Ranjana Pradhan is the Principal of Nightingale International School and has devoted nearly three decades of her professional life to the institution. Beginning her journey as a teacher and rising through experience, commitment, and teamwork to become Principal, she has remained deeply rooted in her love for teaching. In this conversation with College Readers, she reflects on her personal journey in education, the evolving role of school leadership, the challenges facing schools in Nepal, and the importance of balancing academics, values, culture, and technology. Her message is clear: education must not only produce capable students, but responsible, grounded, and culturally aware human beings.

College Readers: How does Nightingale International School ensure quality in classroom teaching and learning?

Ranjana Pradhan:
Quality education is our central focus. We may not claim to have the most extravagant infrastructure, but inside the classroom we give deep attention to what truly matters. We teach through multiple methods, and every classroom is equipped with a smart board. We have also introduced robotics and AI-related learning, which are highly relevant in today’s world.

At the same time, we believe learning should be engaging and holistic. For younger students, from junior nursery to Grade Three, we have a program called Play Nepal. We also offer activities such as cooking, stitching, dance, and music, along with a variety of extra-curricular opportunities that help students grow in confidence and creativity.

Still, academics remain our strongest focus. I would say that 80 percent of our attention is on study and 20 percent on extra-curricular development. Out of eight periods in a school day, we usually dedicate six to academics and two to extra-curricular activities. Children also need space to move, express, and discover themselves. If school gives only books and nothing more, children can feel suffocated. So balance is essential.

College Readers: What do parents expect from schools today, and how is Nightingale responding to those expectations?

Ranjana Pradhan:
Parents place enormous hope and trust in schools. Most parents today have only one or two children, so naturally their dreams for those children are very big. They want their child to become successful, confident, and respected in society. As a Principal, I too carry that hope. I want Nightingale students to become capable and meaningful contributors to the world.

To help fulfill that expectation, the first thing we focus on is values. We give children sanskar—values, discipline, and cultural grounding. Even if a child is not exceptionally strong in academics, if the child has values, that child can still be guided well in life. But without values, what is the use of simply standing first?

We teach children that they are Nepali, that they belong to this country, this society, and this culture. We teach them how to respect elders, how to behave at home and in the neighborhood, and how to carry themselves responsibly as citizens. In today’s world, children are heavily influenced by mobile phones and foreign content. They naturally compare themselves with what they see outside. Some comparison is necessary because we live in the twenty-first century, but we do not want children to become so absorbed in outside influence that they lose their own identity.

That is why cultural programs are very important to us. Since our school is located in a Newar community and students come from many different backgrounds, we organize activities that reflect shared cultural values and allow all children to feel connected to their roots. I believe this is one reason the school has grown stronger and why parents remain happy with us.

College Readers: Technology has brought both opportunity and concern. Many people say that digitalization is reducing children’s reading habits and academic focus. How do you balance technology with traditional learning?

Ranjana Pradhan:
We try to work from both sides. We cannot reject technology, because the whole world is moving with it. It has many positive aspects. Children are learning things at an early age that were once unimaginable. Even students in lower grades now explore apps and digital tools with confidence. So it would be unrealistic to deny that reality.

At the same time, we remain strongly committed to books and serious study. I am proud of my teachers. They are highly capable, dedicated, and deeply committed to their subjects. When they take responsibility for a child’s learning, they work with seriousness and care. That is why I remain very satisfied with the academic quality of our school.

We use technology as support, not as a replacement for education. In the end, we still give the highest importance to books, discipline, and intellectual development. Most of our students come from middle-class families, and we want to prepare them for many kinds of futures. Not every child will become a business owner or industrialist. Some will become doctors, engineers, professors, police officers, army officers, or civil servants. We prepare them for all these possibilities. Our aim is that whatever path they choose, they should do well.

College Readers: When parents entrust their children to Nightingale, they do so with dreams and expectations. As Principal, how far do you feel the school has succeeded in fulfilling those dreams?

Ranjana Pradhan:
As far as my own heart tells me, I feel I have given one hundred percent. One of the things that gives me the greatest confidence is that we do not have to advertise heavily for admissions. Parents themselves recommend Nightingale to others. If one parent brings one child, the next year that same parent may bring several more through relatives, neighbors, and friends.

That is why I say very honestly that the credit for Nightingale’s growth goes greatly to parents. Their trust, their goodwill, and their recommendations have brought the school to where it is today. I feel deeply grateful to them.

College Readers: Finally, what message would you like to share with parents on behalf of Nightingale International School?

Ranjana Pradhan:
First of all, I want to thank all parents sincerely. When they entrust their children to us, they also give us a place within their family. That trust means a great deal to me. I am truly grateful.

At the same time, I want to say that shaping a child cannot be done by the school alone. I need the cooperation of parents, the commitment of my team, and the willingness of the child as well. Only when all sides work together can we help a child become a role model.

So my message to parents is this: thank you for your trust, and please continue walking with us. It is my sincere wish to fulfill your dreams for your children, and I will keep trying with all my heart.