Named after Frank Oliver (1853-1933), who brought the first printing press to Edmonton and co-founded the Edmonton Bulletin in 1880. Oliver came to Edmonton in 1876 and went on to form much of the early legislations in the North West Territories. Oliver became the province of Alberta's first Member of Parliament in 1905, sat in the House of Commons from 1896 to 1917, and was Minister of the Interior and Superintendent General of Indian Affairs from 1905 to 1911.

Oliver School opened March 13, 1911 as a three story school with 12 classrooms. Materials used in construction consisted of brick and stone and it was the first brick school constructed west of 109 Street. The design was inspired by Collegiate Gothic style. Portables were used to help with overcrowding and a twelve room addition was built in 1928, referred to as the West Annex. In 1957, a gymnasium was added and a Public Address system was installed. In 1995, the Nellie McClung Girls' Junior High Program began operating at Oliver School.

On 9 April 2024, Edmonton Public Schools release the statement, "Edmonton Public Schools is proud to announce the newly renamed wîhkwêntôwin School. The Board made the decision to change the name of Oliver School in 2020, and is excited for the school to share the same name as the community it calls home.

wîhkwêntôwin is a Cree word that can be translated into English as circle of friends. wîhkwêntôwin is pronounced we-kwen-to-win.

The central neighbourhood, where the school is located, was recently renamed wîhkwêntôwin by the City of Edmonton, following a renaming process led by the community league. Students, staff and families of the school were engaged in a meaningful and thorough way during community consultation conducted by the community league, and feel wîhkwêntôwin reflects the values of the school community.

The Board decided to adopt the same name as the community, and the school’s new name was announced on April 9, 2024 at a public Board meeting."