In 1907, just after the great earthquake that destroyed much of Kingston, the Rev. George and Nellie Olson came to Jamaica as Church of God Missionaries from Anderson, Indiana, U.S.A, where the Church of God has its headquarters. In 1927, they began the first school at Highholborn Street in Kingston with an enrolment of 5 students. In 1929 the Ardenne property of 12 acres was purchased through funds received from the Missionary Board of the Church of God in the U.S.A. and other private donors. The main block of buildings was erected.

However, it was not until January 1938 that the school was transferred to its present location. Mrs. Nellie Olson, co-founder, was the first Principal, and she held this office until 1944 when she was succeeded by her daughter Ms. Mary Olson. Ms. Olson served as Principal through most of the schools formative years until 1969 when Mrs. E.M. Claire Gayle who had previously served as Vice- Principal succeeded her. Ms. Gayle was succeeded by the fourth Principal, Mr. Roy J. Ebanks in 1979. When he retired in 1996, Mr. Winston Roberts became the fifth Principal after serving as Vice Principal from 1979.

During the interim May 1998 to December 1999, as a result of Mr. Winston Roberts illness and ultimate death, Mrs. Erma J. Hutton served as acting Principal. Mrs. Esther Tyson assumed responsibility as the sixth Principal in January 2000. Phenomenal growth in the school has taken place over the years numerically present enrolment stands at approximately 1800, and in its infrastructure, as well as its curricular offerings with an academic staff of 97. In addition to the traditional academic subjects, the school offers courses in the Vocational and Technical areas.

Ardenne High School is dedicated to developing the total person mentally, physically, socially and spiritually. In addition to scheduled classes a variety of activities such as clubs and games are offered to the students. All students must be involved in at least one Co-curricular activity. A list of all such programmes can be obtained at the school. Co-curricular activities include participation in all the major sporting competitions, including Swimming, Football, Basketball, Netball, Lawn Tennis, Badminton and Track and Field. In addition to sports, various clubs and societies such as the Inter School Christian Fellowship (ISCF), Drama, Dance, Chess and Key clubs; also Schools Challenge Quiz, Spelling Bee, the Debating Society, Tourism Action Club, Choir, the Cadet, Guides, Interact, Ardenne Development Club and Ardennes Coalition of Environmentalist (ACE), add enrichment to the lives of our students.

Ardenne epitomises strong Christian values and the role of the church has been historically invaluable. Despite changes in its organizational structure and programmes, the church has maintained a strong influence in the schools operation. In spite of financial limitations, we strive to make the best education available for our students. The serious constraints under which we operate have not deterred us in our determination to provide for our children the kind of education that will enable them to take their places in society. Our motto exemplifies this determination: Deo Duce Quaere Optima - With God as Guide, Seek the Best.