The worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church founded Anderson School in 1950. Today, more than 60 years later, Anderson has become steeped in legend and academic output.

Accredited by the Accrediting Association of Seventh-day Adventist Schools, Colleges and Universities, Anderson is a multicultural, internationally renowned boarding school, where boys and girls receive an education of the heart, hand and head. Based on the underlining credo, “Victoria Fide”, which is Latin for “Victory by Faith”, this Adventist Education philosophy aims at training pupils to become useful citizens in this life, as well as help them cherish and embrace the need for all mankind to be ready for the soon return of the Savour, Jesus Christ.

Vision
Their vision is to be the centre of spiritual, physical, social and intellectual excellence.

Mission
To provide education that meets the learner’s spiritual, physical, social and intellectual needs for productive service in this world, and prepare for the world to come.

Core values

Their service is characterised by

·         Diligence

·         Integrity

·         Sabbath Observance

·         Christ-Like Love  

History

Pastor E.J. Stevenson had a burden to open a church school. He said he had five reasons, his sons.

In 1950 “Rhobecon Preparatory School” was opened, it was located in a beautiful farm homestead called “Christmas Gift”, five kilometres out of Gweru along Harare road. On opening, the school had twelve(12) students and four(4) teachers: J.R. Burns (principal); his wife; Fettie van der Westhuizen and Mrs Mcdonald. 

A small school with few pupils inevitably has financial problems and Rhobecon (Anderson) waded knee deep! A new conference president came determined to close the school “because it was a drain on the Conference resource.” At a special meeting held, to bring this about, the issue was discussed at length. Despite the dark picture painted by many of those present, feelings were changed when a lady spoke a sincere and positive message, relating the need for such a school and the benefits Christian education had already had on the pupils. As a result, one gentleman pledged one month’s salary to keep the school going. Many others followed and also pledged money.

In 1952, the school moved to the present site. Twenty acres had been bought by Mr Stanley Stockil and Rufus Paul. The first buildings were built almost entirely with donated materials and volunteer hands. It all seemed a miracle and it was! But hard times were not over. In spite of a steady flow of cash and kind, it seemed as if the school’s days were numbered. Just before one school term was about to begin, telegrams were sent to parents not to send their children back to school as the school was closing down. But no, the Lord took over. Mutare church had a twenty-four(24) hour prayer session. The next day parents received a telegram, “School opening, send children.” Self-sacrificing staff often went without pay in order to keep the school going.

The name “Anderson Memorial School” was adopted in 1960, and later on became “ Anderson School.” In 1963 the first high school class was started. By then there was a total of sixty-four(64) pupils and four(4) teachers. In 1972, the fourth year of high school was offered for the first time. By 1974 the enrolment had reached 72 with a staff of 12 teachers. Fifty-six years later Anderson School is a well-established school with an excellent spiritual atmosphere and a high academic standard. It is the Lord’s school. He has kept it going as it has progressed to the present 62 acres, enrolment of 374 and 27 teachers. May they never lose the spirit of selfless love, dedication and commitment that marked the early years of development of this institution!

Boarding Facilities

Anderson School offers boarding facilities to both boys and girls from forms 1 up to U6. It also offers laundry for uniform facilities.

Learning Facilities

One class per stream from Grade 0-grade 7 and 2 classes per stream from forms 1 up to form 4. ‘A’ Level have an Arts, Commercials and Science Class. There are special rooms in the following subject areas:

·         Science Labs

·         Computer Lab

·         Literature Room

·         Music

·         Geography

·         Fashion and Fabrics

·         Agriculture

Library Media Center

They are there to help our clientele dig deeper into the minds of great thinkers as they prepare for this world and the world to come. They hope to achieve this through user instruction and education, information literacy as well as the provision of electronic services which include DVDs, videos and Internet searches. The library also provides a wide range of books, periodicals and encyclopaedias.

Enrolment Details

Form 1-3

Apply in writing to the school head. If accepted, and after undergoing an aptitude test in Mathematics and English Language, one will be required to produce certified copies of the latest school report, birth certificate and a passport size photograph.

Form 5

‘O’ level results with As in all the subjects sat for.

Clubs

A wide range of clubs are offered at the school and these include:

Interact, LEO, Debate and Public Speaking, Art, Drama, Electronics and Science, Brass Band, Busy Hands, First Aid French, Girl Child Network, Jazz, Photography, Bible, Quiz, Young Farmers.