SURKHET, May 20 -- Liladhar Chapai of Gurvakot Municipality had decided that his children would attend private school even before they were born. Despite being a teacher at a community school, he had no faith in the quality of the education provided by community schools. However, this year he admitted his daughter to Jana Secondary School, a community school, in 9th grade.

Dhaneshwor Upadhyay, also of Gurvakot Municipality, admitted his son in 6th grade at the same school. Upadhyay's son and Chapai's daughter both were studying at a renowned private school earlier.

"Community schools are doing great. Things are changing right before our eyes. Some community schools are performing excellently," noted Chapai. "I feel proud to send my daug...