Old Airport Ridge School (OARS) traces its roots back to September 1968, when it was founded as “International Kindergarten” by Mrs. Jane Alhassan, a passionate and experienced educator. Alongside her husband, Mr. R.I. Alhassan, she began teaching a small group of children, including their own, in their home in Tamale. Driven by a deep commitment to the welfare and education of young minds, Mrs. Alhassan laid the foundation for what would become a transformative institution in the Northern Region of Ghana.

In 1997, a group of concerned parents approached Mrs. Alhassan, affectionately known as “Auntie Jane”, with a proposal to expand her kindergarten into a primary school. They recognized her dedication to quality education and her vision for nurturing children’s potential, and they wanted their children to continue under her guidance. This marked a significant turning point for the school.

Originally named Alhassan Gbanzaba Memorial School in honor of the late Mr. Edmond Alhassan, the first university graduate from the Northern Region, who earned a scholarship to Cambridge University, the institution reflected Mrs. Alhassan’s deep concern for the region’s development. She understood that education had been limited in the pre-independence era, stunting progress, and believed strongly that knowledge was the key to improving health, nutrition, productivity, and quality of life.

In early 2025, the school was renamed Old Airport Ridge School, signaling a new chapter while preserving its rich heritage. Today, under the leadership of Principal Mariama Alhassan, Mrs. Jane Alhassan’s daughter , OARS continues to evolve, blending tradition with innovation to provide a holistic education that equips students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.