Ganapathy High School, established in 1870, is one of Mangaluru's oldest educational institutions, renowned for its rich history and commitment to providing quality education. Originally founded as the Saraswat School in the verandah of the Shri Umamaheshwara Temple, it evolved into a model school under the Madras Presidency's curriculum. In 1909, it was officially named Ganapathy Secondary School and operated from a barrack-style building on Field Street.
The school relocated to its current 2-acre campus at Hampankatta in 1915, marking a significant milestone in its development. By 1918, it achieved High School status, introducing subjects like carpentry and weaving, with students earning certificates of merit in exhibitions such as the Trichur Exhibition. The 1920s saw further modernization, including the introduction of a children's block, co-education, and the Scouts program.
In response to the growing demand for English-medium education, Ganapathy English Medium School (GEMS) was inaugurated on June 1, 1989, offering classes from Nursery/KG to Xth standard. Over time, the Kannada-medium Ganapathy High School experienced a decline in admissions, leading to the decision to relocate its primary and high school facilities to the Kotekar campus in Ullal starting from the 2024-25 academic year.
The Saraswat Education Society continues to operate the Ganapathy-aided PU College at the original Hampankatta campus. The Kotekar campus, approximately 15 km from the city, offers a larger and more serene environment, with plans for state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor facilities. This transition aims to provide enhanced educational experiences for students while preserving the legacy of the original institution.
The Saraswat Education Society, established over a century ago, manages multiple educational institutions, including Ganapathy High School, Ganapathy English Medium School, and Ganapathy Pre-University College, fulfilling the educational needs of students from South Karnataka and North Kerala. The society's commitment to quality education is evident in its continuous efforts to upgrade facilities and adapt to evolving educational demands, ensuring that students receive a holistic and value-based education that prepares them for diverse fields and challenges in the modern world.