Nagarjuna Academy International School

Nagarjuna Academy International School (NAIS) was established in 1993 (2050 BS) and located in Pulchowk, Lalitpur. Is a well-known name in Nepal’s private education sector and the school has been delivering quality education in Nepal for a long time.

Guided by the motto “Education is light,” the institution aims to support students’ overall development, not just academic learning.

Historical Background 

Nagarjuna Academy was established in 1993 by Dr. Amitabha Ghose. The foundation of the institution was laid earlier, around 1986, as “Nagarjuna Institute,” envisioned as a center for educational research and international studies. Later, to organize school-level and higher secondary education, it developed its identity as “Nagarjuna Academy International School.”

The school is named after the great Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna, who articulated the philosophy of Shunyavada and the Middle Path. This reflects the school’s inclination toward Eastern philosophy and ethical values.

Location and Environment

The school is located at Pulchowk-3, Hariharbhavan, Lalitpur Metropolitan City. Its location is considered highly suitable for education as it is adjacent to the Pulchowk branch of Himalayan Bank and close to the Institute of Engineering (IOE), Pulchowk Campus. Despite being in the center of the city, the school environment inside the premises is calm and supportive of learning.

Academic Programs

Nagarjuna Academy provides education from the pre-primary level (Preschool) to the higher secondary level (Plus Two). The programs can be grouped as follows.

School Level (Playgroup to Class 10/SEE)

The school uses a balanced blend of Montessori and traditional teaching methods to strengthen children’s foundation. Up to Class 10, teaching is conducted in English medium, based on the Government of Nepal curriculum (CDC). The school also arranges special coaching and extra classes to prepare students for the SEE examination.

Secondary Level (+2)

After SEE, the academy runs Grades 11 and 12 in affiliation with the National Examination Board (NEB) through three main streams.

• Science Stream - Provides practical and theoretical learning in subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. This stream is focused on students aiming for medical and engineering fields.

• Management Stream - Includes subjects such as Accountancy, Economics, and Business Studies. This stream is suitable for students planning to pursue banking, Chartered Accountancy (CA), or entrepreneurship.

• Humanities Stream - Covers subjects such as Sociology, Mass Communication, and English Literature.

Note: In the past, the institution also has a history of collaboration with the University of Cambridge (UK) for the ‘O’ Level and ‘A’ Level programs, which helped strengthen its “international” identity.

Infrastructure and Facilities

Nagarjuna Academy has arranged modern infrastructure and student-focused facilities.

• Science Labs - Separate and well-equipped labs for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, enabling students to apply classroom learning in practice.

• Library - A quiet library with textbooks, reference materials, newspapers, and journals.

• Residential/Hostel Facility - Safe and organized hostel facilities for students coming from distant areas. This has also positioned the school as a residential school.

• Transportation - School bus services for various locations within the Kathmandu Valley.

• Cafeteria - An on-campus canteen providing healthy and hygienic snacks for students and staff.

• Sports - Facilities for basketball, table tennis, and badminton to support physical development.

Extra-Curricular Activities (ECA)

With the belief that academic learning alone is not enough for complete student growth, Nagarjuna Academy emphasizes extra-curricular engagement. Student groups such as the “Nagarjuna Junior Red Cross Circle” and the “Eco Club” are active.

Students participate in social service, environmental conservation, public speaking, quiz activities, and cultural programs.

Teaching Methodology and Philosophy

The school’s key philosophy is the integration of modern technology with ancient Eastern values. Alongside building strong English proficiency, students are guided to remain aware of their social and cultural values. Teachers apply a student-centered approach, encouraging learners to ask questions and develop creativity.

Affiliations and Achievements

The school is approved by the Ministry of Education of the Government of Nepal and is affiliated with the National Examination Board (NEB). For higher education, its sister institution, “Nagarjuna College of Information Technology” (NCIT), and other departments run undergraduate programs such as B.Ed., BITM, BCA, and BSc CSIT in affiliation with Tribhuvan University (TU).

Conclusion

Nagarjuna Academy International School is more than a school. It serves as a strong platform for shaping students’ futures. With a calm learning environment in Lalitpur, experienced teachers, and modern facilities, it has remained a preferred choice for many parents and students.