History
Founding Years and Educational Vision
Parktown High School for Girls has been a centre of learning excellence since its beginnings in 1923. The school first opened in the iron barracks of the Defence Force in Auckland Park with just 45 learners, led by the formidable Miss Jones and a small team of dedicated teachers. Despite humble surroundings and challenging teaching conditions, they laid the foundation for a school built on resilience, service, and strong values. Miss Jones believed that the purpose of the school was not only to produce successful matriculants, but to nurture capable, independent young women who could adapt to life’s challenges while serving their school and community – a vision that continues to guide us today.
Relocation to Parkview and Growth of a Diverse Community
In 1928, the school moved to its current property in Parkview, Johannesburg, where it has continued to grow and evolve. From the 325 girls who entered the new campus that year to the more than 1000 learners we educate today, Parktown has become a vibrant, diverse community representing the many cultures of South Africa. This diversity enriches the learning environment and reflects the broader society our learners will one day help shape.
A Century of Development, Legacy, and Lasting Sisterhood
Over the past century, the dedication of staff, leadership, parents, and learners has transformed the campus from its modest early facilities into the beautiful grounds and classrooms we know today. Each generation has contributed to the school’s development, creating a strong legacy and a sense of pride shared by all who pass through its gates. Parktown’s sisterhood remains a defining feature of the school, connecting past, present, and future learners in a supportive community that endures long after matric.