St. Joseph's School at North Point, Darjeeling, is one of the most prestigious and highly ranked boys' boarding schools in India. Established in 1888 by Jesuit missionaries, the school has built a legacy of academic excellence, international diversity, and character formation that stretches across more than 135 years. Today, it consistently ranks among the top schools in India and holds the distinction of being ranked No. 1 in West Bengal and No. 1 in Darjeeling.
Founding and Early History
St. Joseph's School was established in 1888 to meet the requirement of a quality school for boys in Darjeeling. Several earlier efforts had been made by the Jesuits, but the establishment became possible when jurisdiction over the Catholic community in Darjeeling was transferred from the Bishop of Patna to the Archbishop of Calcutta. Fr. Henry Depelchin — also the founder of colleges in Calcutta and Bombay, and a pioneer of the Zambezi mission — was handed responsibility for the new institution.
On 13 February 1888, the school formally began in a long, low building locally known as Sunnybank, starting with just 25 students: 18 boarders and 7 day scholars.
Building North Point
As the student body grew, the need for more ample grounds became clear. The permanent site chosen was the spur of Birch Hill called North Point. Brother Eugene Rotsaert was entrusted with the enormous challenge of building the new structure — a task that required the removal of approximately 2,000,000 cubic feet of rock and soil, employing 2,000 people for the purpose.
