Founded by French nuns in 1852, Visakhapatnam’s Fort Catholic Girls’ School turns 175

The city around it has changed dramatically, but the story of Fort Catholic Girls’ School in Visakhapatnam has unfolded across the decades. Even before the city had its steel plant or naval base, the school witnessed generations of students pass through its classrooms. Today, as the school celebrates its 175th anniversary, its history offers a glimpse into how education for girls in Visakhapatnam has evolved.

“Celebrating 175 years is not something to be taken lightly,” says Sr. Fathima Mary, principal of the school. “It is a significant milestone.” She shares that the jubilee year runs from March 1, 2026, to March 1, 2027, and that the celebrations were formally opened on August 5, as the early months fell in the summer holidays and the examination season. The closing ceremony is planned for January 2027, she adds.