After many years of campaigning by parents, it was announced, in October of 1997, that a $7.39 million state-of-the-art school would be built on Tamborine Mountain.

The Member for Beaudesert, Kev Lingard, made the announcement, which included details of the initial proposed structure of the school. Tamborine Mountain State High School (TMSHS).

• An annex of Helensvale SHS
• Junior Campus - Years 8 to 10 only

When the school was officially opened by the Queensland State Premier Mr. Peter Beattie, on Friday 26th of March, it was announced that TMSHS would be a full high school catering to years 8 to 12.

A year later it was announced that due to the strong enrolment and strong community support that TMSHS would be a stand-alone high school for the Year 2001.