Jarrett Middle School was established in 1955. The school was named in honor of William Paul Jarrett (1877-1929), who was a delegate to the U.S. Congress when Hawaii was still a Territory. Mr. Jarrett gained national and international recognition for his efforts as a humanitarian.

Jarrett Middle School is located in cool, breezy Palolo Valley between St. Louis Heights and Wilhelmina Rise. The school serves a community that includes the Kaimuki, Palolo Valley and St. Louis Heights areas. Most of the student population comes from Ali'iolani, Hokulani and Palolo Elementary schools. The campus sits on 7.5 acres that was once the site of a city golf course. Jarrett Middle school is located adjacent to Palolo Valley District Park. Therefore, the school has access to a gymnasium and swimming pool.

Jarrett started as an intermediate school serving students in grades seven, eight and nine. In the school year 1982-1983 the ninth grade moved to Kaimuki High leaving only 7th and 8th graders at the school. During the 1989-1990 academic year, Jarrett became a middle school, with the addition of the sixth grade. Its peak enrollment in the 1960's was over 1,000 students. Today, Jarrett has a student body of approximately 280 students.