Established February 3, 1925 it is named in the honor of David B. Oliver, President of Pittsburgh Public Schools from 1911–1922.

Oliver was largely responsible for the increase in the number and size of Pittsburgh Public Schools.

The school is home to the Zeta Rho Chapter of the National Honor Society.

Oliver offers eight Applied Technology and Career Development Programs for students interested in vocational training.

The staff and students would be relocated to the Pittsburgh Perry High School, and the Oliver building would remain open as the new home of the district special education offices.