It was inspired by the education system started by Rabindranath Tagore as well as the more progressive features of the national movement.

It was also influenced by the Bratachari movement of Gurusaday Dutt,[4] The school was founded by the Patha Bhavan Society under the presidency of Satyajit Ray.

Jyotirindra Moitra, an exponent of Rabindrasangeet, wrote the school's song, Amader Patha Bhavan.

In later years, the management of the school was in the hands of the economist, Santosh Bhattacharyya, and Barun De,[5] both of whom were its general secretary.

The logo of the school representing a "flame" is designed by Satyajit Ray, the world-renowned film maker who was also a commercial artist.

The Sahitya Sabhas are annual meets where the students of the school participate in the writing, reading and recitation of Bengali short stories and poems.

Satyajit Ray allowed the holding of the premier of his film Joy Baba Phelunath (The Elephant God) in the school.

The school remains a private institution, relying on the fees paid by the guardians of the students for its financial management.

The High School and the humanities wing of the Higher Secondary branch are located at 103, A and C, Bondel Road, Kolkata, although the main gate of the school opens on Ballygunge Place (now Amiya Bose Sarani), while the science wing of the Higher Secondary branch is now located at 8/2, Gariahat Road (formerly Merlin Park), Kolkata.

Work for the construction of a new and more modern building, meant to accommodate all the branches of the school, has started at Merlin Park.