150 years: Albert Park Primary School

Learn about the history of Albert Park Primary School, one of Victoria's oldest public schools.

Key information

Address:
210 Bridport Street, Albert Park, 3206
Opened:
22 January 1873
School type:
Primary
School number:
1181
Other names:
Emerald Hill State School, Albert Park State School

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The history of Albert Park Primary School

  • 1873

    The school opened in January 1873 as a state school. It was known as Emerald Hill, Nelson Street (No. 1181) at the time. The first head teacher was James Smith. Classes were held in the Mechanics Institute and the orderly room at the army barracks.

  • 1874

    A new school that could accommodate 1000 students was proposed in 1874. It was built on Bridport Street in Albert Park.

  • 1886

    The number of students enrolled increased to 1400. Three rooms in the Wesleyan Hall on Cardigan Place were leased for classes. 

  • 1914

    An infant school was opened in 1910 to teach younger children.

  • 1967

    The number of students enrolled in 1967 was 450. South Melbourne High School used the classrooms on the second floor during this time. 

  • 1970

    The school was renamed Albert Park Primary School in 1970.

    Black and white photograph of the Albert Park Primary School building Alber Park Primary School building in 1970. Source: Committee for Urban Action and the State Library of Victoria

  • 2022

    Albert Park Primary School is still in operation.

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The Public Records Office (PROV) is the archive of Victoria's State and local government. They look after some of our oldest school records, and we can use these records to help us understand what school life used to be like.

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