Prakash Secondary School rises as an academic beacon in Myagdi

By Thakur Prasad Acharya 

Beni, May 25: Prakash Secondary School, located in the heart of Beni, Myagdi, is emerging as a model for academic excellence, effective management, and innovative teaching. With a strong focus on dual-medium education (English and Nepali) from Grades 4 to 10, the school has swiftly become a preferred choice for parents seeking quality education within the public education system.

At a time when several community schools in and around Beni struggle with discouraging academic outcomes, evident in recent results from the municipal-level Grade 8 examinations, Prakash Secondary School is carving out a new narrative. Its success demonstrates how dedication, community involvement and visionary leadership can transform public education.

Over the past three years, the school has steadily improved in academic performance, infrastructure and student engagement. These advances have led to a notable increase in student enrollment, including transfers from private institutions. Currently, over 1,000 students are enrolled, guided by more than 39 skilled and experienced staff members.

According to Assistant Head Teacher Binay Shrestha, modern facilities such as digital classrooms, computer and science laboratories, and a well-stocked library have reinvigorated the learning environment. “The school’s rising achievements are a result of the collective effort of teachers, staff, parents and the management committee,” he said. “Every year, a significant number of students leave private schools to join us.”

Head Teacher Lekh Bahadur Hamal emphasised the school’s broader vision: “We aim to become a smart school, delivering quality and practical education that prepares students for real-world competition. Our goal is not just academic success, but holistic development.”

The school offers a complete academic programme from early childhood education up to Grade 12, including streams in Science, Humanities, Management and Education. A permanent scholarship fund, supported by donors, ensures access to education for gifted, underprivileged, disabled, orphaned and students from remote areas.

Recent academic milestones include outstanding results in the Secondary Education Examination. In 2021, Prakash Secondary School ranked second district-wide and first among girls in the community school category. In 2022, a student achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA and ranked first in Nepal. In 2023, the school once again secured the district’s top position among community schools.

The school has also excelled in extracurricular activities, including sports, cultural programmes, debates and science exhibitions, further boosting its reputation. Four well-equipped school buildings house 40 classrooms, along with dedicated science labs, a STEM lab, a computer lab, and an assembly hall. The school also generates income through eight commercial rental spaces, contributing to financial sustainability.

According to School Management Committee Chairperson Harikrishna Shrestha, support from the community, combined with an efficient administration and a renewed focus on English-medium instruction, has revived the school’s past glory. “We are committed to transforming this school into a model institution in the district,” he said.

Chair of the Parent-Teacher Association, Lilaram Gautam, echoed this sentiment. “Prakash Secondary School has changed parental mindsets—proving that government schools, if well-managed, can outperform private institutions.”

Despite its achievements, the school faces challenges in infrastructure expansion to accommodate growing enrollments. Still, the leadership remains optimistic, driven by a shared commitment to further improve academic quality and community trust.