Khaldunia High School
# Khaldunia High School

Khaldunia High School (KHS) is a private fee-paying academic institution located in Islamabad, Pakistan. Khaldunia provides preschool education, primary education, secondary education and preparation for the General Certificate of Education(GCE) O Level examinations. It is known to be one of the best schools in Islamabad, especially from early 2000's till mid 2010's due to their focus on quality of education and choosing impressive teachers which formed a high caliber team.

## History

Khaldunia High School was founded by Hajra Ahmed and Farukh Pracha. Classes commenced in January 1997 beginning with Grades 6 through 9. In September, GCE Ordinary level was launched. In September 1999, primary and elementary classes were introduced followed by preschool classes termed Reception in 2002. The Advisory Committee included Pervez Hoodbhoy, M. A K. Chaudhry, Ibn Abdur Rehman and Vaqar Zaqaria. The word Khaldunia is inspired from Ibn Khaldun, the naming being a brainchild of Eqbal Ahmad. In February 2012, the plan to construct a purpose built campus was approved by the Capital Development Authority (CDA). The land was brought by the school from the CDA on a relatively low cost.

## Events and Facilities

The lone campus is located in Plot # 2, St 94, G-11/3 in Islamabad, Pakistan. The school hosts convocations, Annual Sports Days, Arts and Crafts Fairs, and Field Trips. Two science laboratories, a computer laboratory and a library are present in the campus. Students can become members of a number of clubs and societies, as well as an elected student council. Twice weekly assemblies are conducted by different classes regularly in the morning before classes begin. Guest lecturers are invited to speak to students, among with include notable speakers such as Eqbal Ahmad, Pervez Hoodbhoy, Zia Mian, Abdul Hameed Nayyar, Tariq Rahman, and Zafar Abbas.

## Criticism

Khaldunia High School is classified as a high-cost private school. In December 2018, the Supreme Court of Pakistan passed an order that forced such schools to reduce any fees in excess of than Rs. 5,000 by 20 per cent. The order was passed on the insistence of protesting parents who stated that private schools were charging 'extortionary' fees, and subjecting them to arbitrary increases. Khaldunia has also been criticised for the decline of their educational standards since their inception. Critics have noted flaws such as visible favouritism among teachers and deteriorating facilities.

