About

Welcome to Gravenhurst High School!

Gravenhurst High School (GHS) is known as the small school with a big heart. We offer all the courses students will need to follow their dreams of becoming an apprentice, pursuing a career of their choice, or attending college or university after high school. We offer Specialist High Skills Major programs in: construction; health and wellness; as well as hospitality and tourism. And, our incredible staff continue to provide countless extracurricular opportunities through various clubs and sports teams to ensure that all are able to get involved! GHS is more than just a school. It’s a community that supports all learners throughout their four years of high school, ensuring that all receive everything they need to succeed.

History

1887 A high school is formed in Gravenhurst.

1889 The first high school classes are held in the North Ward School.

1890 The school inspector reports poor conditions in the school but gives the teachers a high rating.

1891 The high school agrees to create a suitable building.

1894 A by-law is passed in Gravenhurst to raise debentures for the construction of a high school.

1896 The first Gravenhurst High School building was constructed. It cost $4,150 and consisted of three classrooms, one laboratory, one storeroom, and a combined office-library. Dr. W.H. Muldrew was the first principal and being an expert of native trees and shrubs, designed the landscaping. He published his book, Sylvan Ontario, A guide to our Native trees and shrubs in 1901.

1940 Miss Dorothy Shaw becomes principal until 1962. Miss Shaw had previously been a teacher at the school. When she arrived the enrollment was about 80 students with a staff of four teachers.

1950 The Gravenhurst High School building becomes Gravenhurst Public School. Over its 54 years, 2,500 students attended. School population ranged from about 40 in the early years to about 170 in the recent years.

1951 The Ministry of Education opened the new two-storey brick building on the present site. The school now had seven classrooms, a library, commercial rooms, a science lab, a gym, home economics facility, shops, and a cafeteria. There was a staff of eight. The cost to build was $295,000. The capacity of the school was 250-300 with the enrollment of the time at 189. Several days after the opening the old school building burned down.

1959 The “new” school was expanded to accommodate increased enrollment.

1973 Gravenhurst High School was enlarged once more.

2002 Gravenhurst High School now proudly boasts an enrollment of 495 and a teaching staff of 29, eight educational assistants, three office personnel, and a staff of five custodial personnel. The students take part in many teams and clubs.