Tingalpa State School's motto has three parts that help explain the school's vision. "Strive to Excel" / "Learning for Life in a Caring Community" / "Strive to Excel" accompanies the school shield. Established in 1873, Tingalpa State School is one of the oldest schools in Brisbane and is 10 km east of the CBD. The words "Strive to Excel" are recognised as symbolising the proud heritage of Tingalpa State School and its community. The words "Strive to Excel" are still very relevant today. They mean having high expectations, setting goals and working diligently to achieve them. Tingalpa State School students are "Striving to Excel" in their school work and a wide range of extra curricula activities that the school provides. Students understand that Striving to Excel is not simple. They need to build their skills, knowledge, values and confidence in an environment that challenges and supports them in their learning. "Learning for Life in a Caring Community" accompanies the tree symbol which is the background to the school shield. This symbol is a stylised version of the trees found in Tingalpa and represents the natural beauty of the area. The tree also represents growth and the words "Learning for Life" is about student growth. Students grow through their learning achievements. Tingalpa State School provides a challenging and engaging teaching and learning program to meet the needs of its students. Lifelong learning is at the heart of this. Together the school and community equip students with the necessary tools to be Lifelong Learner. Children need care just like trees do. A flourishing tree is the product of its environment and Tingalpa students flourish in Tingalpa's Caring Community. Tingalpa prides itself on being a community where people value each other and their environment. Tingalpa State School has a small enough student population for staff to know all the students and large enough for students to have access to many extra-curricula programs in performing arts, academia and a range of sports. The..