Opened in 1881 with 17 year old Mr Arnold Caldwell of Rylstone appointed teacher. The promoters of the school included: George Shumack, Farmer, Henry Kirkwhite, chemist, John W Jackson, storekeeper, William Farrar, publican, and Robert J Highfield, storekeeper. Arnold Caldwell remained at Tong Bong school for four years.
On 18 October 1881 Arnold Thomas Caldwell was instructed to act as teacher at Tongbong Provisional School.
ON 29 September 1882 Arnold Thomas Caldwelll was instructed to take temporary charge of Tongbong Provisional School.
ON 4 July 1884 Arnold T Caldwell was removed to Ballarah P9
It was closed in 1885 as a result of lack of students.
Elizabeth Donoghue was teacher at Tong Bong Public School in 1885 (Sydney Morning Herald, 7 April 1885, p. 7).
In 1889 a new school was built on Crown land four miles from the site of the previous school. The new school was built of sawn slabs with a hardwood floor and galvanised iron roof. William James, manager of Rawdon Colliery, assisted in the construction and Florence Wilson was appointed teacher. The school was temporarily closed due to a death from diphtheria. Florence Wilson resigned in 1890 and Miss Kearsley was appointed in her place.
Towards the end of 1891, the coal mine closed and school attendance dropped. Miss Kearsley was transferred and Jeanne McQuiggan was appointed in her place. At some stage in the 1890s Tong Bong school became half time with Oakborough School. When Oakborough School was merged with Carwell School in June 1897 ( and became known as Carwell School ) the Tong Bong School was closed and the Tong Bong pupils then attended Pinnacle Swamp School1 .
Staff, W. B. A history of Rylstone, p. 131.