The Principal

Karuna Senthilnathan serves as the Principal and Centre Head of The Blue Mountains School, Ooty, With a career spanning over three decades in education, leadership, and the arts, she brings a deep commitment to nurturing young minds, fostering creativity, and shaping a dynamic learning environment.

Having started her journey in education by founding and running a preschool for 12 years, she joined The Blue Mountains School in 2008, gradually taking on key roles in teaching, curriculum development, and school administration. Over the years, she played a pivotal role in the establishment of First Step, the school’s first-ever preschool, and later led the Junior School before taking on the role of Acting Principal in June 2023.

Her expertise spans Science, Mathematics, Social Sciences, English, Hindi, Theatre, and Music, with a strong emphasis on interactive, project-based learning. She has also contributed to education through published works in Social Studies, editorial roles for the school magazine The Blue Print, and extensive experience in organizing cultural and literary events.

A believer in progressive education and lifelong learning, she is trained in Montessori methodology, Cambridge curriculum delivery, and educational leadership. She has attended national and international workshops on teaching methodologies, peace education, and professional development for primary and middle school educators.

Beyond academics, her leadership extends into community service through Teach for India, NGO initiatives, and long-standing affiliations with Inner Wheel International, where she has held leadership and training roles at the district and national levels.

Her philosophy – “Belief in Yourself Develops Potential to Help Others”—shapes the vision of The Blue Mountains School as a place where students are encouraged to explore, express, excel and dare to be free.