Niels Steensens Gymnasium

Niels Steensens Gymnasium (NSG) is a private school with middle and secondary divisions founded in 1950 and named after the Danish pioneering scientist and Catholic bishop Niels Steensen (1638-86) who was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1988. Students are admitted from the 6th grade (approximately at the age of 12). NSG is part of a worldwide network of Jesuit schools with more than 2 million students from universities, high schools, and primary schools in more than 69 countries. NSG promotes a high professional standard where the students use their abilities in the best way possible and obtain a solid basis for their further education. NSG aims at helping to shape the students so they can use their abilities for the benefits of society as they move on through life. NSG has a strong tradition of focusing on the individual students and their particular needs – whether it means giving attention to students who need extra help developing their skills, or challenging those who have special talents and gifts. NSG places great importance on providing the students with a solid background in natural sciences, and a significant part of the program is based on experiments and practical exercises. In addition, the natural science classes, like many other classes at NSG, involve out-of-school activities, such as excursions to the Polytechnical University, Copenhagen University, and research corporations. NSG encourages students to reflect on who they are and on the values that form the basis for their life. All students attend a two-day break every year at a retreat centre in Northern Zealand. Here the students have peace and quiet to focus and reflect on subjects that are relevant for their age and educational level. The retreats also serve to improve the team spirits of the classes. The larger world in which we live is an important part of the NSG profile, and the school aims at providing the students with an international perspective with respect and understanding of other cultures and religions. The students take part in study tours abroad and are invited to visit some of NSG’s partner schools in Germany and France.