. Curiosity is treated as the most valuable resource in any classroom.
Children build, sew, plant, cook, draw, and measure. The hands teach what the mind alone cannot hold.
Academic standards are high and globally benchmarked — but rigour is never cold; it is always paired with encouragement.
Children are taught to look inward — to journal, to question assumptions, and to understand that growth is a lifelong practice.
Every child is called to serve — their classroom, their community, their city. Leadership is practised daily.
Each child is measured against their own best self, with joy and pride in the distance traversed.
A Day at East-West
A purposeful sport and movement session wakes the body and focuses the mind, flowing into Morning Assembly and a Values Forum.
80 minutes of deep, focused learning. English, Mathematics, Sciences, and Humanities taught through an experiential, globally benchmarked lens.
A thoughtfully designed pause — children tend to their inner world, relationships, environment, and physical wellbeing.
A second block of academic immersion. Children return with renewed energy — going deeper, making connections across subjects.
Lunch is a ritual, not a routine. Children eat together, share conversation, and practise the everyday graces of community life.
Performing arts, visual art, robotics, music, publishing & creative expression — children discover what they are truly capable of.
Our Campus Life
Every corner of The East-West School tells a story of curiosity, creativity, and community.
Spacious, nurturing spaces designed to inspire learning at every turn.
Bright, thoughtfully arranged rooms where curiosity leads every lesson.
Creativity flows freely — from fine art to carpentry to textile work.
Every child is a player — sport is a daily practice, not an afterthought.
Gardens, open classrooms, and green corners — nature is a co-teacher.
Music, drama, and expression celebrated with the whole school community.
Photo gallery coming soon — we are building something beautiful.
Our Community
The spirit of The East-West School lives in every family it has touched across six decades.
"East-West didn't just teach my daughter to read — it taught her to love learning. She arrives every morning with genuine excitement."
Parent, Grade 3
"The balance of academics, sport, and life skills is unlike anything I've seen at other schools. My son is flourishing."
Parent, Grade 5
"I attended East-West in the 1980s. Seeing it revived with such care and vision moves me deeply. This is the school Bengaluru needs."
Alumni, Class of 1987
"The Golden Compass always draws a purposeful circle of learning — enabling children to know who they are, what they can do, and how to build a better world."— The East-West School · Revived with Love · Bengaluru, 2024
Enrol Your Child
Applications are now open for our revived campus. Come walk with us and feel the spirit that Ms. Sophia Tenbroek and Mrs. Elizabeth Tenbroek first planted here in 1961.
We welcome families who share our belief that childhood is a sacred time — one that deserves to be full of wonder, rigour, and joy in equal measure.
Contact Us
The East-West School has been shaping young minds since 1961.
If you believe your child deserves an education rooted in values, skills, and joy — we'd love to hear from you. Share your details and we'll be in touch soon.
Get in Touch
Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Office: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM