DTEA was registered with the Madrasi Education Association (MEA) in 1919 in Shimla by a group of Tamilians working for the British Government who wanted to teach their children traditional Tamil values.
While the first school was being established in 1923, the small community in Delhi raised funds for the second building by way of small voluntary contributions. Today the DTEA consists of seven senior secondary schools with over 7,000 students and 500 teachers.
1923: On Vijayadasami Day, the first Madrasi Education Association School was established in Simla, with one teacher and one student.
1924: In January, a primary school was opened in New Delhi
1925: The school was recognized by the education authority.
1931: The school was given accommodation in the municipal school buildings on Mandir Marg (then known as Reading Road).
1945: Construction of a new building was started.
1946: The higher secondary department was started.
1949: The first batch of students appeared for the Delhi Higher Secondary Examination.
1950: The Silver Jubilee of the association was celebrated on 5 March.
1951: A new primary school at Lodi Estate was opened.
1953: Another primary school was opened at Karol Bagh.
1955: Construction of a school commenced at the Lodi Estate.
1956: The higher secondary classes from Mandir Marg moved to Lodi Estate.
1958: A middle school at Lakshmibai Nagar (then known as East Vinay Nagar) was opened.
1959: The Mandir Marg School was raised to the status of a higher secondary school.
1962: The Lakshmibai Nagar School was upgraded to higher secondary status.
1963: The Karol Bagh School was upgraded to higher secondary level.
1964: The primary school at R.K.Puram was opened.[1]
1966: The school in Moti Bagh was raised to secondary level.
1968: The primary school at R.K. Puram was upgraded to higher secondary level.
1970: The school in Moti Bagh was raised to higher secondary level.
1972: The name of the association was changed from Madrasi Education Association to Delhi Tamil Education Association (DTEA) and the schools were renamed as DTEA Schools.
The schools are aided minority institutions, owned and managed by the DTEA at Lodi Estate and ar registered under the Societies Registration Act. The schools, though meant primarily for Tamils, also accept other residents of Delhi.
The schools are affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education and are recognized by the Directorate of Education, Government. of N.C.T. of Delhi. Six languages, English, Tamil, Hindi, French, German and Spanish are taught in the seven schools.
