Late in 1984 the Southern Area Education Office commenced a program of consultation with the Hallett Cove community with the objective of establishing an R-10 school. In March 1985 a Parents' Reference Group was formed and in September of that year established itself as an Interim School Council.

　　Hallett Cove School opened in February. 1987 as the only R-10 school in metropolitan Adelaide. Ms Susan Monks was the school's first Principal and there were 300 students from Reception to Year 7 on the first day of school. The school grew rapidly and classroom accommodation shortages and zoning issues were topics of conversation throughout 1988 - 89.

　　Dr Peter Jackson was the second Principal of the school and commenced duties mid-way through the 1990 school year. For the first time in its short history the school had all of its solid buildings available and all of its levels. R- 10, in place.

　　An opening ceremony for the school occurred on May 17, 1991 with the Hon.. Greg Crafler. Minister of Education officiating. During 1991 a reference group recommended to the Minister of Education that Hallett Cove School provide Years 11 and 12 education. The decision to add senior secondary education to the school was made in 1992.

　　The school had its third principal, Mr Jim Davies. appointed in 1993. Year 11 studies commenced in 1995 and Year 12 in 1996, making Hallett Cove School metropolitan Adelaide's third R-12 school. A major building project occurred throughout 1995-96-97 to cater for the addition of the senior secondary curriculum.

　　Middle School at Hallett Cove encompasses Years 7 through to 9. Our curriculum and methodologies are designed to meet the academic, social, physical, behavioural and emotional needs of adolescents. The sub-school is led by the Assistant Principal Middle School. Middle School students and their families are supported by the Year Level Coordinator for each year level, and the student counsellors.

　　Year 7

　　In recognition of the special needs of young adolescents, we offer Year 7 students a unique, tailor made program. Our Year 7 Homegroups are co-located with Year 8 Homegroups in the Middle School area of the secondary school. Good relationships provide the foundation for learning and thus each of the three classes has a Homegroup teacher who teaches them for one or more subjects, and who has responsibility for their day to day welfare. The team is led by the Year 7 Co-ordinator.

　　Our Year 7 teachers have a range of specialist expertise and work as a team to deliver the curriculum across the classes depending on their area of specialisation. Together, they also share responsibility for the social and emotional development and well being of the students. In addition, Year 7 students also undertake Arts, Home Economics, Technical Studies, Information Technology, Health and PE and with a specialist teacher using secondary school facilities. Students also use Science laboratories and equipment, enhancing their learning in a practical way.

　　Our Year 7 program engages young people in their learning and provides new and exciting challenges for them that are generally not available in a primary school setting. It provides for a smooth transition of our students to secondary school as they are familiar with the size and complexity of our school, and curriculum and ways of working that differ from those in a traditional Primary School.

　　The students also enjoy a co-curricular program that includes camp, aquatics, a range of sports and excursions.

　　Year 8

　　At Year 8, we have a significant intake of new students from a number of primary schools. To foster the smooth transition for all students, the students have a Homegroup teacher who teaches them for either Maths and Science or English and Studies of Society and Environment. This structure ensures that the two “core” teachers know the students and their needs well.  In addition to a full year of the four core subjects, our students experience a broad range of curriculum offerings including The Arts (Art, Drama, Music), Home Economics and Textiles, Health and Physical Education, Japanese, Technology Studies and Information Technology.

　　To help students build positive relationships with their class mates, teacher and other year 8 students and teachers, the Year 8 camp is held in the first few weeks of term 1. For many students, it is a time when new and often enduring friendships are formed. The camp is held at Victor Harbor with students being involved in a range of activities across the three days of camp, and is an integral part of the transition program. Our Year 11 Big Buddies attend the camp with the students and run a number of activities with them. The Big Buddies are student leaders who work with the Year 8 students throughout the year.

　　Uniquely, we are able to offer a “Boy Only” class at Year 8. The needs of boys and girls do differ, and research has shown that boys thrive in an environment which caters to their needs. The curriculum and methodologies used are those most suited to boys, and the teachers choose to work with this class because of their interest and expertise in the education of boys. Over several years, our data has confirmed that the boys in this class make excellent progress academically, socially, emotionally and behaviourally.

　　We also offer a Volleyball Focus program from Year 8. Students apply for entry to this program and a selection process is used to create these classes. Students in the volleyball program participate in a number of tournaments, with teams being selected for the National Titles held in Melbourne towards the end of the school year.

　　Year 9

　　At Year 9, we recognise that students are beginning the transition to their senior years of schooling. Students are given some flexibility in selecting their course of study, within a framework to ensure that future options remain open. All students undertake a full year of the four core subjects and then choose from within a pattern of subjects based on their interests and future pathways. In recognition of the need for students to be challenged and extended academically, we also offer High Performance Maths and Science for students. The Year 9 Pastoral Care program focuses on individual personal development and community service activities.