St. Augustine's School
Parent InsightsP.o. Kalimpong Kalimpong West Bengal - 734 301 India
If you’re considering a traditional boarding school with a strong academic reputation and a disciplined environment, St. Augustine’s School, Kalimpong is one of the oldest and most respected names in the region. This summary brings together key facts, parent feedback, and practical details to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your child.
- ✦Established in 1945, one of the oldest ICSE schools in the region
- ✦Notable alumni include Adrian Pradhan, Bipul Chettri, and Sonam Sherpa
- ✦Consistent record of ICSE/ISC toppers from the district
Summary for Parents
Overview
- •St. Augustine’s School, Kalimpong is a long-established ICSE boarding school known for its academic excellence, discipline, and structured environment.
- •It’s best suited for children who thrive in a traditional, well-supervised setting and are comfortable with boarding life.
What kind of child will this school work for best
- •Children who are self-disciplined and academically motivated
- •Those who adapt well to structured routines and boarding life
- •Students aiming for strong ICSE/ISC results
Strengths
- •Excellent academic record and experienced teaching staff
- •Well-maintained hostel and sports facilities
- •Strong alumni network and legacy
- •Safe and disciplined environment
Potential trade-offs / Things to check
- •Strict rules and limited flexibility in hostel life
- •Refund and withdrawal policies can be rigid
- •Communication with administration may require follow-up
- •Co-ed status not clearly defined
Recommendations / Questions to Ask
- •Confirm the current student–teacher ratio and total student strength
- •Ask for recent board exam performance data
- •Clarify hostel supervision, medical care, and parent communication policies
- •Review the latest fee structure and refund terms carefully
How to decide
- •Different schools work for different families. To understand if St. Augustine’s School, Kalimpong is the right school for your child see How to Select a School.
School Information
Board / Curriculum
ICSE
Grades offered
Nursery - 12
Medium
English
Type
Boys
Student–Teacher Ratio
Not stated; 41 teachers listed on Schools.org.in
Boarding
Yes
Pincode
734301
Leadership & Staff
- • Principal: Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Victor George Fernandes
- • Vice Principal: Fr. George Lepcha
- • Bursar: Fr. Derek D’Souza
Fees & Admissions
| Class / Category | Fee (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Admission | ₹5,000 | One-time |
| Security Fees | ₹2,000 | Refundable |
| Development Fees | ₹3,000 (Local) / ₹5,000 (Outstation) | Annual |
| Annual Fees | ₹11,000 – ₹15,500 | Varies by class and stream |
| Tuition Fees | ₹3,400 – ₹4,500 | Monthly |
| Hostel Fees | ₹1,20,000 – ₹1,30,000 | Annual (Food & Lodge) |
| Personal Expenses | ₹25,000 | Approximate annual cost |
Admission Process for Interested Parents
Admission Process
- 1.Application Forms: Available from June for LKG/UKG; admission tests held in October
- 2.Documents Required: Application form, birth certificate, transfer certificate, conduct certificate, fitness certificate, ID proof, photographs, and hostel data sheet (for boarders)
- 3.Class XI Admissions: Based on aptitude test and minimum percentage criteria for Science, Commerce, and Arts streams
- 4.Contact: principal@saskalimpong.com or +91 3552 357 851
What Parents Say
Aggregated from parent reviews across platforms. Ask these questions during your school visit.
Academics
Positives
Parents consistently praise the school's strong ICSE and ISC results. Teachers are described as dedicated and experienced.
Watch out for
Some parents feel the academic pressure can be intense, especially for boarders.
Ask: How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
Discipline & Environment
Positives
The school is known for its structured and disciplined environment, which many parents appreciate for building character.
Watch out for
A few parents find the rules too strict, especially regarding hostel life and mobile use.
Ask: What is the school's approach to balancing discipline with emotional well-being?
Boarding Facilities
Positives
Hostel facilities are clean, safe, and well-managed, with good food and medical care.
Watch out for
Some parents mention limited flexibility in leave and refund policies.
Ask: How are emergencies handled for boarders, and how often can parents visit?
Administration & Communication
Positives
The management is experienced and the principal is approachable.
Watch out for
A few parents report delays in administrative communication and fee clarifications.
Ask: What are the best channels for parents to communicate with the school?
Campus & Facilities
Reviews from Other Platforms
Aggregated from public sources for reference. These are not verified by SchoolCompass.
What parents liked
"Huge institution with proper facilities like a huge playground and other things."
—
"Good teachers, disciplined environment, excellent board results (ICSE/ISC toppers)."
—
"Hostel facilities are well managed; good food and medical attention."
—
Concerns raised
"Strict discipline and rigid withdrawal/refund policy; security deposit issues if withdrawn early."
—
"Some parents find communication from accounts/office slow or bureaucratic."
—
"Report of mobile confiscation and strict restrictions may be too strict for some families."
—
What Kind of Peer Group?
Age Range
From 4 years (LKG) to 18 years (Class XII)
Family Backgrounds
Mix of local Kalimpong families and outstation students from Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh
Socio-economic Profile
Predominantly middle to upper-middle-class families who can afford boarding fees
Child Profiles
Students who are disciplined, academically focused, and comfortable living away from home
Verified Parent Reviews
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