this building used to house a school

the school that once occupied this building had its humble beginning at coleman street. it was established in 1917. from less than a hundred girls, the enrolment grew rapidly and soon they had to look for a bigger building to accommodate the expanding population.

the new school building at bencoolen street was ready in 1921. however, because of some financial problem, the school was forced to close temporarily. following a series of public appeals, funds poured in to enable the debt to be settled and the school to re-open.

in 1928, there was again a need to expand the school because of the growing student population. in 1941, the building - in the above photograph - was ready. the school functioned at two places. the one at bencoolen street became the branch school.

unfortunately, tragedy struck when the japanese invaded s'pore. the building was turned into the headquarters of the japanese imperial army. the school had to be closed one more time.

in oct 1945, the school reopened. the school's management committee raised funds to rebuild the school and to enrol students. with overwhelming financial support from many parents, the school went on to start secondary classes and the enrolment rose to 700.

the school's last and final move was made in 2003.

questions

1 what was the name of the school that occupied this building?

Nan Hwa Girls' School. Today, it is known as Nan Hua High School.

2 where is its present location?

41 Clementi Avenue 1.

3 is it still an all-girl school?

Boys were admitted to the school in 1984.