Queen of The Hills
After the 26-hour journey from Jaipur to Mussoorie, I wake to find myself in one of India’s most enchanting hill stations. Known as “The Queen of the Hills,” Mussoorie is beloved for its cool mountain air, sweeping Himalayan views, and elegant colonial charm. But it’s not just a tourist haven — it’s also a thriving centre for education and business, home to one of India’s most famous international schools.
The Morning Drive: Navigating Mussoorie’s Hills
I completely underestimate the time it takes to drive around these winding hillside roads. It’s school drop-off hour, and the town feels alive — a chaotic, charming blend that reminds me of Kathmandu and Darjeeling, though with fewer cows and more pack horses.
Stalls are stacked with woolly jumpers and soft pashminas, the air cool and crisp. Everything feels local but safe, a gentle hum of life where cars edge along at 40 km/h, horns blaring to announce each hairpin turn. The drivers here are true artists, squeezing through impossibly narrow spaces with not a single dent in sight.
Traffic Jam Musings: Life’s Little Oddities
We stop beside the men’s toilets during yet another traffic jam, and my eyes wander. I catch myself staring at a man having a slash, half impressed that he has chosen to do so here rather than on the streets, half impressed by the beautiful tiles in the latrines and the other half wondering why on earth they didn’t finish the job and put a door on …
I glance around in search of a ladies’ version. No luck. Welcome to India!
Arrival at Woodstock School, Mussoorie
We finally reach Woodstock School, Mussoorie’s renowned international boarding school. Our son is the second of our children to have studied here, part of the International Exchange scholarship program for Year 10 students from our Australian School. Two students attend this boarding school for six months in India, and in exchange, we will have an Indian student live with us while they attend our Aussie school.
My arrival is a low-key event. No welcoming committee, no fuss — I’m just one of a steady stream of parents who have clearly survived equally adventurous journeys.
I collect my son’s report card and sit in the sunshine to read it. The English teacher’s comment catches my eye:
“A competent student who has yet to distinguish himself significantly… He will need to exert himself to challenge his existing abilities.”
I laugh out loud. Of all the things my son has done in his sixteen years, nothing has challenged him more than his first twelve weeks at Woodstock. To me, “comfortably average” is a triumph!
The Great Teacher Hunt
Inside the school’s quad, teachers are lined up behind long trestle tables by subject — six maths teachers at one, a cluster of English staff at another. Parents dart from table to table in a kind of academic musical chairs, trying to grab a seat before someone else does.
After two rounds and several near-misses, I finally find a familiar face — an ex-staff member from our Melbourne school. We chat, I regain my confidence, and I head for round two.
When I finally snag a seat with the French teacher, I make up for my interruption with,
“Hi! I’m from Australia — and I come bearing gifts.”
I hand over the entire Year 10 French syllabus from my son’s Australian teacher. He’s gracious, warm, and promises to make sure both Indian and Aussie homework gets done. One teacher down!
Parent-Teacher Highlights (and a Few Laughs)
Next stop: Biology. The young teacher greets me kindly, though mentions a “bit of an attitude” from my son — apparently due to where he sits in class. Shocked, I reply, “Well, move him then, you’re the teacher!” The surrounding teachers chuckle into their chai. I may have offended him, but I quickly followed up with a promise to have stern words at home.
English – I really liked the teacher; I would imagine his classes would be fun. I tell him that as an English teacher, I knew he would have chosen his words on his report card carefully, but that I had been surprised by the comment. The Australian teacher next to him tells him, “Yeah you can’t write that to the Aussie kids’ parents, they will challenge you on it, it only works with the Asians!”
Campus Life and College Dreams
The school campus sprawls across the mountainside — everything’s a hike. The students seem happy and independent, bounding between classes. At a college application session, I learn that only 10% of students stay in India; another 10% return to Korea, and the rest scatter across the world. The poor careers advisor juggles requirements for dozens of different countries. Her advice:
“Try to narrow it down to one or two regions.”
How amazing that these kids truly have the world at their feet.
Lunch Lines and Last Laughs
At lunch, I join the long queue, unsure who the other parents are. There’s no welcome table or friendly face to direct me — I feel like the new kid at school all over again!
When the day finally ends, I meet my son. He’s thinner, his hair longer, but his grin says it all. His first words?
“Mum, the Biology teacher’s going to email you — he said he got me mixed up with someone else!”
Not surprising, really. After four hours of back-to-back parent meetings, I imagine everyone was running on fumes.
Reflections on a Hilltop School Life
As we walk back to our hotel, we pause to admire the view — misty valleys, pine trees, and the peaceful hum of the Himalayas. My heart swells with pride and gratitude. How lucky my son is to be part of this unique place, and how lucky I am to experience it, even for a day.
📍 Location: Woodstock School, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, India
🎓 Highlights: Life at Woodstock School, Hill Station Living, Himalayan Views
If you have enjoyed this, you might also enjoy:
Day Two: The Essence of Rajasthan
Day Six: From Jaipur to Mussoorie
1 comment
I have to apologise…I've always hated parents evening and thought I was hard done by but now I realise it was nothing compared to all this!
Never underestimate a Mother's devotion to duty ;D
I think you should get a gold star!
Enjoy your special time with your son x