Hi there,
I have a colleague who is moving to Melbourne in a couple of months. His wife will be working for a firm in Box Hill while he will be based in our lab close to the Cbd. They are looking to rent in the east, preferably in a good school zone for their 5 and 12 year old kids.
Any recommendations for good schools in that area?
Cheers,
JJB
Ps:What would you do if you were in their shoes?
Thanks but unlikely that would happen. I think at the moment, they are considering Box Hill high and live in Blackburn or Tintern grammar and live in Croydon South.
Eastern Vic like in the title, or Eastern Melbourne?
Sorry, Eastern Melbourne. Edited the title.
i hear theres great schools in Bairnsdale in case you change your mind…
Might be a tad too far☺️
You haven't mentioned whether their preference is public, private or religious.
If they are looking for a Catholic Boys Secondary School, Whitefriars in Donvale has a good reputation. I don't know much about other schools in the eastern suburbs. Xavier College in Kew has a good reputation but might be hard to get into. I think that's boys only unless things have changed. Kew is kind of a good mid point between Box Hill and the CBD but known to be a fairly expensive suburb to live in.
There are plenty of choices in the area. These are my thoughts but without knowing the full family situation I can only give general advice.
There are lots of high rise developments in Box Hill, some commercial and some residential. If the family don't need a back yard, this might be a reasonable option until they figure out what type of home they want.
Do the family members speak any languages in addition to English?
Hi :)
They are opposed to religious education. So it's either public or private for the kids. They are fluent in both English and German.
I don't know if renting in Kew would be in their budget, especially if they want a little backyard for the kids.
Step 1: Look at school rankings
https://bettereducation.com.au/school/Primary/vic/melbourne_…
https://www.goodschools.com.au/compare-schools/search?keywor…
Step 2: Research aspects of the school(s)
e.g. language(s) taught, music programs, etc.
Step 3: Find the catchment area of the school(s)
https://www.findmyschool.vic.gov.au/
[this is the most up-to-date and reliable website; the school websites themselves are often out-of-date]
N.B. Applying for entry into a school if you are out-of-zone is difficult but possible, depending on the school
Step 4: Do a school tour +/- meet the principal
Thank you. Would you say 98 was an acceptable school score?
Anything above 95 is considerably good, IF the kids are good at studies and/or parents are willing to devote time.
Otherwise even 99 or 100 will be $h1t.
Most of the schools in that general area are quite good, although there may be stiff competition in the rental market, as many people rent in Box Hill to get their kids into Box Hill High I believe.
I would look at finding a house that is close to public transport and with an easy commute to the inner city lab - If the lab is Parkville area, consider Freeway express buses, if the lab is Hawthorn/Richmond maybe consider train line.
There is the possibility to move into a rental place in Blackburn which is zoned for both Blackburn Lake PS for the little one and Box Hill High for their eldest. The only problem is that it is a 9 months lease that will not be renewed.
Will the kids still be allowed to attend those schools if the parents can't find accommodation in that area once the lease is up?
Depends on how far east. If inner east, most of the schools are competitive.
If the kid is truly showing potential, they can take the exams for selective schools or a scholarship.
Most important is the parents live where they are comfortable and can spend time with kids instead of in traffic.
Parenting > Schooling
If the kid is truly showing potential
The eldest is academically gifted but dreams of becoming a footy player and playing for the Hawks🙄
Youngest is bilingual and very good at colouring in. He dreams of riding a kangaroo into the sunset to this tune.
Mum's Asian.
Then he should take the test to know for sure if he is gifted.
A lot of people throw that word around.
Try to get them into MacRob for girls or Melbourne High for boys. Box Hill has good transport to the city.