[Duechristmasday]

Does anyone have (or have had) their children at Balwyn High?

Can you give me some feedback? Looking at sending the kids there starting next year and looking for a bit more information about the general feel of the school.

We were considering going private but cannot quite justify the money (we have 5 kids - Ouch) and have already been accepted to 2 schools but are now reconsidering our options. My Dh is hesitant, and I really am not sure why so I wanted to hear some feedback on what your experiences have been like.

[wonder woman]

Unfortunately unless you live in their school zone then you are unlikely to be offered a place there
http://www.balwynhs.vic.edu.au/enrolments.aspx
http://www.boroondara.vic.edu.au/text/rest...chools_af9d.htm

[Divvy]

Academically brilliant.

Community-wise ... not so awesome.

The reality is that a certain cultural group have bought up a lot of the area and send their children to that school. Whilst I have no issue with that, unfortunately it seems that a lot of that cultural group are highly academic-focused without considering how well-rounded the students should be.

Having said that - I know plenty of families of all cultures who are sending their children there, and are very happy to do so.

The other alternatives in the area are also good though (Kew, Koonung) so depending on where you live, they may also be an option. Balwyn is extremely highly zoned, to the extent of refusing children who are out-of-zone by one street. I have heard that they may well expect a rental agreement for at least 12 months, or title documents, to a house in the zone before they will accept an enrolment. Too many people were using friends' addresses to get their children.

[dogged]

I too have heard of the requirement to prove residency either via rates documents or rental agreement.

It has a reputation for excellence, an outstanding arts programme, but at 2000 students is an extremely large school.

OP if you are not in zone, forget it.

[Duechristmasday]

I am in the zone....

Hence wondering how much $30,000 plus per year for private school (times 5 kids) is going to get us above and beyond what is offered at Balwyn High.

edited to add, god only knows where we will find that sort of money..... we might have to sell the house and move..... hence my dilemna. Is the private school education worth that much when you have a great high school up the road?

This post has been edited by Duechristmasday: 04/12/2012, 08:18 PM

[mum850]

with 5 kids... would have to say NO!
Go balwyn high. If for some reason it does not work out you could move the first child and send the second plus to the private school
It would be a nightmare to pay for private for that many kids!!!

[Duechristmasday]

I agree, I just cant imagine how we could possibly survive. If we win tats on the other hand

Could try for scholarships, but does not really solve the problem unless they all get them so that is out of the question.

Other option is to do years 7-10 at Balwyn and then move private for the final two years, but that's a bit mean, especially if they enjoy it there.

[wonder woman]

Academically brilliant.

Community-wise ... not so awesome.

The reality is that a certain cultural group have bought up a lot of the area and send their children to that school. Whilst I have no issue with that, unfortunately it seems that a lot of that cultural group are highly academic-focused without considering how well-rounded the students should be.

+1

Could try for scholarships, but does not really solve the problem unless they all get them so that is out of the question.

Why out of the question? I would always try for them. Accepting an offer is another matter, but having all your kids go to the same school, whilst perhaps not ideal for some, is not necessary.

Other option is to do years 7-10 at Balwyn and then move private for the final two years, but that's a bit mean, especially if they enjoy it there.

They could also apply to go to the selective Melb High and MacRob for yrs 9-12.

[unicycle]

Gosh, if i had five kids and lived in the BLwyn HS zone, I would consider that equal to winning tats lotto. I would be out celebrating. And i'd get to live in an awesome area. For me, a no- brainer- BHS. I am guessing it is not just me jealous of your dilemma.

[Betty_D]

If I was in your position, it would be a no-brainer.

You have five children, and you happen to live in the zone of one of the best (private or otherwise) schools in Melbourne. I would be thanking my lucky stars!

If, down the track, you find that it's not quite the right fit for your children, then obviously you can reconsider it. But many, many people lie and cheat to be in your very fortunate position!