The school offers a unique experience combining boarding experience, state-of-the-art facilities, and globally recognised IB curriculum, which essentially provides a modern and interdisciplinary approach to education
The school was established in 2012 with a mission to enable students to reach their individual potential in mind, body and spirit while building responsible global citizens. Photos: Courtesy
“> 
The school was established in 2012 with a mission to enable students to reach their individual potential in mind, body and spirit while building responsible global citizens. Photos: Courtesy
Tucked away in the quiet landscapes of Mawna, Gazipur, Pledge Harbor International School (PHIS) offers something rare in Bangladesh — an international boarding school experience with an emphasis on holistic education.
As the country’s first International Baccalaureate (IB) accredited residential school, PHIS is reshaping what it means to be a student in a fast-changing world.
The school was established in 2012 with a mission to challenge and enable students to reach their individual potential in mind, body and spirit while building responsible global citizens.
“At PHIS, we believe in a holistic approach to education that integrates academic excellence with personal growth, character building, and social responsibility,” said Kaniz F Zareen, head of the school.
According to her, the aim of PHIS is to cultivate well-balanced individuals who are prepared to thrive in an ever-changing global society.
Photo: Courtesy
“> 
Photo: Courtesy
A home away from home
Pledge Harbor is a place where students live, learn and grow. Unlike urban institutions that can feel crowded and rigid, PHIS sits in a peaceful setting, allowing students to focus on their studies while enjoying the open space.
“We are more than just an international school — we are a pioneering institution in Bangladesh that blends a world-class IB curriculum with a residential model, a strong sports culture, international exposure, and a close-knit learning community.”
Sujata Chowdhury, head of curriculum, PHIS
The school provides modern amenities, ensuring students have access to top-tier education and extracurricular activities.
Though boarding students live away from home, the school ensures active parental involvement through various ways.
“We arrange parent-teacher meetings to provide regular updates on student progress. In our school events and open days, we invite the parents to be a part of the school community, ensuring their active participation,” said Sujata Chowdhury, the head of curriculum. She is also the Diploma Programme Coordinator and Career Programme Coordinator at PHIS.
“As a result, students always feel a sense of home.”
Photo: Courtesy
“> 
Photo: Courtesy
Education beyond exams
Many schools focus on rote learning, but PHIS takes a different approach. It follows the IB continuum, offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP). These programmes encourage critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving — skills that prepare students for higher education and life beyond school.
“We are more than just an international school — we are a pioneering institution in Bangladesh that blends a world-class IB curriculum with a residential model, a strong sports culture, international exposure, and a close-knit learning community,” said Sujata.
“The school provides students with a peaceful learning environment, away from urban distractions, while still ensuring they receive a world-class education.”
Sujata said that the PYP offers a transdisciplinary, inquiry-based, and student-centered education with responsible action at its core, enabling students to learn between, across, and beyond traditional subject boundaries.
She added that the MYP encourages students aged 11 to 16 to connect their studies to real-world applications, equipping them with practical skills for life.
It fosters active learning and nurtures internationally minded individuals who empathise with others while developing creativity, critical thinking, and reflective skills.
Photo: Courtesy
“> 
Photo: Courtesy
Finally, the Diploma Programme is a rigorous and in-depth programme for students aged 16 to 19, offering them opportunities for admission to renowned universities that recognise and highly regard this qualification, according to Sujata.
For teaching, PHIS employs highly qualified educators, ensuring quality education. “Our teachers are IB-certified with international training, and are specialists in their respective subjects,” she added.
Graduates of PHIS have gained admission to leading universities across the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe, according to Sujata. She mentioned that the school has extensive facilities of university counselling to help students apply to top global universities.
The PHIS experience
Academics are a priority, but life at Pledge Harbor extends beyond the classroom. The school has a strong sports culture, with facilities that rival some of the best institutions. Annual inter-school tournaments bring excitement and healthy competition to campus.
PHIS offers a unique experience combining boarding experience, state-of-the-art facilities, and globally recognised IB curriculum, which essentially provides a modern and interdisciplinary approach to education.
“PHIS offers world-class infrastructure, including a large campus, modern classrooms, sports fields, and a fully equipped library,” said Rajani Roy, the Middle Year Programme Coordinator of the school.
According to Rajani, to develop leadership, teamwork, creativity, and social responsibility, the school offers a wide range of clubs and extracurricular activities.
“We organise football, basketball, swimming, badminton, and cricket competitions on a regular basis,” she said.
“Those who are interested in arts and culture can join drama, music, fine arts, and photography groups as well.”
Though boarding students live away from home, the school ensures active parental involvement through various ways.
“> 
Though boarding students live away from home, the school ensures active parental involvement through various ways.
Besides these, students can engage in the science club, debate club, student council, and various volunteering activities, all of which help foster a strong sense of community and belonging.
“PHIS offers comfortable dormitories with modern amenities, an extensive sports complex, and science and computer labs,” said Vivian Vaskar Das, the head of pastoral care of the school.
The library of the school houses over 9,000 books, digital learning resources and ample study spaces, according to Vivian.
Sujata highlighted the school’s effort to ensure students’ mental health and well-being, so that the students receive proper emotional and psychological support. She added that there are trained school counsellors to help the students in need of counselling.
Students with excellent academic achievements can enjoy up to 100% on tuition fees.
Life as a boarding student
For many, boarding school is a new experience, but PHIS ensures that students feel at home. The daily schedule balances academics, sports, self-study, and personal time. Structured routines help students develop independence and time management skills. Strong teacher-student relationships create a support system where students feel valued and heard.
“The typical day of a boarding student begins early, ensuring that students cultivate habits of responsibility and time management,” said Vivian.
Vivian said that mornings are dedicated to academic preparedness, with structured class hours and breaks to maintain focus. Afternoons provide a mix of learning and physical activity, reinforcing their commitment to a well-rounded education.
“Evenings are structured to maximise self-study and reflection, allowing students to consolidate their learning while also engaging in social and personal development activities,” Vivian added.
The school has a strong sports culture, with facilities that rival some of the best institutions.
“> 
The school has a strong sports culture, with facilities that rival some of the best institutions.
To balance between academics, extracurricular activities, and personal time, PHIS follows the “Whole Child Development” approach, ensuring that students excel not just academically but also in sports, leadership, and personal growth.
The structured daily routine is designed to balance between these three key elements of a holistic school experience, so that the students do not feel overburdened by academics.
To ensure the safety and security of the students, PHIS incorporates some crucial security protocols, including the campus being gated with 24/7 surveillance and controlled access. Vivian told TBS that trained security professionals monitor the campus.
According to him, there is a school clinic with a resident doctor and emergency medical support for the students.
The residential model also allows students to form deep friendships. Living and studying together fosters a sense of camaraderie, preparing them for global environments where teamwork and adaptability are essential.
Though PHIS is based in Bangladesh, it has an international outlook. The faculty includes teachers from various countries, bringing diverse perspectives into the classroom. This exposure prepares students to navigate different cultures, making them confident and adaptable in global settings.
The IB curriculum further supports this vision by promoting multilingual education. While English is the primary medium of instruction, students are encouraged to maintain fluency in their native language and learn additional languages.
link