Scholastica is one of Bangladesh’s leading English-medium schools, recognized for its commitment to excellence in education and a rich history that spans over four decades. Established in 1977 by Mrs. Yasmeen Murshed, Scholastica has built a reputation as a top-tier academic institution, offering education from pre-school to A-Levels. The institution is well-regarded not only for its high academic standards but also for its focus on holistic development, combining a wide array of extracurricular activities with the academic curriculum.
Over the years, Scholastica has fostered a generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators who have gone on to excel both in Bangladesh and abroad. The school’s mission is to cultivate a love of learning in its students while equipping them with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly globalized world.
Admission
Scholastica has a well-defined admission process, which varies slightly depending on the grade level a student is applying for. Admission to Scholastica is highly competitive, given the school's prestigious standing in the educational landscape of Bangladesh.
Pre-School to Primary School Admissions: For pre-school and primary school admissions, prospective students and their parents are required to submit an application form, after which an interactive session with the child may be scheduled. This session allows the school to assess the child's readiness for school. For primary school applicants, there may be a short assessment to determine their foundational skills in subjects like English and Mathematics.
Middle and High School Admissions: For middle school and high school admissions, students need to take a more formal entrance exam. This assessment typically includes English, Mathematics, and General Knowledge to gauge the student's academic aptitude. Following the exam, shortlisted candidates may also undergo an interview, along with their parents, to ensure a good fit between the school’s environment and the family’s educational aspirations.
A-Level Admissions: Scholastica offers a robust A-Level program in affiliation with Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). Admission to the A-Level program is based on a student's O-Level results or equivalent qualifications. Scholastica looks for students who have a strong academic record, particularly in the subjects they wish to pursue at A-Level. An interview may also be part of the admission process for prospective A-Level students.
The school accepts students from diverse backgrounds and ensures that its admission policies are transparent and based on merit.
Facilities
Scholastica is known for its state-of-the-art facilities that contribute to an enriched learning environment. These facilities are designed to support both academic and extracurricular activities, ensuring that students have access to everything they need to succeed.
Classrooms: The classrooms at Scholastica are equipped with modern teaching aids, including interactive whiteboards, projectors, and multimedia systems. This allows for a more engaging and dynamic approach to learning, particularly in subjects like science, mathematics, and languages.
Libraries: Scholastica has well-stocked libraries on each of its campuses, offering a wide range of books, periodicals, and digital resources. The libraries provide a quiet space for students to study and conduct research, and they are continually updated with new materials to stay in line with current academic trends.
Science and Computer Labs: The school boasts advanced science labs for physics, chemistry, and biology, where students can engage in hands-on learning and experiments. Additionally, Scholastica has computer labs equipped with the latest technology to support courses in Information Technology (IT) and Computer Science.
Sports Facilities: Scholastica emphasizes physical education as an integral part of its curriculum. The school provides facilities for various sports, including basketball, cricket, football, and tennis. There are also indoor spaces for activities like table tennis and gymnastics.
Auditorium and Performing Arts Spaces: To nurture creativity, the school has an auditorium and other performing arts spaces where students can engage in drama, music, and dance. Scholastica regularly holds events, including plays, musicals, and talent shows, allowing students to showcase their talents in the arts.
Cafeteria: The school’s cafeteria provides nutritious meals and snacks for students, promoting healthy eating habits. The menu is carefully curated to ensure a balance of nutrition and taste, with hygienic preparation being a top priority.
Transportation: Scholastica offers a bus service that covers many parts of Dhaka city, ensuring safe and reliable transportation for students.
Medical Facilities: Each campus has a fully equipped infirmary with trained nurses to address any medical emergencies that may arise during the school day. The school also conducts regular health check-ups for students.
As one of the top English-medium schools in Bangladesh, Scholastica’s fee structure reflects the high quality of education and facilities it offers. While the fees may seem high compared to other local schools, they are competitive within the realm of international-standard institutions in Dhaka. The fees are divided into several components, including tuition fees, admission fees, annual charges, and other miscellaneous charges such as exam fees and extracurricular activity costs.
Admission Fee: This is a one-time payment made upon admission. It is typically higher for new students and is used to cover administrative and infrastructural expenses.
Tuition Fee: Scholastica charges tuition fees on a monthly or quarterly basis, depending on the agreement. These fees vary by grade level, with higher grades having correspondingly higher fees due to the increasing complexity of the curriculum and resources required.
Miscellaneous Fees: These include costs for things like school uniforms, transportation (if availed), extracurricular activities, field trips, and examination fees. Scholastica also charges fees for lab usage in science courses at higher grade levels.
The school is transparent about its fee structure and provides parents with a detailed breakdown of costs upon admission.
Achievements
Scholastica has an impressive track record of academic and extracurricular achievements. Over the years, its students have consistently performed well in national and international examinations, particularly in the O-Level and A-Level assessments. Many graduates of Scholastica have gone on to study at top universities around the world, including Ivy League institutions in the United States and prestigious universities in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
In addition to academic success, Scholastica’s students regularly participate in national and international competitions, excelling in fields such as debate, mathematics, science, and sports. The school has produced national-level athletes, as well as winners of international debate and science Olympiads.
One of Scholastica’s most notable achievements is its strong alumni network, which includes prominent figures in various industries, from business and politics to the arts and sciences. Many of its graduates have become leaders in their respective fields, contributing to both the development of Bangladesh and the global community.
Scholastica places a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities as a means of fostering well-rounded individuals. The school offers a wide range of clubs and activities, catering to the diverse interests of its students.
Sports Clubs: Students can participate in various sports, including basketball, cricket, football, and swimming. The school has teams that compete at the national level, and physical fitness is considered an essential part of student life.
Debate and Public Speaking: Scholastica has a highly regarded debating team that competes in both national and international debate competitions. The school also encourages public speaking through events like Model United Nations (MUN) conferences, where students develop their diplomatic and negotiation skills.
Performing Arts: Scholastica’s performing arts program includes drama, music, and dance. Students are given the opportunity to participate in annual productions, talent shows, and musical performances.
Community Service: The school encourages students to engage in community service projects as part of their holistic development. Scholastica’s students have been involved in a variety of initiatives, including environmental conservation, poverty alleviation, and education for underprivileged communities.
Science and Math Clubs: For students with a passion for science and mathematics, the school offers specialized clubs that focus on experimentation, research, and participation in Olympiads and other competitions.
Conclusion
Scholastica stands out as one of Bangladesh’s premier educational institutions, offering a world-class education in an environment that promotes both academic excellence and personal growth. With its state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities, Scholastica is a school that prepares its students to succeed in all aspects of life.
The school’s alumni have gone on to achieve great things, both in Bangladesh and abroad, reflecting the strong foundation provided by their time at Scholastica. As it continues to evolve, Scholastica remains committed to its mission of providing high-quality education while fostering a love of learning, critical thinking, and global citizenship in its students.