Village School chooses to be an independent, secular and non-denominational primary school, having no specific affiliations with any other educational establishment or educational system.
We are a co-educational school providing an alternative to mainstream education, where children have a voice and participate in decision-making and the running of the school.
We also take a flexible approach to learning, focusing on the process of learning and creating a lifelong love of learning, and giving children freedom and responsibility for their learning journey.
About our school
The Village School moved to its present site in 1985.
It sits on 8 acres near Brushy Creek in Croydon North (a North Eastern suburb of Melbourne, Australia).
The school usually has between 75 – 85 students, with typically four or five home groups each year.
One teacher and one learning support staff work with no more than 20 students in each classroom, which usually is a mixture of grade levels: e.g. part-time preps and preps together, ones and twos together etc.
We have a good sized hall which is used for performing arts lessons, some sport activities and whole school get-togethers.
Other extra spaces are the library, the STEAM room and the outdoor classroom.
The gazebo at the front of the school provides a good meeting place for after school for both parents and children, and is also the site of our weekly stalls.
The grounds are extensive and contain a wetlands area at the front that is sometimes used under supervision for environmental activities.
The remainder of the property is for the children’s play and there is playground equipment, a trampoline and lots of cubby building spaces.
There is also a farm enclosure for the chickens and four paddocks in which the horses are housed.
Not your average private school
By choosing to be an independent private school, with no affiliations or relationships with other schools or systems, we are free to make the choices that best serve our mission.
We offer a clear alternative to mainstream education, with our joint focus on experiential learning and academics, combined with democratic schooling and flexible learning.
Our students are expected to take responsibility for the learning process, and are given the freedom to pursue individual interests and abilities, within the classroom framework.
To us, developing life skills, social and emotional skills and individual gifts and talents is just as important as covering the basics, and we believe that learning happens naturally when activities are engaging and relevant.
Learn more about our school below.
Principal’s Message Our aim is that each child leaves Village School with the belief that they have the ability and the means to make real choices about their futures. Read more »
Our Vision and Mission We aim to create a school where children are valued and heard, that balances academics with real life experiences, in order to prepare children for life. Read more »
Our History Village School has been in operation since 1982, and although it has evolved over the years, it has successfully maintained its original democratic vision. Read more »
Strategic Plan Through our strategic and school improvement plans, we continue to fulfil our mission to inspire our students to become resourceful, independent learners. Read more »
Staff Our teachers love watching their students learn and grow, and are also willing to give children the freedom to take charge of their learning journey. Read more »
Our School Board The business operations of Village School are overseen by the school board, which is made up of members of the community, parents and school staff. Read more »
Annual Reports Our annual report details the performance of Village School over the preceding year, and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the vision of our school. Read more »
Reviews of Village School Read reviews and testimonials that our parents and students have shared with us over the years about their experience at Village School. Read more »
Gallery A picture is worth a thousand words. Discover everyday life at Village School through our amazing picture collections. Read more »