Our History
Six decades of nurturing young minds in Chennai
How It All Began
Anita Methodist School was founded in 1964 on the BKN Campus in Vepery, Chennai. The school owes its existence to the generous support of many, including:
- Rev. Gilbert Stillwagon of the Mansfield District who organised the "Bricks for Anita" campaign to raise money from his District Churches
- Thoburn United Methodist Church, St. Clairsville, Ohio
- East Shore United Methodist Church, Euclid, Ohio
Even with generous donations, Anita Methodist School trusted God as our children used to sing,"Our God is so great, so strong and so mighty, there is nothing our God cannot do" to raise whatever funds were necessary to complete the construction of the buildings required for the rapid expansion of the school.
Key Milestones
Anita Methodist School founded on the BKN Campus in Vepery
Bishop Eric Mitchell's leadership period
School library opened; children could check books out and take them home
Expanded to Class VI and became a Matriculation School
Bul-Buls and Cub Scout Troop became active
Mrs R Michael became Principal
Dr Sujatha Ross became Principal
Dr Joan Elango became Principal
Campus received a major facelift
Basketball court unveiled; RO water plants installed
Mrs Lily Priya William became Principal
Growth & Development
Our school library was opened in 1980, and children of the primary classes were permitted to check books out and take them home. The Cub Scout Troop of Sunbury United Methodist Church in Sunbury, Ohio, sent us 30 boxes of almost new books.
From its early days, Anita Methodist maintained a roster of well-qualified staff. Several of them have stayed for a decade or more. Some of the early veterans were Mrs Victoria Rabinder,Mrs Leela Chandy, and Mrs Ebby Manickam.
Not satisfied with just academic excellence, Anita Methodist had a series of exceptional music teachers who formed a school choir that has performed on AIR. Miss Linda Samuel from Scotland, Mrs Kathy Spagnoli from the USA, and Mr Victor Philip also shaped the musical talents of students.
In June 1986, in response to parents' request, we expanded the school to Class VI and Anita Methodist soon became a High School, gaining recognition from the Tamil Nadu state Government as a Matriculation School.
Our Principals
Mrs Lily Priya William
2024 - Present
A long-serving teacher of the school who took over as Principal in 2024.
Dr Joan Elango
2011 - 2024
Steered the school through modern developments - special programmes for children with learning difficulties, digital learning methods, and successfully conquered the pandemic lockdowns with a robust learn-from-home virtual programme.
Dr Sujatha Ross
2001 - 2011
During her tenure, the school expanded in size and reputation, becoming a mainstay in the heart of Chennai city.
Mrs R Michael
1989 - 2001
Oversaw the growth of the school into a full-fledged Matriculation High School. During this time, the school expanded to include Classes XI and XII, becoming Anita Methodist Matriculation Higher Secondary School.
Ms Virginia Baldwin
Till 1989
Foundational principal who shaped the early years of the school with the philosophy: 'Child training is merely knowing which end of your child to pat... and when.'
Our Enduring Aim
Our aim at Anita Methodist School has always been to not just get 100% results but to present to the country young men and women of high moral character, academically well trained, who are ready to serve their country with integrity.
A majority of the content in this write-up is from Ms Virginia Baldwin's report in the BKN Centenary Magazine, published in 1986; we are greatly indebted to her for her foundational leadership, insight, and the document that helps us retain our history.