St. Lawrence High School, located at 27 Pramathesh Barua Sarani (formerly Ballygunge Circular Road), Kolkata-700019, West Bengal, India, is a prestigious private Catholic institution for boys, founded in 1810. Managed by the Jesuit community, the school has a rich history of providing quality education and holistic development to its students. Over the years, it has evolved from a modest elementary school into a renowned establishment catering to approximately 1,600 students from Class 1 through Class 12, following the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) and Indian School Certificate (ISC) curricula.
History
The origins of St. Lawrence High School trace back to 1810 when it began as an elementary school at the Church of Our Lady of Dolours in Baithakkhana, Sealdah. In 1855, it was known as St. John Chrysostom's School, preparing students for the Lower Primary Examination. By 1902, the institution expanded to include the Upper Primary School, offering instruction in both Bengali and English. In 1913, the medium of instruction shifted entirely to English, and the school began preparing boys for the Junior Cambridge Course. Recognized as a high school by the University of Calcutta in 1920, it sent its first batch of students for the Matriculation Examination in 1922. In January 1937, under the leadership of Fr. Lawrence Rodrigues, S.J., the school was renamed St. Lawrence High School and relocated to its current address, featuring a sprawling campus with eucalyptus trees, a flower garden, and a playground. The institution has consistently aimed to uplift the underprivileged, promote unity in diversity, and implement the Jesuit ideal of forming "persons for and with others."
Academic Programs
St. Lawrence High School offers a comprehensive education from Class 1 to Class 12, adhering to the ICSE and ISC curricula. The school emphasizes a balanced approach, integrating academic excellence with character development. Students are organized into four houses—Loyola (Blue), Xavier (Green), Kalam (Red), and Tagore (Yellow)—which foster a sense of community and healthy competition. The academic environment is enriched with modern teaching methodologies, including the use of smart classrooms equipped with interactive boards and multimedia projectors, facilitating an engaging learning experience.
Achievements
The school has a commendable track record in academics, sports, and extracurricular activities. It has been recognized as one of the best schools in South Kolkata in 2013. The institution has also been actively involved in international student exchange programs, including trips to China and the USA, providing students with global exposure. The school's commitment to holistic development is evident in its diverse extracurricular offerings, including debate, drama, music, and sports.
Infrastructure
St. Lawrence High School boasts a well-maintained, ventilated building with spacious classrooms and activity rooms. The campus includes:
- Library: The Daisaku Ikeda Library, housed in a colonial-style building, is equipped with over 5,000 books and state-of-the-art computers, offering reading pleasure and internet facilities to students, parents, and visitors.
- Computer Labs: The school has three computer labs with the latest operating systems, enabling students to acquire modern networking techniques to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
- Science Laboratories: Well-equipped labs for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology provide students with hands-on experience to enhance their scientific concepts.
- Sports Facilities: The sprawling playground, spanning 4,000 square meters, includes a basketball court and is lined with seasonal flowerbeds, offering ample space for sports and recreational activities.
- Auditorium: A spacious auditorium is available for lectures and performances, equipped with a hi-tech sound system and focus lights to ensure the best visual and audio experience.
- E-Library: An extensive e-library boosts language development by providing listening activities, including stories and focused listening exercises.
- Transportation: The school operates a fleet of buses with well-planned routing, ensuring quick and convenient transport for students.
- Safety Measures: The campus is under 24x7 CCTV surveillance, and child-safe furniture is used in classrooms. Fire extinguishers are installed and maintained, and a detailed exit plan is followed for the convenience and safety of parents and children.
- Medical Room: The school has a tie-up with a hospital to provide immediate medical care to both staff and students in case of an emergency.
- Staffroom: The staffroom has been renovated and relocated from the second floor to the ground floor for better accessibility.
Faculty
The teaching staff comprises dedicated educators committed to providing quality education. The school emphasizes continuous professional development through staff orientation programs, workshops, and seminars on e-learning. The faculty is supported by modern facilities, including Apple Labs for academic research related to the school curriculum and internet facilities.
Admission Process
Admissions are typically open for various classes, with specific criteria and procedures outlined on the school's official website. Prospective students and parents are encouraged to visit the website or contact the school administration for detailed information regarding the admission process, application forms, and deadlines.
Facilities
- Library with over 5,000 books and digital resources
- Three Computer Labs with the latest operating systems
- Science Labs for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
- Spacious playground with a basketball court
- Smart Classrooms with interactive boards and multimedia projectors
- Auditorium with hi-tech sound system and focus lights
- E-Library with listening activities and focused listening exercises
- Transportation covering well-planned bus routes
- Cafeteria serving nutritious meals
- 24x7 CCTV surveillance for safety
- Medical room with tie-up for immediate medical care
- Renovated staffroom relocated to the ground floor
- Apple Labs for academic research related to the school curriculum
- Internet facilities for staff and students
Board: ICSE and ISC
Grades: Class 1 to Class 12
Website: https://www.stlawrencehighschool.edu.in/
Email: [email protected]
Fees: Specific fee details are available on the school's official website.
Established: 1810
Medium: English
Type: Private