The renovated building was officially ''opened'' yesterday by Central Otago Mayor Tony Lepper, who told the school's 33 pupils that with a quality education, they could be whatever they wanted to be.
The project was the second stage of an upgrade started seven years ago.
The renovations began in early January and took about eight weeks.
Children were taught in the Poolburn Hall this year until the work was completed.
Junior and senior classrooms were completely revamped and a soundproof ''think-tank'' room was included within the senior room so pupils had somewhere quiet to think or read, away from the bustle in the classroom.
A veranda was built to extend the learning space, more natural light was let into the rooms and window seats, ottomans and bean bags were dotted around.
An interactive whiteboard, sliding doors, an area devoted to art supplies and a big-screen television were other new features, along with fairy lights on one wall in the junior class.
More than 20 people attended the opening.
Teacher Kerrin Annan said the fairy lights were among the younger pupils' favourite things about the upgrade.
''It might seem superficial, but if the fairy lights make them comfortable in their learning and make them happy, then it's worthwhile. Since we've been back in the building I've noticed that the kids are keen to get into the classroom and when they're in there, they're on task,'' she said.
Principal Craig Hickford said the upgrade could have been a ''paint and polish'' but instead, the board had opted for a total rebuild.
The result, funded by the school and the Ministry of Education, was an amazing transformation.
''This is a great bunch of kids and we've noticed a real change in their attitude to learning since they've been in this pretty flash building,'' he said.
Former board chairman Graham Sinnamon paid tribute to the forefathers of the district, who established the school, then known as Ida Valley School, in the 1870s.
The original building cost 30 and catered for 12 pupils.
The teacher's salary was 90 and a third of that was raised by the community, he said.
