Atkinson Senior Secondary School, located in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, is a distinguished educational institution with a rich history and commitment to holistic development. Established in 1899 by the Sisters of St. Ann—Mother Angela, Sr. Hyacinth, and Sr.
St. Charles—the school began as a modest primary school with just 16 pupils. Their dedication led to rapid growth, and within a year, the student strength increased to 56. By 1900, the school underwent its first inspection, marking the beginning of its journey toward excellence.
Over the decades, Atkinson School expanded its facilities, including the inauguration of a boarding section for outstation students and the construction of new classrooms. Within four years, it was elevated to a Middle School and later to a Secondary School, offering co-education and preparing students for the Madras Board Anglo-Indian High School Examination. The school's growth continued steadily, with the staff increasing to 15 members and the student strength reaching 500 after 50 years.
After 75 years, the student strength grew to 800. In the last 45 years, the school experienced a significant surge in progress, with the student strength soaring to 4,331 and 127 staff members catering to their needs. Sr. Stella D’Souza took over the school in 1982, acquiring land and constructing six massive buildings.
These new constructions included a spacious library, modern laboratories with sophisticated apparatus, computer labs, an audio-visual hall, and numerous classrooms, leading to the campus's expansion. This period marked the nomenclature 'Atkinson Higher Secondary School.' The school's mission is to educate girls to be God-loving, good, and useful citizens. Emphasizing all-round development, the institution integrates curricular studies with co-curricular activities, focusing on discipline and character formation.
Moral instruction is imparted to all pupils, ensuring a strong ethical foundation. The school is permanently recognized and managed by the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Ann of Providence. As a Catholic institution, it primarily serves the Catholic community but remains open to others as space permits.
The institution aims at educating girls to be God-loving, good, and useful citizens. Realizing that education is an all-round development of the pupil, the institution constantly endeavors to direct to this end, all curricular studies and co-curricular activities with special emphasis on discipline and formation of character. Moral instruction, which is essential for character formation, is imparted to all the pupils.
The school is affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), offering a comprehensive curriculum from Nursery to Class XII. The medium of instruction is English, and the school follows the State Board curriculum. The admission process requires parents to introduce their child in person to the Principal. Registration forms must be filled and submitted with necessary documents, including a birth certificate, Aadhaar card, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
For higher classes, candidates are tested and admitted to the class for which they are found fit. The school charges term fees, with payments due before specific dates: Term I fees before 15th July, Term II fees before 1st November, and Term III fees before 1st March. Fees are collected from Monday to Saturday between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
only. A fine is levied after the due date. Students may not be allowed to sit for the examination unless their fees have been paid in full at the time of examination. The school's infrastructure includes a spacious library, modern laboratories with sophisticated apparatus, computer labs, an audio-visual hall, and numerous classrooms.
The campus has expanded over the years to accommodate the growing student population. The faculty comprises experienced and dedicated teachers committed to the holistic development of students. The school emphasizes discipline, character formation, and moral instruction, ensuring a strong ethical foundation for all pupils. The school's contact details are as follows: Address: Convent Street, One Town, NTR District, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh – 520001 Phone: 0866 – 2565790 Email: [email protected]