[TerryLee]

My DD is starting school next year and we are looking for a good primary school around the area where we live.

All schools in that area seems to be ok, and I have heard the same from the parents nearby (only about
Waitara/Horsnsby South/North schools, not about Wahroonga PS). MySchools website also favoraubly puts each of these school into top 95% schools in NSW.

As we are renting, we are ok to move a bit to get closer to a better school, but so far it is not clear which one is better, because they all seems to be good enough...

Would be much obliged if you can you share your opinions please, whether if you live in the area or has faced a similar choice in the past.

Thank you.

[TiredbutHappy]

I think Warrawee Public and the Bush School have very good reputations, but that was from research I did a few years ago when we were looking at moving up there.

[TerryLee]

I think Warrawee Public and the Bush School have very good reputations, but that was from research I did a few years ago when we were looking at moving up there.

I have heard a good things about Bush School in Wahroonga too, but my understanding is that it is a good environment to study, but not necessarily good academical-wise, that is the academical results of the child in that school might not be better than in the others.

[sparassidae]

We spent four years living in Hornsby (2008-2011) and had children at Hornsby South and Waitara (eldest went to OC). Both great schools, they did a great job academically extending, offered plenty of extra curricula stuff including fantastic band programs. Friendly atmosphere, dealt with special needs well. No problems at all with either of those schools.

[red_squirrel]

All of those schools are excellent schools. Their open days should be coming up in the next few months, are you able to get along to them?
That way you get a better 'feel' for the school.
Some have bigger playgrounds than others, some are on or near major roads, so these things may be a factor.
It may come down to where you are able to rent that will be the decider.

[Nina09]

We are zoned for Hornsby south and will be sending DD there in 2015.I have a friend with 2 kids at Hornsby north and she has some concerns about the size (6 kindy classes). In saying that though Hornsby south might be creeping up to those numbers as well.
I don't know anything about both schools in wahroongah other than the grounds are lovely.

[kerrie23]

Hornsby South has 487 children, Hornsby North has over 800. We are nowhere near Hornsby North numbers at this point in time.

I have 3 children who go to Hornsby South and I cannot speak highly enough about the school. We also have onsite Before and After School Care and there are no waiting lists.

[TerryLee]

All of those schools are excellent schools. Their open days should be coming up in the next few months, are you able to get along to them?
That way you get a better 'feel' for the school.
Some have bigger playgrounds than others, some are on or near major roads, so these things may be a factor.
It may come down to where you are able to rent that will be the decider.

red_squirrel, thanks for the idea - my wife and I will surely visit these schools on open days,
but as i never been on such events, what can i learn about there? should i prepare
somehow (in addition to make a list of questions to ask).

who will be there, teaching staff?

i was also thinking to met and talk with the principal of each school.

Some have bigger playgrounds than others, some are on or near major roads, so these things may be a factor.

A good playground is a must as our older one is quite physically active.

It may come down to where you are able to rent that will be the decider.

We can rent pretty much anywhere in a Hornsby/Waitara area, but to be honest,
a bit tired to move again, but I guess we will should there be a need.

[TerryLee]

We are zoned for Hornsby south and will be sending DD there in 2015.I have a friend with 2 kids at Hornsby north and she has some concerns about the size (6 kindy classes). In saying that though Hornsby south might be creeping up to those numbers as well.
I don't know anything about both schools in wahroongah other than the grounds are lovely.

"(6 kindy classes)"?

I see - so as the size of the school grows, they break up kids into the classes. but how much per class? is there some limit of children per class (20?), i suppose it should be...

sorry my questions are too basic, as am quite new to that sort of things.

thank you for your help.

[kerrie23]

My youngest is in kindy at Hornsby South right now - there are 4 classes each with 20 children in them.

Kindy is 20
Grades 1 and 2 about 22 and grades 3 to 6 can have up to 30.

Hornsby South has wonderful teachers, who will be available on orientation and open days along with P and C reps.

This post has been edited by kerrie23: 04/03/2013, 03:43 PM