Once renowned, now showing signs of age. That’s the story of Mt Pleasant High School. Established in 1957 as Mt Pleasant Boys’ High, it shifted gears in 1969. Girls joined and it became simply Mt Pleasant High School. The school is located in the suburb of Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe.
Mt Pleasant High School’s motto is powerful. It states “… a man of understanding walks upright” from Proverbs 15:21. The impala is the school emblem. Former students are known as Old Impalians.
For decades, Mt Pleasant High School has focused on improving education. More recently, the school started a digital learning program for pupils and teachers.
In 2003, Africa Almanac ranked Mt Pleasant School as 58th among Africa’s top 100 high schools. This ranking considered the quality of education and student engagement. Alumni strength and school profile also mattered. Internet and news visibility were factors, too.
Mt Pleasant lies in a leafy suburb. But in 2014, shocking pictures emerged. They highlighted infrastructure collapse. Some say the school mirrored Zimbabwe’s story. A country rich in resources facing challenges. Despite these challenges, Mt Pleasant High School has produced notable people. One example is the late Alice Chavunduka. She worked for ZBC, CNN, and SABC as a journalist.
Mount Pleasant suburb itself has a rich history. Originally a farm, it developed into housing in 1902. Until 1980, it was mainly a white suburb. Today, Mount Pleasant is multiracial. It’s known as one of Harare’s more affluent suburbs.
Mount Pleasant is conveniently located. It sits 8.5 kilometers from Harare’s city center. Its real estate market is attractive. Houses for sale average USD 450000. Rental prices range from USD 600 to USD 3200. Land averages USD 150000.
Mt Pleasant offers many amenities. It is near the University of Zimbabwe. Other schools include Arundel High School and North Park Primary School. Residents enjoy sports clubs. Old Georgians and Mount Pleasant Sports Club are nearby. Shopping is convenient. Bond Street and Pendennis Shopping Centres offer various options. Dining options include Alo Alo Restaurant and Chan Thai Restaurant. Antonio’s Bond Street offers fast food.
Mt Pleasant High School reflects Harare’s blend of history and change. The school continues to educate students. It prepares them for the future.