Private Schools in Sydney: Choosing the Right School for Your Child

If you're a parent in Sydney, you'll know how frequently schools crop up in conversation. We're blessed with some seriously outstanding schools in this city which means there's a school out there for every type of child. 

Private Schools in Sydney: Choosing the Right School for Your Child

It's no secret that schools differ widely in their focus, philosophy, activities, staffing, and costs. Choosing the right school goes beyond the private vs. public debate, as there are many factors to consider. In Sydney, we're lucky to have an incredibly high standard of education with a wide variety of options available.

Finding the best school to match your child's interests and abilities often means visiting schools, exploring their facilities, and talking with staff and principals. This effort ensures you make an informed decision that suits your child's needs.

Factors to Consider

While priorities will of course differ from family to family, there are some really important, universal things to consider when choosing a school for your child. These include the school's values and philosophies, the curriculum, student services and care, class sizes/structure, academic performance, grounds and facilities, access to transport, costs, extra-curricular opportunities and more.

Spotlight on Private Schools in Sydney

Meriden

Meriden is one of Sydney’s top independent schools, providing a high-quality and balanced education for young women. Known for its consistently outstanding academic performance, Meriden offers a wide range of sports, music, and co-curricular opportunities. Students enjoy access to modern technology and state-of-the-art facilities, along with special programs tailored for exceptional musical talents and emerging elite athletes.

Student well-being is at the heart of Meriden’s community and culture. Their proactive care model ensures each student is known individually and supported through a comprehensive pastoral care program, Chaplaincy staff, and a school counsellor. 

This school best suits: girls who desire a holistic education.

German International School

The German International School Sydney is truly unique with an international mindset, offering the esteemed IB program for students in Year 11 and Year 12. They have maintained a remarkable 100% pass rate for over 10 years. Individuality is celebrated here, with no uniform requirements allowing students to express themselves freely.

Academically, GISS is one of the top schools on the Northern Beaches, consistently ranking in the top three for NAPLAN results in both primary and secondary levels. Many Australian families choose the school, not just those with German heritage because they value the immersive approach to teaching foreign languages offered at GISS. Unlike the standard two hours per week, the curriculum deeply integrates language learning, fostering a love for different languages among the students.

This school best suits: academic children with a passion for languages

The McDonald College

The McDonald College is a vibrant, non-denominational, co-educational school for Years K-12, located in the inner west suburb of North Strathfield.

Specialising in performing arts and elite sports—such as acting, ballet, dance, music, musical theatre, and elite tennis—the school allows students to perfect their craft while engaging in a diverse curriculum that leads to the NSW HSC.

The McDonald College firmly believes that performance and creativity not only enhance academic achievement but also foster the development of exceptional individuals. As a performing arts school, it offers unique opportunities and programs that equip students with powerful communication skills, applicable to a wide range of careers. The college takes pride in its legacy of successful students, which stands as a testament to its distinctive approach and philosophy.

This school best suits: girls and boys with a passion for art, creativity and performance. 

Currambena

Empowering young minds with progressive education and democratic values, Currambena nurtures confident, compassionate learners ready to thrive in a dynamic world. Located on Cammeraygal land on Sydney’s North Shore, Currambena is a democratic school offering a truly child-centred education for pre- and primary school children.

Established 55 years ago and grounded in strong research, Currambena is a leader in innovative educational thinking. Their holistic approach to learning features a flexible curriculum that emphasises both life skills and academic achievement, and every child receives the attention they need to flourish academically and emotionally. The primary school is registered by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and adheres to the NESA curricula. 

Here, learning is an exciting journey where children are encouraged to explore, question, and discover at their own pace. With small class sizes and a personalised approach, Currambena creates a nurturing environment where each child’s unique talents and interests are celebrated, fostering a lifelong love for learning. Research shows that this environment promotes long-term enthusiasm for learning and holistic development.

Through a dynamic blend of stage-based learning and democratic principles, students emerge as empowered, resilient and self-assured individuals ready to embrace future challenges. For a warm, inclusive community and the chance to embark on a journey of lifelong learning and growth, look no further! If your interest is piqued—why not check out a Currambena information morning? 

This school best suits: children who desire a holistic and innovative educational experience.

International Grammar School

International Grammar School Sydney is a truly unique independent, coeducational, secular school offering top-notch education for early learning, primary, and high school students through to Year 12, all located in the vibrant heart of the city. Here's what makes this renowned Sydney school stand out.

International Grammar School combines local roots with a global outlook, which shines through in its impressive language programs. IGS offers a bilingual education enriched with music and the arts, with the opportunity to learn a second language starting from preschool to Year 12—an exceptional feature that sets the school apart.

The school's motto, "Unity through Diversity," encapsulates its core values: diversity, personal achievement, connectedness, vibrancy, and authenticity. These principles form the foundation of the school community and create an environment where children can truly thrive.

This school best suits: creative children with a passion for languages.

Lycée Condorcet de Sydney

Lycée Condorcet de Sydney (LCS) is an international French school dedicated to providing students with a world-class education in an international setting, enabling them to graduate as bilingual French-English global citizens.

LCS offers a comprehensive curriculum for children aged 3 to 18 in both French and English. As part of the global network of French schools abroad, LCS adheres to the principles and values of educational excellence 'à la française', which includes undertaking the esteemed International Baccalaureate. 

Students from diverse backgrounds and various parts of the world come to LCS to receive a high-quality, well-rounded education in a uniquely French yet multicultural environment.

This school best suits: academic children who wish to become bilingual in French and English.

More Reading for Parents

Where to Use Your Active Kids Vouchers in 2024
Are Private Schools Really Better Than Public Schools?
Lost in Translation? Decoding the Secret Language of Gen Z

Have you signed up for our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!