Adelaide is lucky to have a number of outstanding Independent, Private and Catholic schools. Whether you are looking for all boys, all girls or co-ed, you are sure to find a private school in Adelaide to suit your child – after all, where to send your child to school is a huge decision!
Some private schools in Adelaide have classes from Reception to Year 12 (or some even from birth with on-site Early Learning Centres), some are only Primary Schools and some are only High Schools. You’ll find Adelaide private schools that specialise in specific learning areas, have amazing extra-curricular opportunities or can provide personalised support for your child through special learning programs.
Maybe you live in regional South Australia and want to send you child to a private school in Adelaide that has a boarding house attached? We have those too! Most of all, everyone wants to send their child to a school where they will be supported, nurtured and encouraged in their learning. Have a look below for some of our top picks of Adelaide private schools.
St Catherine’s School, Stirling
Nestled just two minutes from the freeway in the picturesque village of Stirling, St Catherine’s School provides quality co-education in a serene and expansive environment where young minds flourish.The five-acre campus features lush gardens, mature trees, and ample space for exploration, including a large oval, forest areas, and dedicated nature play zones. These natural surroundings offer the perfect backdrop for Reception to Year 6 students to engage in outdoor learning and develop a deep appreciation for the environment.
St Catherine’s School believes that education extends beyond the classroom walls. The school’s commitment to sustainability and hands-on learning is demonstrated through its Kitchen Garden Program, where students cultivate vegetable patches, care for chickens in “Cluckingham Palace,” and undertake sustainability initiatives to care for the environment. By integrating these activities with the Australian Curriculum, St Catherine’s fosters practical skills and environmental stewardship, ensuring that quality teaching comes to life in meaningful ways.
What truly sets St Catherine’s apart is its close-knit and inclusive community. The school prides itself on knowing each child by heart, creating a nurturing atmosphere where every student feels a sense of belonging. Dedicated staff work collaboratively with families to support student well-being and deliver high-quality education tailored to individual needs.
Families are warmly invited to discover more about what makes St Catherine’s School special by joining a school tour. It’s an opportunity to experience firsthand the vibrant learning environment and strong community spirit that define the school.
St Raphael’s School, Parkside
A Bright and Inspired Start – our promise
St Raphael’s School in Parkside offers a holistic educational approach that centers on fostering a love of reading, implementing child-centered learning, and developing the whole child. By emphasising literacy through innovative programs like Playberry and MultiLit, the school cultivates a passion for books while providing personalised education that caters to individual student needs. Beyond strong academics, St Raphael’s nurtures students through comprehensive programs in sports, music, arts, social-emotional learning, and community service.
The school’s commitment to a “bright and inspired start” is evident in its cutting-edge programs, which include advanced numeracy instruction, coding and robotics classes, and integration of emerging technologies like Virtual Reality, 3D Printing, and Augmented Reality. St Raphael’s warm, welcoming community is consistently cited by parents as one of its greatest strengths, fostered through regular community events, an active Friends and Parents Committee, and a strong pastoral care program.
With a future-focused approach, St Raphael’s teaches critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, communication, and adaptability. The school’s emphasis on digital literacy and responsible technology use prepares students for an ever-changing world. By combining these elements, St Raphael’s School inspires students with the building blocks for a bright future, setting them on a path for lifelong success and learning.
St Columba College
St Columba College is a co-educational school in Andrews Farm, committed to unlocking your child’s potential through innovative education and a strong focus on student wellbeing from Reception to Year 12.
The Junior campus provides a caring and nurturing environment, where teachers create a safe and comfortable place for your child to thrive. They know each child for who they are and how unique they may be and personalise their learning to work to their strengths.
In the Middle and Senior years, students are encouraged to explore a diverse curriculum and leadership opportunities that will ignite a passion for a particular area of interest. They will prepare by uncovering their own pathway, discovering areas such as STEM and specialist lessons tailored to their learning needs. The College has recently completed its $20M redevelopment of the Middle School campus, including a brand-new building for students in Years 6 – 12.
The College’s Student Life Program provides the environment for students to succeed beyond the classroom through a broad and enriching co-curricular program, developing character, teamwork and life-long skills.
St Columba College is ready to welcome your daughter or son to an environment that cares about children and gives them the greatest opportunity to reach their true potential. Register for a College Tour and discover what St Columba College can offer for their future. For tour bookings and enrolment enquires, visit www.stcolumba.sa.edu.au or contact the Enrolment Officer on 8254 0600.
Nazareth Catholic Community
Nazareth Catholic Community is a place of welcome and connection; a place where everyone belongs. Our aim is to engage with families across the whole-of-life journey. From precious newborns through to wise seniors, and everyone in between, we are creating communities of faith, learning and wellbeing.
Spanning across multiple campuses and sites on Kaurna land in the western suburbs of Adelaide, Nazareth Catholic Community incorporates an Early Childhood Centre, Reception to Year 12 College, and a variety of community engagement programs.
We provide learning that is holistic, inclusive, lifegiving, and lifelong. Our promise is that students will find their chosen pathway and graduate knowing they matter absolutely, have the power to make the world a better place and influence positive change.
Families are at the heart of our faith and learning environment and we are committed to building community through nourishing family life. It’s not just students who get to experience what Nazareth has to offer, as we coordinate a range of programs and initiatives to support and celebrate all members of our community including early learners, graduates, parents, seniors and friends.
Experience our community for yourself. For tours and enrolment, visit www.nazareth.org.au
Good Shepherd Lutheran School – Para Vista
Nestled in the Northeastern suburbs of Para Vista, Good Shepherd are proud to offer an integrated educational journey that spans from Early Learning to Year 6 and collaborates with Endeavour College Mawson Lakes to provide a seamless transition all the way through to Year 12.
Their unique and holistic educational approach, strong Faith promoting the good news of Jesus Christ, purpose-built facilities, passionate and dedicated teachers, and strong partnerships with families makes them a cornerstone of educational excellence in the community with facilities designed to enhance the learning journey, providing a nurturing space for academic and personal growth where both students and staff enjoy the benefits of working in a superbly well-resourced, comfortable, and safe environment.
Good Shepherd Lutheran School Para Vista warmly invites you to join them for one of their regularly scheduled Principal’s Tours. You will meet with Principal Evie Stevens, hear about her vision for learners, and witness for yourself the students’ engagement in rich learning experiences within their vibrant and inclusive environment.
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