St. Gregory's High School and College, located at 82 Municipal Office Street, Luxmibazar, Sutrapur, Dhaka-1100, Bangladesh, is a prestigious educational institution with a rich history spanning over a century. Established in 1882 by Father Gregory De Groote, a Belgian Benedictine priest, the school has been a cornerstone of education in Dhaka, offering both high school and college-level programs. The institution is managed by the Congregation of Holy Cross and operates under the Dhaka Archdiocese.
History
The origins of St. Gregory's High School and College trace back to 1882 when Father Gregory De Groote founded the school. Initially, the institution faced challenges, including temporary closures, but it was revitalized in 1889 under the leadership of Father Francis Boers, CSC. Over the years, the school expanded its curriculum and facilities, becoming a prominent educational establishment in the region. In 1912, the school transitioned to an all-boys institution, and in 1947, it introduced a Bengali-medium section to cater to the local population. The English-version section was established in 2008, allowing the school to serve a diverse student body. The school celebrated its 140th anniversary in December 2022, marking a significant milestone in its long-standing legacy.
Academic Programs
St. Gregory's High School and College offers a comprehensive curriculum divided into two main sections:
- Bengali-Medium Section: This section provides education from Class 1 to Class 12, following the national curriculum set by the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Dhaka. The subjects offered include Bengali, English, Information and Communication Technology, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Higher Mathematics, History, Social Work, Logic, and Economics.
- English-Version Section: Catering to a global audience, this section offers education from Nursery to Class 10, with plans to extend to higher grades. The curriculum is designed to meet international standards, emphasizing English proficiency and global awareness.
Achievements
St. Gregory's High School and College has a commendable track record of academic excellence. In 2015, under the leadership of Brother Prodip Placid Gomes CSC, the school achieved a 100% pass rate in the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations, with 211 students appearing for the exams. The institution has also been recognized for its contributions to co-curricular activities, including the establishment of the first scout troop in Dhaka in 1914 and the introduction of basketball in 1923, believed to be the first time the sport was played in the country.
Infrastructure
The school's campus is situated in the Luxmibazar neighborhood of Old Dhaka, encompassing approximately 5,581.89 square meters, with an additional 1,524.89 square meters allocated for sports facilities. The urban campus includes three institutional buildings and a sports field. The facilities are designed to support a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities, providing students with a conducive environment for learning and personal development.
Faculty
The institution boasts a dedicated team of educators committed to fostering academic excellence and personal growth among students. The faculty comprises 125 teachers and 10 office staff members, all working collaboratively to maintain the school's high educational standards. The current principal, Brother Placid Peter Rebeiro, CSC, and vice principal, Brother Leonard Chandan Rozario, CSC, play pivotal roles in the school's administration and academic leadership.
Admission Process
Admission to St. Gregory's High School and College is a structured process designed to select students who align with the institution's values and academic standards. For the Bengali-Medium Section, prospective students must have a minimum GPA of 4.78 in the SSC examination for the Science Division, 3.50 for the Business Education Division, and 2.50 for the Humanities Division. The admission process includes filling out an application form, paying a non-refundable fee of 425 BDT, and submitting recent photographs. For the English-Version Section, the admission process is outlined on the school's official website, with specific details provided for each grade level.
Facilities
The school offers a range of facilities to support the holistic development of its students:
- Library: A well-stocked library with a vast collection of books to cater to the diverse interests and academic needs of students.
- Computer Lab: Equipped with modern computers and internet access, facilitating digital literacy and research.
- Sports Ground: A spacious field supporting various sports activities, including cricket, football, basketball, and handball.
- Science Laboratories: Well-equipped labs for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, providing hands-on learning experiences.
- Smart Classrooms: Modern classrooms equipped with multimedia tools to enhance interactive learning.
Board
The Bengali-Medium Section follows the curriculum set by the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Dhaka, while the English-Version Section adheres to international educational standards.
Grades
The Bengali-Medium Section offers education from Class 1 to Class 12, and the English-Version Section provides education from Nursery to Class 10, with plans to extend to higher grades.
Website
For more detailed information, including admission procedures and updates, visit the school's official website: https://sghscdhaka.edu.bd
For inquiries, contact the school via email at [email protected]
Fees
Specific fee structures are available on the school's official website. Prospective students and parents are encouraged to consult the website for the most current information.
Established
1882
Medium
The Bengali-Medium Section conducts classes in Bengali, while the English-Version Section conducts classes in English.
Type
Private
Recent Developments
In November 2024, St. Gregory's High School and College faced significant challenges due to an attack and vandalism on its premises. The incident led to the indefinite closure of the institution and the postponement of the admission lottery for the 2025 academic year. The authorities have initiated restoration work, and the school aims to resume normal activities once the situation is favorable. The incident has been widely reported in local media, including The Daily Star and The Business Standard.
Notable Alumni
The institution has a distinguished list of alumni who have excelled in various fields:
- Amartya Sen: Nobel laureate in Economics (1998)
- Tajuddin Ahmad: First Prime Minister of Bangladesh
- Kamal Hossain: Former Minister of Foreign Affairs
- A. Q. M. Badruddoza Chowdhury: Former President of Bangladesh
- Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury: Former Foreign Affairs Advisor
- Osman Faruk: Former Minister of Education
- A. K. Faezul Huq: Politician, lawyer, and freelance journalist
- Syed Najmuddin Hashim: Diplomat
- Faqueer Shahabuddin: First Attorney General of Bangladesh
- Mizanur Rahman Shelley: Former Minister of Information and Broadcasting
These individuals exemplify the school's commitment to nurturing leaders who contribute significantly to society.
In conclusion, St. Gregory's High School and College stands as a beacon of educational excellence in Bangladesh, with a legacy of over a century. Its commitment to academic rigor, holistic development, and community service continues to shape the future of its students, preparing them to excel in a globalized world.