[2] The idea for the school was first mooted by Tan Boo Liat, and it gained the support of the Hokkien community.

The sugar tycoon Majoor Oei Tiong Ham also gave $10,000 for the purchase of the land on Armenian Street on which Tao Nan School was built.

In 1982, Tao Nan School moved to its new campus in Marine Parade, where it remains today.

Throughout its history, the school has produced many prominent Chinese leaders among its alumni, among them Lee Kong Chian.

[2] The Old Tao Nan School building was designed by the Municipal Engineer's Office of Singapore in an eclectic classical style with elements of the French Renaissance.

The front facade features Corinthian fluted pilasters, with large wide verandahs designed to accommodate the tropical climate of Singapore.

[4] Today, the Old Tao Nan School building houses the Peranakan Museum which was opened in April 2008 by Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.