Its establishment saved Tutuila girls the necessity of travel to Upolu for secondary school, which separated them from their families and exposed them to the dangers of the international port at Apia.

Established in 1892, Papa Uta served as a model institution, and many of its students, alongside their principal Elizabeth Moore, were transferred to the Atauloma Girls School following its completion.

The structure itself was notable for its colonial architectural style, with coral cement foundations and walls, some measuring up to 20 inches thick.

This effort was financed primarily by American Samoans under U.S. Navy administration, marking a period of collaboration between church, government, and the local community.

Students engaged in plantation work once a week, learning about nutrition and food preparation, while subjects like sewing, embroidery, and crafts aimed to nurture cultural pride and service to their communities.