The school is one of the oldest in the Nilgiris and was established in 1858 by Thomas Stanes. Located at an altitude of 1850 metres above sea level in the centre of the charming town of Coonoor, Coonoor is easily reachable by both road and rail. The closest airport to the town is at Coimbatore, which is 80 kilometres distant. The pleasant year-round climate and sylvan surroundings make it the perfect place to develop young minds.
The Stanes High School Council is in charge of running the coed school with residential facilities.