Peninsula School history

In 1929, the Duvenecks purchased the Coleman mansion along with 10 acres for $26,500 to house the Peninsula School.

Jerry Garcia, founding member of The Grateful Dead, was born in SF in 1942.

The year was 1957 and the Mornington Peninsula was developing very rapidly, with hundreds of new families moving into the area.

On 5 February 1961 the builders moved out of the newly completed single block of classrooms and the teaching staff moved in, shifting furniture and books in for the next day, the first day of school.

His original band Warlocks in 1965 played at Magoo’s Pizza, 635 Santa Cruz Avenue, and later at Menlo College.

Dudley Clarke left the school in 1971 after a decade of outstanding leadership.

In 1976, voters approved the move of Menlo Oaks from the Ravenswood School District to the Menlo Park School District, only to be sued by the Ravenswood School District.

In 1978, an attempt was made to reduce Coleman Avenue traffic.

On July 1, 1980, Peninsula School of Art is officially re-opened with newly-appointed Executive Director and artist, Steve Wadzinski.

In 1990 the mid-blue of the blazer, jumper and tie was changed to navy.

Appointed Principal in 1992, Mr Ray Hille steered the School through a new era where technology became an integral part of the School day.

In 1994, Menlo Oaks became smaller by four acres when land owned by St Patrick’s Seminary south of Arlington Way was annexed to Menlo Park.

Sometime after 2000, Menlo Oaks became a popular place for development.

In 2008 short socks replaced the former long socks as part of the summer uniform.