How to choose a Christian School in Brisbane
There are lots of ways to learn about prospective schools, whether through online research, word of mouth or reviews.
However, the best way to find out if the school is right for your child is by visiting the campus, observing students, interacting with teachers/staff and asking questions.
We have compiled a list of questions that will help you make an informed decision:
School’s Christian purpose and mission
The origins of education and first schools in Australia are in Christian and church schools. However, nowadays there are various degrees of faith-based schools. Some are “neutral”, some are associated with a denomination, some purely nominal, and others have been founded by a certain church or run by a group of Christian parents.
It is worth researching the schools origins and how they hold to them, in order to find out if the culture and faith expressed at the school aligns with the environment you want your children to be educated in.
- Do the values taught at the school align with the Christian values you share at home?
- Do other families at school share the Christian values you have at home?
- What opportunities does the school provide to challenge your child academically, spiritually, socially, and physically in a Christian environment?
Academic record
To find out how different schools compare to each other in academic results, there are a number of tests that are available for comparison, including: High school rankings according to Year 12 results; Primary and Secondary school ratings according to NAPLAN.
- How does the school’s academic results compare to other similar schools in the area?
- Does the school encourage or discourage your child to think critically at all arts and sciences from a Biblical perspective?
For further research with results from all schools in Australia, visit the below websites:
Quality teachers
The teachers who will be teaching your child will support, influence and minister to your child. Christian education is about a Christian way of living and learning that extends beyond the classroom and curriculum. In a Christian school environment, teachers will be the role models who will have an eternal influence on your child.
- Does the school provide experienced and qualified Christian teachers?
- Do teachers pray for the students and offer daily devotions?
- What is the ratio of long-term teachers to graduate/provisional teachers?
- Do the teachers care about not just the student, but the child?
Character development
Regardless of academic achievements, career path, sporting success or ministry endeavours, it’s character that is the foundation that they all stand upon.
- Does the school provide opportunities to develop a heart for serving others, practice kindness, discipline, respect, and courtesy?
- Does the school offer local and global mission opportunities?
- What is the schools leadership program?
Nurturing environment
When children feel safe, cared for and nurtured, they thrive. Find out if discipleship and mentorship is an intentional focus at the school.
- What does pastoral care look like at the school?
- What is the schools policy on bullying and conflict resolution?
- How does the school support students with different needs?
Community
The three main influencers in your child’s life will be you (the parent/guardian), the school they attend and their community. If you are moving into a new area, your community and church will be integral in helping you settle. In a healthy school community you will be welcomed and celebrated, and can even be involved as a volunteer parent. It is worth investigating what the community culture at the school is, and if there are ways to get involved.
- What community-building opportunities does the school provide or support?
- Does the school offer opportunities to partner with parents?
- What is the main shared value in the community?
Why a Christian worldview matters
A single hour lesson can teach a student new content, new ideas or even a new lense through which to view the world.
From Prep to Year 12, students spend over 17,000 hours in school. During this time, your child's worldview will be fundamentally shaped.
“Whether conscious or unconscious, every person has some type of worldview. A personal worldview is a combination of all you believe to be true, and what you believe becomes the driving force behind every emotion, decision and action. Therefore it affects your response to every area of life…” — Focus on the Family
When selecting a school, it is important to ask key questions to find out if the schools values and beliefs align with those of your family.
The process of application to a Christian school in Australia
Each school will have its own enrolment process and you will find all the information on the schools website.
Usually, you will:
Tour the school
If possible, visit the school and get a feel for the atmosphere at the school, speak to students, parents, volunteers, or alumni, if available. Ask your questions and get an understanding of what is at the heart of the school. A personal visit might help you choose between a few schools you have on your list.
Review fees and tuition costs. There are a few ways to reduce the cost of private schooling, so ask the Enrolments staff about family or sibling discounts, and bursaries or scholarships.
Submit an application
Research the supporting documents that the school requires as failing to provide these, the application will be considered incomplete. Supporting documents will often include Academic Reports, NAPLAN results, Birth Certificate, Pastor’s Reference, Medical Reports, Court Orders. Usually the application will incur an application fee.
Attend an interview
The purpose of the interview is for the parents and student to meet the school leadership, discuss the application, discuss the school and student expectations, and have the opportunity to ask any clarifying questions. Depending on year level, some schools require exams or test to be completed in order to assess the student’s current academic position.
Receive a Letter of Offer
In most cases, if your application and interview are successful, you will receive a Letter of Offer congratulating you on your place within the school, and providing instructions on how to proceed. A returned signed copy of the Contract is expected before your enrolment is considered complete.
Moving to North Brisbane?
Moving from overseas? Brisbane is a safe city located on the beautiful east coast of Australia, and is the capital of Queensland. Brisbane is a family-friendly city with over 1000 parks and gardens and a rich outdoor culture. Temperatures range from 17-30C in summer and 9-22C in winter.
Situated just an hours drive north of Brisbane is the Sunshine Coast, which hosts a wide array of beaches, national parks, rainforests and attractions like Australia Zoo.
The same distance south of Brisbane will find you in the Gold Coast, filled with more beautiful beaches, wildlife sanctuaries (Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary), and theme parks (Dreamworld, Movieworld, Wet'n'Wild).
Brisbane is one of the most affordable capital cities in Australia to live in. The cost of transport, food and entertainment is average for Australian cities. Brisbane caters for a diverse range of lifestyles and can easily be enjoyed on any budget.
Living costs in Australia
Please see the Queensland Government link for an indicative cost of living and other useful links.
Education in Queensland
The education system in Australia offers one to two years of preparatory schooling with 12 years of formal schooling (K-12).
- Childcare - From age 0 - 3
- Kindy (or Kindergarten) - From age 4 - 5 (please note that this is called Prep in other Australian states)
Compulsory schooling in Queensland is for students aged 6 to 16
- Prep (entry to Primary school) - From age 5-6 (Please note that this is called Kindy in other Australian states)
- Primary School - Prep - Year 6
- Middle School - Years 7 - 9
- Senior School - Years 10-12
Public vs Private schools
In Australia, private schools, also called independent schools, are privately owned and operated while public schools are managed through the Australian government education system.
There are two broad categories of primary/secondary education:
- public schools, also known as government or state schools
- private schools, which can be further subdivided into independent, Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran and other schools.
Alphabetical list of non-government (private) high schools and colleges in Brisbane.
Useful websites
Websites to research Christian Schools in Brisbane:
Northside Christian College
Northside Christian College is as an independent (private) Christian School that offers Prep to Year 12, as well as providing an onsite Christian Kindergarten (Next Steps Kindy).
We aim provide Christian families with affordable education, including generous sibling discounts. You can read about our fees here.