Going into high school is exhilarating and also an opportune time for parents and students to get into schools that give them the best chance at success. It is worth exploring the available options before committing to a specific school. However, exploring the best schools, especially in Adelaide, takes time and can be an intricate operation.
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Several factors should be considered when looking at schools, and the best high school in Adelaide will vary depending on these factors.
Factors to Consider When Exploring the Best High Schools in Adelaide
Several factors influence the ranking of the best schools in Adelaide. Depending on the metrics you focus on, the best high school in Adelaide might differ slightly.
Academic Performance
This is the most common factor used to rank high schools anywhere in the world. The academic performance of a school is the most critical factor for most families. While this is a highly heralded metric, it doesn’t speak to other aspects of the school, like the learning experience and culture. That is why this shouldn’t be the only factor you consider, especially if you want the learner to have a more wholesome experience.
Campus Culture
When looking at the best high schools in Adelaide, you should also research the school’s values and atmosphere, such as whether they use a religion-based curriculum or not. Additionally, students can benefit from a student body that reports high student satisfaction.
Curriculum and Learning Options
Adelaide is flush with schools that have different teaching methodologies and options. You may want a school that adheres to traditional methods. Alternatively, you may want to explore other teaching methods like Montessori.
For gifted students, you may want to consider a school that caters to such exceptional needs with tailored learning programs.
ATAR and NAPLAN
If you have only data to go on, selecting a school with a high Australian Tertiary Admission Ranking (ATAR) can be a good idea.
The ranking reflects a student’s academic performance relative to their peers of the same age who enrolled in similar classes.
It considers specific testing from each state and is applicable nationwide. There’s also the National Assessment Program—Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN), a standardised exam administered across the country for students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9. The purpose of the NAPLAN is to assess the growth and progress of students in each school and ensure they are learning the required material.
Considering that you can compare ATAR and NAPLAN results, you can easily tell whether a school is a keeper by looking at its averages to determine whether it is suitable and meets the level of academic excellence you’re looking for.
If you’re considering looking for a school in Adelaide, your work is cut out for you. But this list can cut down on the task at hand. However, the list doesn’t only focus on academics but other factors that ensure the student has a more holistic experience.
The Best Public High Schools in Adelaide
There are about 125 government high schools in South Australia. Families have several options to choose from, but ultimately, you must choose a school that is close to your home.
When considering public high schools, you should know that they may have less funding and more students enrolled. But, many still provide high-quality education. Your experience with the school will also depend on the learning style and interpersonal relationships of the learner.
Some of the top public high schools in Adelaide include:
Glenunga International High School
Glenunga International High School opened its doors in 1903, claiming the site of a former mining and industry school. The school went through several changes and even called itself the Adelaide Technical High School at one point. After moving to its current location, it became Glenunga High School in 1974.
Today, Glenunga maintains a consistent record of academic excellence. It earned a 100 State Overall score and top marks in English and Maths.
The school offers various educational programs, including the International Baccalaureate, designed to meet the diverse interests and skills of its students. These programs prioritise critical development and thinking, as well as a sense of global responsibility while maintaining a nurturing atmosphere for learning.
Besides its exquisite academic offerings, the school offers numerous extracurricular activities that encourage students to grow personally and build connections with their families.
Marryatville High School
Marryatville High School was established in 1959. It has a rich history of academic excellence and community development. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that emphasises the arts, sciences, and technology.
The school is best known for its innovative programs, including the Special Interest Music Program, which attracts talented students from across the region.
In addition to academics, the school also promotes a range of extracurricular activities, allowing students to explore their interests and develop new skills. Their holistic approach enhances academic performance and nurtures well-rounded individuals ready to contribute positively to society.
The school also commits to excellence and has continued to make it one of the most respected institutions in South Australia.
Mitcham Girls High School
Mitcham Girls High School has also been around for some time. It was founded in 1961 and has built a solid academic reputation and personal growth over the years. The school offers an extensive curriculum that includes a strong focus on STEM, the arts, and humanities, catering to a wide range of student interests.
Mitcham has always performed well in state assessments and showcased its dedication to its students and teachers. The school also emphasises a supportive environment that encourages girls to develop confidence and leadership skills.
The school also offers various extracurricular activities and fosters a well-rounded education, preparing students for future challenges and opportunities.
The Best Private High Schools in Adelaide
If you’re looking for the best education and cost is not a factor, you can consider private schools. There are about 134 non-government and independent high schools in South Australia.
The ranking of private high schools in Adelaide is consistently higher in terms of their state overall scores than public schools. Schools like Pembroke and St. Peter’s Collegiate both earned 100, and none of the top 10 schools in the state rank below 98.
Private and independent schools have a penchant for enhancing the student’s learning experiences through a distinct ethos. For instance, religion-based schools include Religious and Values Education (RaVE) in their programs.
Other institutions may emphasise other areas such as the arts, languages, athletics, or STEM. Also, all independent and private schools cover the eight nationally recognised subjects.
Some of the leading private high schools in Adelaide include the following:
Pembroke School
The Pembroke School was founded in 1979. It has a strong reputation for promoting personal growth and academic success. The school’s curriculum is diverse and focuses on areas like sciences, arts, and languages, allowing students to pursue their interests.
The school has consistently delivered excellent academic results over the years thanks to its dedicated staff and a supportive environment that helps the students develop confidence and leadership qualities.
Pembroke also offers various extracurricular options and aims to build well-rounded individuals prepared for whatever lies ahead.
St Peter’s Collegiate Girls School
St. Peter’s Collegiate Girls School has a strong reputation for academic performance. Most of its students achieve high results in the state assessments. The school encourages a supportive community where girls thrive and build their confidence.
Its dynamic curriculum blends academics with the arts, sports, and personal development. Students can explore various subjects, from science and technology to languages and humanities.
St. Peter’s College
St. Peter’s College’s impressive academic performance speaks volumes as a top performer in Adelaide. Students at the school regularly achieve outstanding results in the state assessment.
However, St. Peter’s College is not all about grades. It focuses on building a vibrant community that cultivates personal growth and character development.
The school encourages students to pursue their interests passionately and makes their time at St. Peter’s both enriching and memorable.
Closing Remarks
That concludes the list of the best schools in Adelaide. While looking for the best school you want to attend in Adelaide is not an easy task, this guide might help cut the work and make it easier to identify a few schools to focus your attention on. However, it would help if you took it upon yourself to thoroughly investigate the schools you’re considering to ensure they have the proper facilities to ensure the best performance of the learner.
