Van Zant School was opened in September, 1968. It cost 620,000 dollars to build! The first principal of Van Zant was Dr. Jean Ricketts. The first PTA President was Mrs. Helen Rinier and the first PTA meeting was held on Monday, September 9, 1968. The new Van Zant School had 23 teachers, 5 Special Teachers and 670 students. Students attended school at Van Zant from 9:00 AM to 3:05 PM. The first Back to School Night for parents was held on October 14, 1968.

The dedication ceremony for Van Zant School took place on October 6, 1968 with a laying of the cornerstone to be opened in 2068. It contains, a picture of J. Harold Van Zant, an envelope with a list of the 1968 faculty, parchment paper of all the PTA charter members and a Board of Education envelope. The ceremony included a band, directed by Mr. Robert Sperling and a special introduction address by Mr. William Maynard, the Superintendent of the Marlton schools at that time. Two pin oak trees were also planted during the ceremony, near the flagpole.

In September of 2000 Van Zant School opened a new fourth grade wing which is dedicated to Mrs. Helen Rinier, its first PTA President.

As of September, 2001, Van Zant School is happy to announce that there will be no more "heat waves" going through our school! For the first time, Van Zant students and staff will enjoy air conditioning throughout the entire school