While many around the world are just gearing up for a new school year, we’re already celebrating a big academic milestone here in Nepal. 🥳

We are very proud to share these smiling graduate faces above, as well as their big news: 96% of our Grade 10 students at Kopila Valley School passed the national level SEE (Secondary Education Examination)—with an impressive average GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0! This exam is essential for students to move on to higher education or vocational training. For context, the national pass rate in Nepal rose this year to 61%, but our students far surpassed that.

We took a close look at what helped our students succeed—and found these key strategies we have used and are excited to carry forward this school year:

💻 Access to laptops so students could study and research outside classroom hours

📚 Test prep materials aligned with the official curriculum, including practice booklets

👩‍🏫 Small group tutorials instead of whole-class lectures in the six weeks leading up to the exam

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Smaller class size (just 19 students!) allowing more focused attention

🌱 Teacher mentorship that built both academic skills and student confidence

💪 Team-building activities that encouraged persistence and resilience

🤝  Frequent guardian meetings, to collaborate with caregivers and discuss the role of a supportive home environment in student success.

Having the right tools makes all the difference – these results are only possible because of consistent, caring supporters like you. Your monthly giving helps ensure Kopila students receive the education, support, and resources they need to thrive.

Thank you for standing with these young people and believing in what’s possible.

With deep gratitude,
Rajen Karki
Principal, Kopila Valley School

PS. Our Futures Team is doing great work to prepare students for higher education and independent living, and it was just featured in International School Leader Magazine. Learn more at https://iscresearch.com/isl-schools-as-launchpads/.