Bangladesh: Jesuits Open St. Xavier’s International School, Focusing on Individual Care and Holistic Growth

A transformative development is taking shape in Sapahar’s educational landscape with the launch of St. Xavier’s International School, a world-class institution offering premium learning opportunities in this border upazila of Naogaon.

Sapahar is a sub-district located in the Naogaon District of Rajshahi Division in northwestern Bangladesh, near the border with India. The school is set to begin full academic operations in the 2026 academic year.

Founded and operated by the globally renowned Society of Jesus (Jesuits), the school becomes part of an international network of more than 4,000 Jesuit educational institutions across 96 countries, including 45 universities in the United States and 65 university-colleges in India.

The Sapahar campus will offer a fully English Medium education following the Cambridge curriculum, setting it apart from traditional English Version schools. Both textbooks and syllabi will adhere to international academic standards.

Guided by the Jesuit principles of Cura Personalis (personal care for each student) and Magis (holistic growth and pursuit of excellence), the school aims to promote the academic, emotional, social, and spiritual development of its students.

“We aim to form students who excel academically while being morally upright and compassionate,” said Dr. Fr. Milton Costa, S.J., Principal of the school.
He added, “Our teaching approach will be so comprehensive that students will not require extra private tuition or coaching.”

Explaining the vision behind establishing an English-medium institution in northern Bangladesh, Fr. Costa noted that although Sapahar has grown as an educational hub with several Bengali-medium schools, it still lacks a true English-medium institution. This school will enable local and indigenous communities to access quality English education without leaving their hometown.

The institution will initially open with Nursery and KG-1, gradually expanding to offer O Level (SSC equivalent) and A Level (HSC equivalent) programs. Students will also be prepared for future opportunities, including scholarships at top universities in Bangladesh and abroad.

Located on Porsha Road in the Jaipur area of Sapahar, opposite Dr. Md. Shahidul Islam’s clinic, the one-acre campus features modern infrastructure, student-friendly amenities, and well-equipped classrooms.

Admission forms are now available at the school office. Formal admission procedures begin on December 1, 2025, and classes for new students will commence on January 11, 2026. The institution welcomes students of all backgrounds, caste, class, and religion.

Local education advocate Mostak Ahmed shared that the establishment of such an international-standard institution has generated great enthusiasm and hope among parents and the wider community.