When Madge Bettany sets up a school in the Austrian Tyrol, her sister Joey is among the first pupils. From small beginnings, it grows rapidly, enjoying all sorts of exciting adventures and mishaps. The story of Madge and Joey Bettany, two sisters who must find a way to support themselves when their brother Dick is stationed in India, it follows their adventures as Madge sets out to start a girls' school in the Austrian Tyrol, thus providing employment for herself and schooling for Jo. With the assistance of their long-time companion Mlle. La Pâttre, as well as the housekeeper/cook Frau Pfeifen, the Chalet School is soon up and running, attracting a range of students, both local and international.