It’s not uncommon to see parents courting anxiety whenever it’s time to enrol their kid to a new school. Whether it’s your only child or the next, it never gets easier because each kid is different. So, to help you out, we’ve outlined the top ranking schools in Sunshine Coast.
Search for the best school in Sunshine Coast for your child here.
Primary School
Primary education gives children a significant boost during their early development. It helps establish good social and academic foundations that make for an easier transition to the next stage. With that said, here are the Sunshine Coast’s best primary schools.
Buderim Mountain State School
Buderim Mountain State School has a century-long history in honing the attitude, academic skills and social wellbeing of young students is virtually unmatched. It’s also one of the largest primary schools in Sunshine Coast with over 14-acres of school ground to boot. Some notable facilities in Buderim include a heated 25-metre swimming pool, multiple playgrounds, a couple of tennis courts and a sizable track and oval. All classrooms in Buderim are air-conditioned thanks to the funding project led by the students’ families and school community. The school follows the Australian curriculum which is complemented by a wide range of extra-curricular programs in music, digital technology and sports.
Glenview State School
The picturesque Moolalah River Valley is home to Glenview, which has made a name for itself across Queensland for its engaging and supportive school community. The school runs an ACARA-aligned (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority) curriculum that is reinforced by a variety of activities and programs in social awareness, leadership and collaboration. Glenview is also a popular destination for students who are looking to further their talent in music and dance. The school is proudly represented by its Junior Dance Troupe, the beginner and concert bands for instrumental music and the Glenview school choir.
Mooloolaba State School
Mooloolaba State School is among the longest-standing educational institutions in all of Sunshine Coast. The school employs the Australian Curriculum with an increased focus on the development of numeracy and literacy knowledge. The state school also has a strong policy on the integration of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) to accelerate learning and improve individual engagement in a meaningful way. Mooloolaba operates two choirs: Nightingales and Bella Voce. The former is for Years 3, 4 and 5 and the latter caters to Year 5 and 6 students. The school also boasts extra-curricular sporting programs in swimming, cross country and athletics.
Sunshine Beach State School
The Sunshine Beach State School on the western boundary of Noosa National Park caters to a diverse, multicultural student populace who are mostly hailing from Noosa Heads, Sunshine Beach, Sunrise Beach and Peregian. SBSS earned its Glasser Quality School accreditation in 2003, making it the first Australian school to receive such recognition. The school uses the Australian Curriculum for primary studies and provides a rich set of co-curricular programs for health and physical education and music.
Mapleton State School
Mapleton State School‘s students mainly attend from Mapleton itself and local districts, as well as nearby rural residential areas of Kondalilla, Flaxton, Dulong and Kureelpa via its own bus service. The school works to enhance its implementation of the Australian Curriculum by using curriculum related excursions, incursions and camps; club activities; and inter-school sporting programs. ICT is also a key component in the school’s program as demonstrated by the availability of interactive whiteboards and a set of iPads for each teaching block, as well as cloud-based academic exercises and lessons.
High School
Secondary education is one of Australia’s strong suits, even among international students. As such, there are plenty of established high schools in Sunshine Coast that are definitely worth checking out.
Noosa District State High School
The co-educational Noosa District State High School assigns its Years 7 and 8 at the Pomona Campus and Years 9 to 12 at the Cooroy Campus, both in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. The school implements evidence and research based teaching practices (Effective Pedagogy) across all levels and is known for signature programs in writing, STEM, design and innovation and physical education. Noosa District SHS is also famous for its innovative extra-curricular programs that include the international 4×4 Technology and F1 in Schools STEM Challenge. There is also ATHENA which is an advanced STEM immersion program for girls.
Matthew Flinders Anglican College
Matthew Flinders Anglican College has recently been recognised nationally as the ‘Primary School of the Year (Non-Government) in the 2023 Australian Education Awards. The school also boasts an established academic reputation and signature programs in advanced mathematics, music and sports via the Flinders Elite Athlete Program. Some of the notable facilities in Flinders are the state-of-the-art Flinders Performance Centre and the 25-metre Flinders Aquatic Centre. Co-curricular opportunities at Flinders are offered across sport, music, creative arts, community service, leadership, outdoor activities and performance arts.
St Andrew’s Anglican College
St Andrew is an award winning Independent private school for Prep to Year 12. The school implements a student-centric approach that takes shape in personalised engagements like focus student conversations, career and pathway interviews and guidance, surveys and experience days, enrichment and extension opportunities, traineeships, co-curricular activities and tutoring. St Andrew’s also boasts a FINA accredited 50-metre swimming pool, an international-sized Rugby field, a multi-purpose indoor recreational centre and other multi-purpose courts and playing fields.
Sunshine Coast Grammar School
Sunshine Coast Grammar School is co-educational, Christian school for Prep to Year 12. The school’s secondary education program is focused on developing skills and passion in innovation, creativity, collaboration and problem solving. This is enhanced by the Grammar School’s integration of digital tools to accelerate learning and feedback cycles. Students are also afforded quality co-curricular opportunities in multiple art disciplines, sports and music. The school also offers international tours with varying themes on academics, social and cultural awareness and performance arts.
Good Shepherd Lutheran College (Noosaville)
Good Shepherd Lutheran College is a Christian college serving Noosa and surrounding districts. The school is proud to welcome students to its range of state-of-the-art facilities including a swimming pool, HPE Centre, theatrette, tennis and basketball courts and school chapel. Middle years in Good Shepherd enjoy an amplified focus on arts and technology, while students in Senior Years are provided with more flexibility through the school’s expansive senior education program. All levels from Prep to Year 12 are offered quality co-curricular opportunities in academics, sports and the arts.
Choosing the Best School in Sunshine Coast For Your Child
Whichever Sunshine Coast school you send your child into, the important thing is knowing for sure that the community and educational system are able to resonate with your kid’s immediate needs, strengths or interests. Also, along with our lists and reviews, don’t forget to consider community feedback and recent news or activity related to any prospective school.
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