In 1891, Napanee built The Napanee Collegiate Institute at a cost of $23,000. This 3 story red brick building was capable of holding 300 pupils, however, on opening day in September 1890-1891, only 200 students enrolled.

The school has come a long way since it first opened it's doors in 1890/91. In these days, only 2 typewriters were offered for the Business Course compared to the large amount of computers now at NDSS.

In those days, sports and gymnastics were offered at the The Napanee Collegiate Institute for a cost of 25 cents, but only to the boys. There were no showers so after the boys played sports, they would continue to their next class exhausted.

In 1914, the first copy of the yearbook was published at a cost of 11 cents per copy. The name of the yearbook was "The Cerebus."As the years went on, they began naming it "The Torch."

In 1949, Napanee and the Board of Education got together and discussed building a new school. They planned to make it two stories high but they wanted to make it longer so it could hold more students and staff. By 1952, the new high school was made. They did not change the name to Napanee District Secondary School until 1963. NDSS could hold approximately 650 students.

As the years went on, the school began to expand. Halls B and C were constructed in 1963 to provide more space, more room for students, and more classrooms. Three years later, they built a new gym, library, cafeteria, and additional technical shops. NDSS went through many changes in very little time. By the early 1970's, the school had a population of 1745 student and 100 staff members.

Now in the 2000's our school is better than ever! This school has an amazing staff, with over 70 members. The students now outnumber the staff members by a long shot. NDSS now holds over 1250 students!

Around the school, people express their feelings for art. There are paintings on the walls. These paintings are not only there for show, they are there for memories. Those paintings stay on the hall walls for years so that people can come by and enjoy the wonderful works of art.

The Napanee District Secondary School Library is a very large library indeed. This library, holder of thousands of books, is a place where students can go to work on projects. Many computers now line the walls so students can access them for work purposes. The library is also a proud holder of some masterpieces the school received in the early 1900's when it was still named The Napanee Collegiate Institute. One masterpiece would be the interpretation of the "Two Little Princes In The Tower." This is a magnificent statue that is made of marble. There are also very amazing paintings that hang on library walls.

Throughout the century, our school has changed in many shapes and sizes. That doesn't mean it's over. The home of the hawks will live on!