The Journey
With over 85 years in the educational journey,..
In the year 1357 AH, corresponding to 1938 CE, the National School (Al-Madrasa Al-Wataniya) was established. It was the first formal private school in the State of Kuwait. The opening ceremony was held on Friday, corresponding to February 7, 1939. The school’s founders invited the late His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to perform the inauguration, which he delegated to Sheikh Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to conduct on his behalf. The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Ali Al-Khalifa Al-Sabah, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Khalifa Al-Sabah, and a number of religious scholars, notables, dignitaries, and merchants.
The ceremony was held at the school’s first building in the Al-Wasat area (near Seif Palace) on Saturday, February 7, 1939, which coincided with (Eid al-Ghadir). This ceremony was the first of its kind in the State of Kuwait, as it featured the delivery of speeches and poetic odes, making it seem like a remarkable intellectual and literary forum. Among the most notable of these speeches and odes were:
- A speech by His Eminence Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri, may God have mercy on him.
- A refined poetic ode by His Eminence, the esteemed scholar Sayyed / Ibrahim Jamal al-Din.
Stages of the school's development throughout its history.
In the year 1373 AH, corresponding to 1952 CE, and within the framework of the targeted development, Al-Hajj / Mohammed Rafie Hussain Marafie and Mr. Hashem Al-Sayed Ahmed Behbehani proposed the idea of constructing a dedicated building for the school instead of the rented one. This sound idea was met with admiration and acceptance by everyone, and it was agreed to implement it.
This charitable giving materialized in the collection of approximately half a million rupees—a considerable sum of money at that time. To immortalize the memory of these benefactors who generously gave their wealth to provide the means of learning for the sons of this nation, we, on this occasion marking more than 85 years since the establishment of this educational institution, record their names with letters of light, with all appreciation and pride. We can only offer them our utmost thanks and gratitude for what they have provided, and we pray for their well-being and a great reward, saying to them: “May God reward you with the finest reward for the good your hands have provided.”
And our noble Messenger, upon him and his pure, good family and his virtuous companions be the purest peace, spoke the truth when he said: “Goodness is in me and in my nation until the Day of Judgment.
And so, the journey of support, charitable giving, and continuous development of this educational institution continues. Al-Hajj Mohammed Rafie Hussain Marafie purchased the property in the Al-Qadisiyah area, with an area of approximately two thousand square meters, from the Ministry of Finance. The value of the property was registered to the account of the Amiri Diwan expenses on April 6, 1961. This took place during the era of the late His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, and was documented by an official letter from His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Amir of the country, who was at that time the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
This letter was delivered to the man of charity and piety, Al-Hajj / Mohammed Rafie Hussain Marafie, who set the finest examples of giving, generosity, his love for good deeds, and working tirelessly day and night so that the benefits would reach the sons of this nation. He pledged to build this structure at his own personal expense, repeating deep within his faithful soul: “O Allah, bless us in our endeavors. O Allah, we seek nothing but Your pleasure.” O Allah, be pleased with him and reward him with the finest reward.
Through this dedicated work and tremendous effort, the building was constructed, and the school moved into it with all its facilities at the beginning of the 1964 / 1965 academic year.*
The building consisted of two floors, with each floor containing six classrooms, each with an area of (36) square meters, in addition to the following facilities:
a. Three science laboratories, each with an area of 60 square meters.
b. Three art rooms for various educational stages.
c. A dedicated health clinic.
d. A mosque.
e. A library.
f. Two computer labs.
In the mid-1970s, when the number of students increased, a third floor and some other facilities were built to serve the educational process. During his lifetime, Al-Hajj / Mohammed Rafie Hussain Marafie endowed the entire building as a permanent charitable gift (Waqf) for the benefit of the school.
The school's current building: Generations that built, and generations that build, for the development of Kuwait.
As for the school’s current building, its construction began in 1988 CE and it was inaugurated on the eighth of March, 1990 CE. It still stands today as an eminent edifice, carrying out its educational duties according to the noble purposes and objectives for which it was established. The school moved into it in the middle of the 1989 / 1990 academic year, specifically at the beginning of the second semester of that year.
This move occurred after the old building in the Al-Qadisiyah area could no longer accommodate the huge number of students. It was therefore decided to build a newer and larger school in the Hawalli area on a plot of four thousand square meters for the intermediate and secondary stages, while the primary stage was to return to the old building in the Al-Qadisiyah area at the start of the 1990 / 1991 academic year, following its renovation and preparation to make it suitable for primary-level education.
Indeed, the renovation process began immediately, starting from the first of February, 1990, and it was agreed that it would be completed and handed over by the first of August, 1990.
The New Girls' School
Following a journey filled with success and continuous development from one generation to the next, and staying true to the covenant made with the founding generations to persist in developing the school, The National School for Girls was established. Its mission is to educate and graduate a promising generation of girls to develop and serve their nation, Kuwait.
A new building, adjacent to the current one, was constructed according to the highest modern standards, featuring the latest educational technologies and advanced facilities. The new building houses classrooms equipped with the latest interactive technological tools that contribute to enhancing the teaching and learning experience, in addition to advanced science laboratories that help students explore science and technology through practical and innovative methods.
Spacious areas for sports and artistic activities have also been provided, including multi-purpose gymnasiums and outdoor fields that allow students to freely and excellently practice physical and artistic activities. The cultural and educational aspect was not overlooked, as a comprehensive library was established, containing a diverse collection of books and resources that promote reading, research, and critical thinking.
The National School for Girls aims to build a generation capable of facing future challenges and excelling in all fields, with a focus on developing leadership skills, a spirit of innovation, and social responsibility among its students. This new educational edifice is not merely an expansion in space and facilities; it is the embodiment of the school’s vision to keep pace with the times and achieve the community’s aspirations for a distinguished education that contributes to building a promising future for Kuwait.
Thanks to this development, The National School for Girls continues to fulfill its educational mission, providing an inspiring educational environment that supports academic excellence and the personal growth of the student, and always striving to be a model to be emulated in the field of education.
Build lifelong friendships with students who share your interests, passions, and perspectives
University
Building Hours
Access to academic buildings is by reservation only. The four buildings below will be open Monday - Friday and closed on the weekends from September 15th through December 25th.
Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.,
Saturday to Sunday, closed
Map &
Directions
904 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10065
212-772-4000
Bus:
The M98, M101, M102, and M103 busses go south on Lexington Avenue and north on 3rd Avenue.
Subway:
The 6 train stops directly under the College at the 68th Street station. Alternatively, you can take the F train to the East 63rd Street and Lexington Avenue stop. After exiting the station, walk north on Lexington Avenue to East 68th Street.