The 1950s were a boom time for South Africa. The Second World War had ended in victory and many returning servicemen were setting up homes in new suburbs. Roosevelt Park was one of those suburbs, built to house the young soldiers and their families. The suburb was named in memory of the victorious American president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, who had served three terms in office and died shortly before the allied peace. The first school to be built in the area was a primary school (still known as Franklin D Roosevelt, FDR for short, today). Many of the new residents at the time were young family men who needed to send their children to school close to their homes.
Shortly afterward the Education Department realized they needed to build a new High School in the area as the existing schools were overcrowded with the growing population. They set aside 22 acres in Roosevelt Park Ext. and the children were sent to school on the primary school premises to start their secondary schooling until the new school could be built. The school officials applied to the Roosevelt family for permission to use part of the Roosevelt family crest and motto.
We aim to produce global, humane citizens who can reach their maximum potential on all levels, coupled with a life-long passion for leaming and sound self-worth enabling them to succeed in a fast-paced and ever-changing world.
Roosevelt High School was proud to be one of the first schools in Johannesburg to open its doors to all South African learners after 1990 as soon as the law allowed. Mr. Robinson, who was principal at the time, had been eagerly awaiting that day and there was already a waiting list.
In 2002 Roosevelt High School celebrated its 50th anniversary. The school still has its proud traditions and a vibrant group of learners as well as a dedicated staff, some of whom have been at Roosevelt for many years. The staff is caring and this is what makes Roosevelt High a true family community.
