In 1998, Oriental Academy—a co-educational institution—began its journey at Japhou Bazaar, opposite the FCI godown, on a rented plot generously provided by the late S. Khumlo of Hnatham village. The school initially offered classes from LKG to Class V.

Under the leadership of the late H.B. Ruwngdon and Ms. Mahaila Ningshen as the first Headmaster and Headmistress, the school started with around 40 students and steadily grew. In 1999, Ms. Mahaila Ningshen married Mr. Arun Khumlo, and together they devoted themselves to the development of the institution. They worked tirelessly to improve infrastructure, manage administrative responsibilities, and expand educational opportunities across different communities.

After continuous efforts to secure official recognition, the school achieved a major milestone in 2000, when it was recognized as a Private Junior High School by the Director of Education (S), Government of Manipur. By 2007, the institution had acquired its own land in Riverlane village. In 2008, a permanent (kuccha) school building was constructed. In 2011, the school was upgraded to a High School and received formal recognition from the Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BOSEM) vide order No.G/54(vol-iv) 18th March 2011. Further development continued in 2016 with the construction of a new permanent (pucca) building.