During that time Ivan Coward was principal, and he met the needs of those enrolled in the public system who sought entry to the academic world.

The school was not ready to open in February 1975 so, for the first weeks the initial 540 students (Years 8 and 9 only) and 45 teachers were housed at Murray House, a grand old building, part of the Murray Park College of Advanced Education (now the Magill Campus of the University of South Australia) until the completion of the main building ("B Block") at Rostrevor.

The toilet block was not finished, so buses were provided with a timetable to transport students to the nearby McNally Training Centre until the school's facilities were ready.

The early years of the school were packed full of innovative practices and esprit de corps was high.

Students from Hong Kong, Vietnam, China, Germany, and South America have also been recruited through the school's International Program.

[13] As at Term 3, 2019, Norwood Morialta High School had 1,493.2 full-time equivalent (FTE) students enrolled.

In order to meet MYP requirements, students must choose Language B, Technology and Arts courses in Year 10.

All students study courses in English, Health and PE, Mathematics, Science and Society and Environment in each year.

In 2022, Norwood International High School introduced the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program for the first time, providing another senior school education program, alongside the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

This will see a total of 8 Year 12 Prefects per house consisting of: Students have opportunities to partake in academic pursuits as well by participating in a vast range of co-curricular activities.

[22] Community Service can be done through programmes such as the 40 Hour Famine, active8, Glossy Black Cockatoo Project, Peer Support, and the publication of School Yearbook.

Students can also participate in broader activities such as Amnesty International, Australian Business Week, Campbelltown Youth Council, UNICEF Ambassadors, Youth Parliament Group, Debating, National Mathematics, Science and Language competitions, School Formal Committee, and the Student Representative Council.

From 2022, Norwood International High School students includes: Project construction commenced in Term 3, 2020 and has been delivered incrementally to minimise disruption.