Up to the late 16th century, members of the noble Hvar-Vis families and priests were the only literate denizens of the island of Vis.
The first known information on the spreading of literacy to the lower strata of society dates to the late 16th century and speaks of a chaplain called Ivan Dragišić who taught poor children how to read and write.
The first secular schools in Vis and Komiža were founded in 1828 during Austrian rule, and they were one-year schools for male children only.
During the 19th century, the first schools for girls were also opened.
Although the schools operated in accordance with curricula prescribed by the state authorities for the education of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in Vienna, lessons were held in Croatian and by local teachers.
Lessons were held in rented rooms located in private homes.
The school building was built in 1901 in a Neoclassical building style and was constructed by the local builder Marinković.
