Alternative Schools in Brisbane

Choosing which school your child will attend is perhaps one of the most important decisions you will make regarding their education, whether it be primary school or secondary school.

While most children attend mainstream school, a growing number of families are looking for alternative education options. This may be because parents are seeking out specific educational philosophies, or it may be for their children who aren’t thriving in these traditional educational environments. Alternative schools aim to provide a different way of learning so that all children can access quality education regardless of their abilities and how best they learn.

What is An Alternative School?

Alternative schools are still schools though they differ in a few ways from other mainstream educational facilities. Sometimes they uniquely deliver the Australian curriculum, as is the case for Steiner and Montessori schools. Often, they deliver non-traditional curriculum using various teaching models, which are not always available in typical educational settings.

1. Montessori schools: These schools focus on self-directed learning and hands-on activities, and are based on the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori.
2. Steiner schools: These schools, also known as Waldorf schools, are based on the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, and focus on the holistic development of the child.
3. Alternative high schools: These non-government schools may offer a more flexible curriculum or a more relaxed learning environment for students who may have difficulty in traditional schools. Class sizes are often smaller, providing a more favourable student-to-teacher ratio, allowing individual students to learn at their own pace and thrive in various alternative education programs.
4. Distance education schools: These schools offer education through online or correspondence course for students who for some reason can’t attend school physically

Sometimes, private schools and independent schools in the state system can offer alternative educational pathways. This resource intends to be helpful to parents who are seeking help outside the government and private school systems.

Who Can Attend an Alternative School?

It depends on the type of alternative school you are looking for. In the case of Monstesorri and Steiner educational facilities, it is up to the parent to apply via an admissions program. Sometimes these schools will have tuition fees and waiting lists.

Other alternative schools exist as an option for young people who aren’t thriving in mainstream schools and are at risk of withdrawing entirely from schooling. This could be because of disruptive behaviour, truancy, safety concerns and other personal challenges. Or perhaps mainstream schooling is not the right fit for that particular child. This is also covered by distance education, which offers a virtual alternative to campus-based education.

If you are looking at other school options for your child, we have provided this handy list of alternative schools in Brisbane and the surrounding areas for you to consider.

Alternative Primary Schools in Brisbane

Birali Steiner School                            

Address: 670 Beachmere Road, Beachmere

Year Level: Prep – Class 9 (in 2022)

Website: https://biralisteiner.qld.edu.au/

The Birali Steiner School provides a broad, holistic education based on the work of Rudolph Steiner, intending to educate those who attend through thinking (head), feeling (heart) and willing (hands). To assist this process and maintain strong relationships, teachers at Steiner schools aim to remain with the same class for many years. The class teacher is responsible for delivering pastoral care and core curriculum via routines involving morning verse, morning circle and a ‘main lesson.’ In addition to this, specialist teachers provide language and music lessons to primary school children.

Brisbane School of Distance Education

Address: Virtual

Year Level: P-12

Website: https://brisbanesde.eq.edu.au/

Brisbane School of Distance Education has offered an alternative off-campus educational option since 1992. Their mission is to provide highly engaging learning opportunities for each student with a focus on Innovation, Inspiration and Inclusion.

Caboolture Montessori School

Address: 200 Old Gympie Road, Caboolture

Year Level: Toddler group (from 15mths) to Year 6

Website: https://www.cms.qld.edu.au/

Children at the Caboolture Montessori School are centre of their education with an aim to ‘to promote positive, peaceful learning.’ Fully aligned with the Australian National Curriculum the school delivers education via the renowned Montessori Method. According to this scientifically proved method, children learn best through movement and interaction with their environment, while being responsible for their own learning and actions. Differences between Caboolture Montessori School and other mainstream schools include multi-age classes, individualised curriculum, use of sensory didactic materials, uninterrupted learning and self-regulated discipline.

Read our review of Caboolture Montessori School here. 

Samford Valley Steiner School

Address: 5 Narrawa Drive, Wights Mountain

Year Level: Pre-Prep – Year 12

Website: https://www.samfordsteiner.qld.edu.au/

Set on 20 acres of natural bushland in Samford Valley, the Samford Valley Steiner School values ‘excellence in education based on honesty, tolerance, reverence, responsibility and hard work.’ Like other Steiner Schools, the same class teacher aims to stay with the class for the entirety of their primary schooling, forging trusting and positive relationships with the student. Education throughout the primary years is non-competitive, with no grades given, rather a detailed evaluation of each child is given. A ‘main lesson’ forms the first few hours of learning each day and is dedicated to the same topic or theme over a period of three or four weeks.

Read our review of Samford Valley Steiner School here. 

Alternative High Schools in Brisbane

Arethusa College      

Address: Multiple campuses – Deception Bay, Forest Lake, West End, Windsor, Spring Hill, Springwood, Maroochydore 

Year Level: Years 7 – 12

Website: https://www.arethusa.qld.edu.au/

Arethusa College, boasting multiple campuses across Brisbane (but with a small school approach), aims to create a positive school community which facilitates ‘real connections, real learning and real futures.’ The College has a flexible approach to education, offering alternative programs and vocational pathways to those who attend. Additional programs on offer include the Arethusa Sports Academy and the Adventure Academy, both of which utilise a significant component of hands-on and real-world learning to support with a positive outcome. 

Birali Steiner School                          

Address: 670 Beachmere Road, Beachmere

Year Level: Prep – Class 9 (in 2022)

Website: https://biralisteiner.qld.edu.au/

The Birali Steiner School provides a broad, holistic education based on the work of Rudolph Steiner, with the aim to educate those who attend through thinking (head), feeling (heart) and willing (hands). High school students will experience a vast range of learning which can be explored in depth with the support of Specialist Subject Teachers. Teachers providing this education aim to strike a positive balance between all areas of development.

Brisbane School of Distance Education

Address: Virtual

Year Level: P-12

Website: https://brisbanesde.eq.edu.au/

Brisbane School of Distance Education has offered an alternative off-campus educational option since 1992. Their mission is to provide highly engaging learning opportunities for each student with a focus on Innovation, Inspiration and Inclusion.

Carinity Education Southside

Address: 153 Lister Street, Sunnybank 

Year Level: Years 7 -12

Website: https://carinity.qld.edu.au/southside/enrol/

Carinity Education Southside is an independent, all-girls school that offers a flexible learning environment for young girls. A specialised transition program provides a gentle introduction to the school, while small class sizes, the provision of lunch and the availability of complementary services aims to support the wellbeing of the student. A subsidised early learning centre is also available for young mothers attending the school.

Humanitas High School

Address: 93 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley

Year Level: Years 7, 8 and 9 (in 2023)

Website: https://www.humanitashighschool.org.au/

Officially opened in 2021, Humanitas High School is a small, but growing high school where students are the main drivers of their learning in a democratic and project focused environment. Multi-age classes, with a strong emphasis on self-directed learning, student well-being and community connection, makes Humanitas High School unique.

The school aims to encourages lifelong learning and community interaction, though core curriculum offerings, collaborative community projects and individual in-depth projects.

Hubbard’s School      

Address: Level 1/15 Lang Parade, Milton

Year Level: Year 10 – 12 (Prerequisite – completion of Year 9)                           

Website: https://hubbards.qld.edu.au/

The Hubbard’s School prides itself on offering unique academic pathways for senior school students in a flexible learning environment. Students are only required to attend their chosen lessons (no extracurricular activities), whilst working at their own pace to achieve their academic goals, which may include ATAR or QCE.

The entry level (Senior Preparatory Year) covers the foundation’s skills from Year 10 and 11, allowing students to catch up and fast-track their academic studies in English, Mathematics and Science. Following this, students can complete the Senior School Program (usually over two years).

Queensland Pathways State College (QPSC)

Address: Multiple campuses – Bracken Ridge, Mount Gravatt, Coorparoo, Bundamba, and Goodna.

Year Level: Year 10 – 12

Website: https://qpsc.eq.edu.au/

Queensland Pathways State College (QPSC) aims to supports students who have become disengaged from mainstream schooling. The College offers a senior transition program for 15 – 17 year old’s, where students attend the College four days a week, and engage in TAFE at Schools programs, work experience or other training one day a week.

To assist all students there is a focus on social, emotional, work and life skills, as well as standard literacy and numeracy subjects. Students attending QPSC can also work toward achieving a QCE.

Samford Valley Steiner School

Address: 5 Narrawa Drive, Wights Mountain

Year Level: Pre-Prep – Year 12

Website: https://www.samfordsteiner.qld.edu.au/

Set on 20 acres of natural bushland in Samford Valley, the Samford Valley Steiner School values ‘excellence in education based on honesty, tolerance, reverence, responsibility and hard work.’ The high school strives to explore a range of academic subjects in a cohesive and creative way, under the guidance of a Class Guardian and other specialist teachers. 

As student’s progress through high school, they will also have the opportunity to take part in VET courses, outdoor education, student exchange programs and a senior research project.

Read our review of Samford Valley Steiner School here. 

YMCA Vocational Schools     

Address: Multiple campuses – Acacia Ridge, Kingston, Bundamba, Ipswich, Mango Hill, North Lakes, Victoria Point

Year Level: Year 7 – Year 12

Website: https://www.ymcabrisbane.org/services/vocational-school

YMCA Vocational schools are popping up everywhere. The school aims to provide an ‘adjusted’ education program to secondary school students, supporting their needs via three core elements – academic, vocational and wellbeing.

One of the main focuses at the YMCA Vocational school is enhancing students personal and practical skills, while growing confidence, positively influencing school attendance and helping the young person to reach their full potential. The holistic YMCA Vocation School’s Body, Mind & Spirit program is another way to support this learning and the development of each student.

You might also be interested in reading our resource about what to do if your child is thinking or dropping out of school and how ATAR scores are not the end of world.