The local community, at their own expense, purchased and repaired a small wooden building. This spirit of self-reliance and community-driven initiative became a hallmark of the Mount Gravatt residents. On Monday, the 29th of June 1874, Mount Gravatt Provisional School opened its doors as the first school in the district, marking the beginning of a long educational legacy.
The original school house was positioned at the foot of Mount Gravatt, beside what later became Logan Road, so that it was accessible to children from the surrounding farms. At the time, being classed as a provisional school meant that the parents were expected to pay school fees to supplement the small wages offered to teachers by the department.
John Beach was the school’s first teacher, and he welcomed 30 students into a modest slab hut with an ironbark roof. The first student enrolled was William Bell. Within a decade, additional buildings were added to the school site, including a teacher’s residence, a kitchen and a buggy shed along with a play shed.
It took nearly 20 years for the Department of Public Instruction to recognise the growing educational needs of the community and in 1894, the school was officially classified as a State School. This marked a significant milestone in its development and commitment to education.
As the suburb of Mount Gravatt grew, so did the school. By 1901, the teacher’s residence was converted into an infant’s school building, and the headmaster, Samuel Jackson, moved into a nearby cottage.
In June 1930, the Department of Public Instruction purchased an additional acre of land around the original site to accommodate the growing number of students. A highset building with three classrooms and an office for the head teacher was constructed. This period marked a significant expansion for the school, reflecting the community’s increasing demand for education.
By the 1950s, Mount Gravatt State School was thriving. Enrolments skyrocketed from 336 in 1951 to 632 in 1953 and an astounding 1,046 in 1955. By 1963, the school was bursting at the seams with 1,275 students. The demand for space led to creative solutions, with areas under the buildings being converted into classrooms to cope with the overcrowding.
As more schools were established in the area over the following decades, enrolments at Mount Gravatt State School began to decline.
During the First World War, like many schools across Australia, Mount Gravatt State School played a role in supporting the war effort from home. Fundraising activities were organised, with students and their families contributing to initiatives such as sending care packages to soldiers and raising money for war bonds.
The war had a profound impact on the local community, with many families sending their sons to fight overseas. Several former students of the school enlisted in the Australian Imperial force, and tragically, not all returned.
The impact of World War II was even more pronounced. The Mount Gravatt area was strategically important during the war, with Mount Gravatt itself being used as a lookout for enemy aircraft. The school remained a pillar of community life during these tumultuous times.
During the Great Depression, Mount Gravatt State School, like much of the country, faced significant challenges. Resources were scarce, and many families in the area struggled to make ends meet. Nevertheless, the school served as a refuge for children, providing not just education but also meals and support for those in need. The community spirit of Mount Gravatt shone brightly during this difficult period, with parents and teachers coming together to ensure that the children’s education continued uninterrupted.
In 2007, Mount Gravatt State School marked another significant milestone, replacing the preschool program with the Prep year, in line with state-wide educational reforms. Fast forward to 2014 and the school saw its last cohort of Year 7 students before that grade was transitioned to high school, reflecting the evolution of the state’s educational system.
The global pandemic in 2020 brought unprecedented challenges to the school, as it did to the entire world. Teachers had to quickly adapt, putting content online while also providing paper copies for families who preferred that format. The resilience, creativity and teamwork for the school staff became evident as they navigated these challenges together. The strength and adaptability of the Mount Gravatt State School community shone through, reinforcing its critical role in the community.
From its humble beginnings in 1874, Mount Gravatt State School has played a pivotal role in the education and development of generations of students. Its history reflects the growth of the community itself-rising from a rural, farm-based area into the thriving suburban environment we see today. The school has not only provided education but has also fostered community spirit, resilience, and pride over its 150 years of existence.
Mount Gravatt State School in its 150th year (2024) has 275 students, supported by a team of dedicated staff, including 12 classroom teachers, 3 specialist teachers, 9 teacher aides and 11 office and support staff. We offer specialised lessons in Japanese, Physical Education and The Arts, which include Music, Drama, Dance and Visual Arts. Additionally, we provide a strings program and have an active school choir, enriching the students’ educational experience.