The history of our school can be traced back as far as 1905, possibly 1904, then known as the Stikland Primary School.The first principal was Mr John Preiss and his wife, Lettie, acted as his assistant. Apart from English and Dutch, Singing, Needlework, Drawing and Physical Education were also taught. The school was a corrugated iron building consisting of two classrooms.
Mr Preiss was succeeded by Anna van Dijk. In 1916 there were 29 learners in the school and the number remained constant up to 1950 when the school was placed under the management and jurisdiction of the Parow School Board. The school then altered to incorporate dual medium education.In 1950 Mr A C van Wyk became the new principal. The pupil number had increased and by 1959, 350 learners attended the school. Plans for a new school were also drawn up and passed. The school, the front wing of the existing building, was taken into commission in January 1960 but, officially inaugurated on 17 November 1960.
The name Excelsior, meaning “Ever Higher”, was chosen by Petrusa Grobbelaar who suggested the name as part of a competition. The school song was composed by Mr Dirkie de Villiers.
In 1962 Mr D J van der Merwe became the new principal. During his time as principal, large extensions were necessitated to accommodate the ever-increasing number of learners. Extensions were made in 1966 and again in 1971 when the hall, library and laboratory were constructed.
In April 1977, Mr Van der Merwe was succeeded by Mr S Pienaar and in 1994 the Aftercare Centre was built. Mr Pienaar’s career ended in December 1996 when he was succeeded by Mr H Botha whose career ended June 2016 and was succeeded by our current principal, Mr E Pio.