The rich heritage of La Martiniere is not measured merely with the passage of time. La Martiniere has evolved, in its journey since 1836 striving always to fulfill the vision of her Founder, Major General Claude Martin, to provide holistic education to the youth, enabling them to be responsible and worthy citizens of India.
At the heart of this vision lies compassion and the spirit to give. From its inception, La Martiniere has provided education to the Foundationers whose needs, including their stay in the hostel, are provided for by a trust fund created for this purpose. One such student, Sir Paul Chater, who received his education under the provisions of this trust fund, became the Founder of modern Hong Kong. Having imbibed the true Martinian spirit, he became a generous benefactor of the schools helping La Martiniere to consolidate and validate its philosophy.
The hostel at La Martiniere continues to provide a second home for many children including the Foundationers. Here they are nurtured and groomed to help them reach their best potential. La Martiniere is affiliated to the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations, New Delhi, which conducts the ICSE and ISC Examinations in Class X and XII. Spread over acres in the heart of Kolkata, La Martiniere for Girls offers all the amenities for 21 st Century learning such as libraries, laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Home Science, Art, Music and Computer Science. State-of-the art Audio Visual theatre, teaching aids for effective learning, large playground, basketball court, swimming pool and spacious auditoriums enrich the learning experience. Smart classrooms enabled with LED screens make it possible for technology to be integrated into the pedagogical principles leading to an engaging teaching learning experience for teachers and students alike.
As far back as the late 18th century, the Founder, Major General Calude Martin has shown his concern and care for those who were marginalized in society. He had created a fund which provided for the rehabilitation of convicts, to enable them come back into mainstream society. In keeping with this vision, La Martiniere provides scope of service to society through club activities. Students work closely with institutions such as Manovikas Kendra, The Little Sisters of the Poor, Shishu Bhavan, Ment-aid, to name a few. Students of La Martiniere work untiringly, in tandem with organizations to enhance environmental awareness, to preserve the rich resources of Nature and promote sustainable development.
La Martiniere funds and administers a training unit named SEOMP (Self Employment Oriented Multi- Purpose Project). This unit gives vocational training to adults who have been unable to continue with and complete their education. They train in crafts and technical work and so gain employment with larger organizations or become entrepreneurs themselves.
The contribution of the school to society has been recognized by people of stature and importance in their own fields. The Late Dr. B.C.Roy, the renowned Chief Minister of West Bengal; the Late Shri. Jyoti Basu, legendary politician and erstwhile Chief Minister have both graced the school with their presence. The 150 th years' celebration of the school was presided over by the then President of India, Shri Giani Zail Singh. As the Founder came from France, and having a French connection, the then President of France, President Mitterand visited the school on his visit to the country.
On the 7 th May 2012, the School was honoured by the visit of Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton, the then secretary of the State- USA. This was indeed a memorable day for the school.
NASA Astronaut William A. Oefelein, Commander USA, visited the school in November, 2013. He was the team leader who piloted the Space Shuttle that took Sunita Williams into space. He inspired the students with accounts of his space travel for humanity and peace.
The Dean of Westminster Abbey, UK visited the school on 25 th January, 2016 and Nobel Laureate Dr. Amartya Sen, the renowned Economist on 10 th July, 2017. These visits enriched the lives of the students. La Martiniere has developed links with schools and universities globally. It has truly blended global education with strong local roots. The students learn to think internationally, while upholding their own rich cultural heritage. Exchange programmes are organized to enrich the curriculum with tech-enabled learning.
At the closing ceremony of the 175 th year celebration, the Dept. of Posts, India issued a commemorative a stamp to acknowledge the contribution of La Martiniere Schools, Kolkata in the field of education. The School is ranked as one of the best Girls’ Schools in the city of Kolkata and the nation and recipient of Telegraph School Awards for Excellence.
As the school marches towards its bicentennial celebration, it stands as a proud testament to its rich legacy, unwavering commitment to excellence and the countless lives it has shaped over the years.