A brief history of Salesians activity until creation of Andisheh School: Iran is a part of the large area from 30 to 40 degree north, in which Salesians Priests, who are Catholic Don Bosco followers, have been actively working since a long time ago.  The first center that they established in Iran was a church in France Street, which was financially supported by the Italian workers who were working for Iran railroad construction and needed a church for their pray activities.

In 1937 the first group of four Salesians entered Tehran after a tough trip with lots of dangers, and took care of the administration of the church, which had been named Consulata.  First they faced problems including food but soon they could settle down properly and start their activities.

In 1940 to 1943, due to occupation of Iran during world war two, their activities were limited.  Since 1944 they established a board school with 32 students and started teaching in English and Farsi.  In the beginning the goal was just setting up a boarding school and during 10 years the number of students reached to 358.  In 1963 the number of student was 1200 and due to high interest in school, the boarding school improved and daily students were also accepted to the school.  With higher number of students the academic system should have been official and the location should have been changed to larger area in a proper location.  Therefore, first the institution moved to Shahreza Street, and then to Kakh Street. 

At that time in 1953 the primary school and in 1954 the high school were officially recognized by The Ministry of Culture in Iran and the name” Andisheh” was chosen for this establishment.  Due to increase in the number of students and limitation of space and services in Kakh Street, Salesians association planned to move the School and their center to newly developed Abbas Abad Hills, northeast of the city of Tehran.  The main street and the tributaries were named Andisheh , during the construction of the new school.  The structural engineer of the new school was Engineer Chiddonio whose son attended the school. 

The main building was finished and inaugurated in 1959.  In addition to funds from Salesian Group, students and parents raised money by selling tickets resembling brick and later trees.  So it was common to hear a student asking another  : “How many bricks did you buy?” 
At that time the new school turned to be one off the largest schools in Iran, Competing with Alborz and Hadaf, with night shift accommodation, standard Football (Soccer), Basketball and Volleyball grounds. The construction of the east wing started later on and was finished around 1966. The new structure consisted of a new laboratory, a large theatre, new dining rooms and kitchen and accommodations for the Fathers and Brothers.   The large chappel in the new building probably saw it’s largest gathering for Fr Byrne’s memorial in 1968.

There were other institutions in other cities, including Noshar entertainment camp, Mazandaran School, and Abadan Salesians center.  In Abadan they served religious activities of foreigner Christian workers.  The plan of Salesians was to improve their activities by creating more schools and Institutions for both boys and girls and charity centers in different cities in Iran.

The programs in Don Bosco School in Tehran were based on complete official program of Ministry of Culture and Education in Iran, plus two hours English course every day.  The regular study time in school started at 8.30 am and ended at 3:30 pm. There were one hour lunch time and two fifteen mintues break time during the day.  Friday and Sunday were holiday.  Other programs, which were not compulsory, conducted after regular time hours, including different courses, sport activities, Scout Association activities, etc.

One of the main reasons of successful education system in the school was applying The Preventive System developed by Don Bosco.  As Salesians of Don Bosco describe; “The Preventive System seeks to prevent the need for punishment by placing the child in an environment in which he/she is encouraged to be the best one can be. It is a congenial, friendly and holistic approach to education.  It creates a climate that ‘draws forth’ (educere) the best in the child, that encourages the child’s complete and fullest self-expression, that assists young people in acquiring habits that will lead them to opt in favour of what is good, healthy, joyful and life-enhancing.”

After completing the education in Don Bosco schools around the world, the Alumni gatherings and communications is very widespread and enthusiastic, remembering the joyful times and friendly relations they had with other students, Salesians Fathers, and other teachers.

After 1965 with encouragements from Fr Byrne a group of graduates came together to create an alumni which would act as a center for collecting data of the old students and facilitate communications between those who had lost contact of their friends, classmates and teachers.  This commeetee met on regular basis and started to compile ideas to excute this idea.  Shortly before Fr Byrne’s passing, the organization was established and officially registered as a non-profit organization under the name The Past Student of Andisheh Society or “Anjomane Danesh Amoozane Pisheene Andisheh”.

Few months before disolvement of the school as Andisheh, the society was successful in obtaining approval from the Salesian Group to take over a large lot across the street from the football field and gradually turn it into an alumni club which would consist of  conference rooms, Gym and recreation facilities, library and administrative offices.  The idea never materialized after the school was taken over .