In the early 1970s, a group of visionary people from Melbourne’s Jewish community recognised a need for a Progressive Jewish day school. Among them were educationalists, Rabbis and members of Temple Beth Israel, and their vision became The King David School.

The Kooyong Road property was purchased in May 1977. The first School Council was elected and a dedication held in November of that year, and in February 1978, the School commenced teaching 45 students, under the supervision of founding Principal, Norman Rothman. The King David School quickly grew in popularity and in 1984 the Magid Campus opened in Orrong Rd, and in November 1986, both properties were dedicated by His Excellency, the President of the State of Israel, Chaim Herzog. In 1991 the School expanded yet again with the opening of the Joyce and Mark Southwick Pre-school Centre located adjacent to Temple Beth Israel. In the late 1990s the school expanded its teaching to include a VCE program. The first King David School Year 12 graduates emerged in the year 2000. Due to a rapid rise in student numbers in 2002 the John and Robyn Levi Centre in Carlisle St, Balaclava, opened its doors to students from Years 3 to 6. This was a temporary accommodation which was utilised from 2002 to 2005.

A new Senior School campus, Magid Institute opened in 2006. The Magid Institute is a historic mansion located on Dandenong Road, with a modern extension built to accommodate King David’s growing population of VCE students, a renovated building at the front of the property houses a dedicated Year 9 Centre.

In the history of the King David School we are mindful that had it not been for Isador Magid AM, founder, visionary and supporter of The King David School, the School would not be as it is today. Sadly, Isador passed away in November 2004. His vision, sage counsel, and pleasure in seeing the students will be sorely missed. Before his passing, Isador saw the commencement of work on the School’s new Senior School Campus, the Magid Institute, which opened in term 1, 2006. The School Council worked with Isador in developing a program for the development and refurbishment of both the Magid Campus (Orrong Road) and Southwick Campus (Kooyong Road).

In 2006 the school purchased the property known as 'Minimbah' at 520 Orrong Rd, directly opposite the Magid Middle School campus. Initial thoughts are that 'Minimbah' will be developed into a performing Arts/ Sports & multi-purpose facility.

The King David School is an independent school and an affiliate of the Victorian Union for Progressive Judaism.