Interested in applying to attend The McDonald College?
Start your journey here.
Why choose us?
We are unique in our offering of performing arts and performance sports streams, integrated into the course of a normal school day. It means students can pursue their passion without compromising on their academic studies.
Students love us because here they find their people, people who appreciate their individuality and value their diverse interests. Parents love us because of our emphasis on academic rigour, alongside the world-class training we offer.
Open Days & Open Mornings
Open Days are held twice a year. Hear from current students, enjoy a couple of short performances, meet the Principal, tour our vibrant K – 12 school and have all your questions answered.
Open Mornings are held five times a year. These are shorter versions of our Open Days, with tours of the campus led by the Principal and the Deputy Principal.
Principal's Tour
Maxine Kohler offers personal tours of the College – by appointment only. These tours can be completely tailored to your family’s needs and your child’s interests. Tours are best taken during the school day so you can see the College in action and get a good sense of our culture. An after-school tour can be arranged if that suits you better.
Auditions
We see auditions as an opportunity to get to know you. We are looking for performance, passion and potential.
You may audition for more than one of the following performing arts streams: Acting, Classical Ballet, Dance, Senior Contemporary Dance, Music, and Musical Theatre.
Only for students entering Years 5 – 12.
Families with children ready for K – 2
Families with children ready for infants school are invited to contact us to speak or meet with our Principal or the Director of the Junior School. We can arrange a tailored tour of the campus. If you would like, we can also organise a Trial Day for your child to see if they enjoy our Infants classes as much as our current children.
Fees
Our fees are based on whether the student is a domestic or an international student; and whether they are applying for performing arts or an elite sport.
Scholarships
Scholarships are offered on a discretionary basis to extraordinary performing arts applicants and are typically awarded in the format of a partial reduction on Tuition Fees (a combination of the Academic and Performing Arts fees). Awards are subject to academic testing.
How to apply
We take applications year-round and your child can enrol anytime.
How you will apply will vary depending on a range of factors. We recommend attending an Open Day, Open Morning or get in touch about our Infants School in the first instance. You can find out more about How to apply here.
Boarding
Our Boarding House can accommodate up to 45 boarders of all genders from Years 7 – 12. Our boarders come from everywhere from China to Cooma and even as close as Concord. Our strong community values, together with holistic guidance and support for our boarders creates close family-like relationships that last long after graduation.
