Founded in 1917 Nan Hua High School stands proudly before us. It began as Nan Wah Girls’ School a testament to the vision of Xiong Shangfu. He sought to educate girls a privilege few enjoyed then. Imagine a time when fewer than 100 Chinese girls filled its classrooms. These classrooms were in rented shop-houses on Coleman Street.
The school’s growth was phenomenal. It moved to Bencoolen Street in 1921. Financial hardship struck in 1924. The community rallied. Their generous donations saved the school. It reopened its doors stronger than before. By 1928 a Basic Teacher Training Programme began. More students meant more space was needed.
A new building on Adis Road was completed in 1931. This became the main school. It hosted teacher training and primary classes. The Bencoolen Street building remained a branch school. Then came World War II. The Japanese invasion forced Nan Hwa’s closure. The Adis Road campus became an army headquarters.
After the war in October 1945 the school reopened. The School Management Committee worked tirelessly. They raised funds. They enrolled students. Secondary classes began. Enrollment soared to 700 pupils.
In 1956 it became Nan Hwa Girls’ High School. It became one of Singapore’s leading girls’ schools. The branch school became Nan Hwa Girls’ Primary School. Nan Hua High School’s curriculum was restructured.
The 1980s marked another transformation. In 1982 the school relocated to Clementi Avenue 1. In 1984 it became co-educational. Its name changed to Nan Hua Secondary School. Boys joined the student body. The school became a government school in 1986.
The new millennium brought new changes. In 2000 Nan Hua became a Special Assistance Plan school. A new campus on Clementi Avenue 1 opened in 2003. It received awards for excellence. The school achieved autonomous status in 2006. Its name once again changed to Nan Hua High School.
Nan Hua High School’s history is a journey. A journey of growth resilience and adaptation. A journey that embodies the spirit of education and community. A journey that continues today. Before you stands a school with a rich legacy and a bright future.