Carey Baptist Grammar School

The school’s educational philosophy is rooted in Baptist values, emphasizing care, respect, and growth. It promotes a student-centred, progressive approach that encourages students to leverage their individual strengths and follow their passions. The school is a strong advocate for co-education, maintaining an even gender balance to help students develop respect for diverse perspectives and prepare for a non-segregated world.

The school offers a structured academic pathway divided into Early Learning (three- and four-year-old kindergarten), Junior School (Prep–Year 6), Middle School (Years 7–9), and Senior School (Years 10–12). The Early Learning program includes specialized options such as the Bush Kinder program at the Donvale campus. The curriculum is designed to be tailored to the interests and abilities of each student, with a focus on developing both academic knowledge and essential life competencies.

Carey aims to develop curious, aspirational, and engaged global citizens who can lead with courage, compassion, and intelligence. The school tracks student progress through a credentialing system that measures competencies such as agency in learning and active citizenship. Graduates are prepared for life beyond school with a focus on creativity, a positive mindset, and the skills necessary to thrive in a complex, evolving world.

The school prioritizes a fully integrated wellbeing program as a key component of its educational approach. It emphasizes strong connections, empathy, and compassion, with staff working to balance care with accountability. The school also utilizes a 'New Metrics for Success' framework to assess and recognize student competencies, including agency in learning, quality thinking, communication, collaboration, and personal development.

Carey is an inclusive, co-educational independent school catering to students from Early Learning to Year 12. Prospective families are invited to apply online, with a non-refundable application fee of $200 per student. Following an offer of a place, an enrolment fee of $1,800 is required to secure the position, and a tuition deposit of $2,000 applies for entry into ELC, Prep, Year 5, or Year 7. In a significant strategic move, the school will unify all Junior School students at the Kew campus starting in 2028, with the Donvale campus scheduled to close at the end of 2027.

The school operates on a four-term academic year. In 2026, Term 1 runs from 30 January to 2 April, Term 2 from 21 April to 26 June, Term 3 from 21 July to 18 September, and Term 4 from 5 October to 8 December. The 2027 academic year follows a similar structure, with Term 1 beginning on 29 January and Term 4 concluding on 7 December.

Carey operates two main campuses in Kew and Donvale, with additional specialized sites including the Bulleen Sports Complex, Camp Toonallook, and the Carey Zero base in Mission Beach, Queensland. The Kew campus features purpose-built sections for Early Learning and is undergoing expansion, including the acquisition of the Blackhall property to house a new Years 5–6 Centre and a future Sports and Wellbeing Centre. The school is currently upgrading its digital infrastructure, including network switches and wireless nodes, to support a modern, integrated learning environment.

The school offers a wide range of co-curricular opportunities designed to help students discover their passions and develop individual qualities. Activities include music programs such as the symphony orchestra, debating, and sports, including rowing and soccer. Students also participate in immersive experiences like the Carey Zero program in Queensland and outdoor education at Camp Toonallook on the Banksia Peninsula. Additionally, students have opportunities to engage in student-led initiatives, such as the school newspaper, Vox Scholae.