In 1896 when the Federated Malay States were formed, the government decided to found the Government Girls' School in the newly established Capital, Kuala Lumpur. It was known as Government Girls' English School and was situated on Damansara Road in the Masonic Hall.

Classes began in August with an enrolment of only a few children and though it was a girls' school, it had very young boys, who it was thought would not be able to withstand the rigours of a
boys' school. In November 1896, it moved to its own premises, a simple wooden bungalow built on stilts. It was on an acre of ground at the corner of Kampung Attap and High Street. The building had an attap roof with 3 rooms and it was built on stilts, the floor below was cemented and used as a shelter for the pupils from both the rain and the sun. It later formed the basis of the school hostel. A bungalow for the Headmistress and one assistant was also erected on the premises.

The concept of education for girls was revolutionary and the pioneers of education for this country met with various obstacles, both social and cultural. It took a great deal of grit and determination and a complete dedication on the part of these early pioneers to encounter, cope with and conquer the prejudices of the populace.

113 years ago education, if sought at all, was sought for itself without any question of leading on to employment for women. The first few Headmistresses, had to storm, gently but firmly, the homes of girls, coax and persuade the conservative parents into permitting their daughters to step out into school to be taught, not merely the 3 R's but also to be exposed to sports and other extra mural activities. The school curriculum besides the 3 R's were dictation, scripture, hygiene and needle work.

The school was begun for children of English speaking homes who wished to improve their proficiency in English. Several of the pupils were from existing private mission-rule schools. The enrolment stood at 50 in 1896 with children of Chinese and Eurasian origins. It included little boys who were considered too young to face the rigours of a boys' school.

The first headmistress was a Miss Stratton brought to the country from the Education Department of England. She served the school for 3 years but due to the paucity of European women, many of the staff brought down were lost to the profession when they entered the blissful state of matrimony. Miss Stratton was similarly lost! She married a Mr. Brown from Penang and could not therefore serve the school in Kuala Lumpur.

In 1899, despite several attempts to replace her, the government had to admit defeat and the Inspector of Schools appealed to the District Superintendent of the Methodist Mission, Dr. Kensett to take over the running of the school. At this juncture, the school had Ms Hodges as its first assistant teacher until the arrival of Miss Rose Nuebronner. The staff was limited.

In December 1899, the Bishop of the Methodist Mission brought over two ladies from America. They were Miss Mary Clayland Meek who became the first missionary principal and Miss Louella Anderson who was to take charge of music. The school was renamed the Methodist Girls' School, Kuala Lumpur. From just before the turn of the century, this girls' school became the responsibility of the Methodist Mission and till independence in August 1957 was led by the shining light of the Christian faith, "Thy Word is a Lamp unto my feet". However, the Mission always had a genuine respect for local tradition and religious beliefs and never forced anyone into altering their faith. They merely inculcated good human values such as loving each other in order to live in harmony.