Local people have said it was only a matter of time before Braeview Academy was set on fire.
The school was “extensively damaged” after a blaze took hold on Tuesday night, which lasted into the early hours of Wednesday.
The school will be closed as the full extent of the damage is assessed.
It is believed the building may be salvaged but tests are still being carried out.
Police Scotland has appealed for witnesses who may have seen anything “suspicious” to come forward.
People who live nearby were not surprised the school caught fire, with many saying they have made numerous calls to the emergency services because of fires started in the nearby Middleton Woods – particularly in an area known locally as ‘Tarzan Hill’.
One resident said his younger brother, who attends the school, was “gutted” when he heard the news.
The man, who asked not to be named, said: “My brother gets a lot of support from the school and has been doing really well since he moved there. He was gutted when he heard the news and is worried.
“The second I heard the news I thought it was more likely to be deliberately started. I hope not, though.”
The aftermath of last night’s fire at Breaview Academy. pic.twitter.com/gqdaI83cW2
— Scott Milne (@C_Smilne) September 12, 2018
Several people living on the periphery of the woods have had to chain their bins to fences to prevent them being stolen and burnt.
A resident in The Hazels, who also asked not to be named, said: “It has been going on for a few years now.
“I have seen my own bin there all burnt out.”
Isabel MacKenzie, who has lived in The Elms for 17 years, said: “I went out with my dogs and it looked like disco lights in the sky.
“There have been a lot of deliberate fires in the area and they are putting the houses at risk. We were lucky the wind was blowing away from us.
“I’ve had it up to my fence in the past and had to put it out myself.
“I’ve had to call the fire service so many times that I wasn’t surprised when I saw the lights. I was surprised when I heard it was the school, but it was only a matter of time with the amount that happen here.”
Ali Henderson, who lives in Ballumbie Gardens, said: “I could see the fire from upstairs. It was quite horrific. If the winds had been what it was like the night before it could have come precariously close to our house.
“I am glad that no one was injured. There’s been a lot of fires in the area.”
Dundee City Council were in discussions “within hours” of the fire to draw up a contingency plan for the Braeview’s 570 pupils. They will be sent to other schools in the meantime.
A council spokesman said: “We are working hard to create a bespoke timetable for the coming weeks, using other school accommodation in the city.
“Putting that in place will take some time, and unfortunately means Braeview pupils will remain at home this week and into next.”
An update on the timetable will be issued on Friday.
Staff from Tesco Kingsway delivered coffees for police and fire crews posted at the school on Wednesday morning and pledged to help the school with pencils and other stationary if needed.
A fire engine has left the scene at Breaview Academy. pic.twitter.com/6mE90gZmoO
— Scott Milne (@C_Smilne) September 12, 2018
Inspector Chris Boath of Police Scotland, said: “The building was extensively damaged and enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the fire. A joint investigation with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will take place in due course.
“Thankfully, no one was injured as a result of the fire.
“We are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area around the time of the fire or anyone who witnessed anything suspicious to come forward.”
