German International School Sydney vs Sydney Montessori School

	G German International School Sydney Sydney, Australia	S Sydney Montessori School Sydney, Australia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year A$1,655 - 19,762	Fees / year A$540 - 27,248
Age range	Age range 0 - 18 years	Age range 0 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Australian Curriculum, German Curriculum, IB (DP)	Curriculum Montessori Curriculum, Australian Curriculum, IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme)
Pupils	Pupils 430	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, German	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1989	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location 33 Myoora Road, Terrey Hills, NSW 2084, Australia. Terrey Hills is a leafy suburb on Sydney's Northern Beaches. The campus is connected by four GISS-operated private bus routes and by government public buses; booking is via RollCall and real-time tracking is available. The school sits within the Deutsche Auslandsschule network of German Schools Abroad.	Location 99-107 Manchester Road, Gymea NSW 2227, Australia
Stages	Stages Preschool; Primary School; Junior Secondary; Senior School (IBDP).	Stages K-12 with Pre-School, Long Day Care and Play Group
School type	School type Private day school; co-educational; bilingual in English and German; offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Years 11–12.	School type Co-educational, non-denominational day school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 440 students; 38 nationalities; 42 languages; about half from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and other countries, and the other half from Australia.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support GISS has a Learning Diversity Team that supports teachers and students with diverse learning needs; it plans, implements and monitors personalised adjustments and collaborates with parents and external professionals as needed; it aims to build teacher capacity to ensure inclusive learning.	Additional learning support Inclusive Education Policy is in place to support students with learning needs
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Germany-affiliated; part of the Deutsche Auslandsschule (German Schools Abroad) network sponsored by ZfA.	Country affiliation Australia
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Non-denominational
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure Preschool day runs 8:45 am to 3:00 pm
Bus service details	Bus service details GISS operates four private bus routes across Sydney; bus bookings use RollCall; pricing is zone-based (Zone 1: pre-booked $9.50, casual $13.00; Zone 2: pre-booked $10.50, casual $15.00). For enquiries, bus@giss.nsw.edu.au.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and enrolment fees - Application fee (non‑refundable): AUD 250 per application. - Enrolment fee (Kindergarten to IB, non‑refundable): AUD 1,250 per child. - Preschool enrolment fee: AUD 500 per child. - Security deposit (refundable, non‑interest bearing): AUD 1,000 per child. - One‑off capital levy (not applicable to short‑term and overseas students): AUD 1,500 per family. Tuition fees by year group (annual and per term) - Kindergarten: Annual tuition AUD 15,362 — Per term (4 terms per year): AUD 3,840.50. - Years 1–4: Annual tuition AUD 17,221 — Per term: AUD 4,305.25. - Years 5–6: Annual tuition AUD 18,396 — Per term: AUD 4,599.00. - Years 7–8: Annual tuition AUD 18,570 — Per term: AUD 4,642.50. - Years 9–10: Annual tuition AUD 18,746 — Per term: AUD 4,686.50. - International Baccalaureate (IB) Year 11: Annual tuition AUD 32,653 — Per term: AUD 8,163.25. - IB Year 12: Annual tuition AUD 31,569 — Per term: AUD 7,892.25. Preschool daily rates and funding - Preschool daily rates by number of days and age (2026 rates): - 2 days: Age 3–4 years AUD 147 per day; Age 4+ years AUD 142 per day. - 3 days: Age 3–4 years AUD 135 per day; Age 4+ years AUD 130 per day. - 4–5 days: Age 3–4 years AUD 125 per day; Age 4+ years AUD 118 per day. - Start Strong (government) fee relief applies for eligible children; maximum relief levels and eligibility categories apply. Additional levies and common extra costs - Resource Levy (Kindergarten to Year 6): AUD 400 per student per annum. - Resource Levy (Years 7–12): AUD 350 per student per annum. - Book hire fee (Years 5–10): AUD 250 per student per annum; replacement charges apply for books not returned or returned in unsatisfactory condition. - IB‑specific additional fees: Books for the IB cohort are included in tuition; IB Pamoja fees (subject dependent) are invoiced separately (approx. USD 1,655 where applicable); IB exam retake, enquiry and tutor fees may apply and vary. - Class camps (estimated top cost per student): Years 3 & 4 AUD 620; Years 5 & 6 AUD 890; Year 7 AUD 820; Years 8 & 9 AUD 990; Year 10 AUD 800; Year 11 CAS trip AUD 2,200. - Short‑term & overseas students levy (pro‑rata & per student): AUD 5,000 for short‑term (enrolled less than one year) and overseas students on a student visa. - Bus service fees are charged separately under the school's Bus Fees and Transportation Terms & Conditions. Billing schedule and payment terms - School year runs on a four‑term calendar; tuition amounts above are annual and the school issues invoices for the school year. Per‑term payment calculations above assume four terms. - Fees are payable by the due date shown on the invoice. The last day for payment of fees in any term is the first day of that term. Failure to pay may trigger administrative late fees or restrictions on attendance and academic reports. Payment methods, plans and surcharges - Preferred payment method: payment in full by the first day of school via the FACTS portal (online) using the FACTS Payment Plan option ‘PAY IN FULL'. - Instalment options via the FACTS tuition management portal are available: semester, quarterly or monthly plans. Surcharges on the invoiced amount apply by plan: - Pay per semester: additional 2.5% of invoiced amount. - Pay quarterly: additional 3.5% of invoiced amount. - Pay monthly: additional 4.0% of invoiced amount. Monthly plans incur a one‑off annual FACTS fee of AUD 59 and must be set up with direct debit. - Payment methods accepted via the payment plans: direct debit from a bank account, Visa, MasterCard and American Express. A 1.1% transaction fee applies to all credit card transactions. - If the full yearly fees are not received by 1 February 2026 or two weeks after an invoice is issued, the school will automatically place the family on a 4% surcharge unless otherwise requested in writing; unpaid months will be prorated. Discounts, late fees and non‑payment - Sibling discounts on tuition fees only: first sibling receives a 10% discount; each subsequent sibling receives a 20% discount. - Late payment administration fee: AUD 50 per student per calendar month may apply if payment is not received by the due date. The school may restrict class attendance, withhold academic reports, and pursue collection action for debts more than 90 days overdue. Withdrawal, extended leave and refund information - Minimum notice to withdraw a student: one full term's written notice to the Principal. The school is entitled to charge full tuition fees during the notice period. Parents are not entitled to a refund of a term's school fees where a student is withdrawn at any time during that term. - Extended leave of absence (approved by the Principal for at least one term) incurs a holding fee of 15% in lieu of tuition fees; the holding fee is non‑refundable and non‑transferable. Other practical notes on fees - GISS fees and levies typically include one excursion per term, student accident insurance, technology access and copyright fees; consumables and personal stationery (e.g., calculators) and extraordinary project materials may incur additional charges. - Families billed by an employer should use the school's company/third‑party billing procedures. (End of fees overview.)	Fee details Application & Enrolment Fees - Application Fee: USD 350 per child, non-refundable. - Enrolment Fee (payable on acceptance): USD 1,550 for the first child. Sibling enrolment fee reductions apply: second child USD 1,000; third child USD 750; fourth and subsequent children USD 500. There is no enrolment fee for Long Day Care (only the application fee and per-day Long Day Care fees apply). Tuition fees (per term and annual equivalents where applicable) - Preschool & Primary (Stages 1–3): Tuition USD 3,696 per term. Annual equivalent (4 terms): USD 14,784. Sibling tuition reductions per term: second child minus USD 420; third child minus USD 850; fourth and subsequent children minus USD 1,270 (annual equivalents: minus USD 1,680; USD 3,400; USD 5,080 respectively). Tuition is due by the first day of each term. - High School (Stages 4 & 5): Tuition USD 4,692 per term. Annual equivalent (4 terms): USD 18,768. A temporary concession for incomplete building works is reflected as a discount of USD 1,000 per annum (equivalent to USD 250 per term) where applicable. Overseas students are billed according to stage plus an additional fee of USD 8,480 (subject to visa class). - First Steps Montessori (0–3 years) per term: first child USD 255; second child USD 200; Parent & Baby (under 6 months) USD 135. No enrolment or application fee applies to First Steps Montessori. - Long Day Montessori Education (per day): Tara Room (15 months–3 years) USD 150 per day; Akasha Room (3–6 years) USD 140 per day. Long Day Care fees are billed fortnightly; short-term leave must be paid in full. Early-bird discounts do not apply to Long Day Care. Billing schedule & payment terms - Tuition fees are due by the beginning of each term (payable by the first day of term). An early-bird discount (USD 120) is available where term fees are paid four weeks prior to the fee due date. Long Day Care is billed fortnightly. Mid-term commencements are pro‑rated for tuition; students starting mid-week in Long Day Care are invoiced for the entire week. Other charges and routine additional costs - Camps: additional charge (amount to be advised). - Building Fund Donation: voluntary, tax-deductible USD 150. - Card transaction surcharge: 1% applies to all MasterCard, Visa and EPOS payments. - Long Day Care late‑pick‑up fees: USD 18.00 for the first 10 minutes (or part thereof) and USD 1.50 per minute after 6:10 pm. - Additional incidental charges (for example specific excursions, subject fees or materials) may be billed separately (camp charges are an example). Refunds, cancellations and notice periods - Application Fee: non-refundable. Enrolment Fee: non-refundable. - Withdrawal notice: For Primary and High School, one full term's written notice to the Principal and Enrolments is required; in lieu of notice one full term's tuition fees will be charged. For Long Day Care, four weeks' notice is required. Mid-term commencements are pro‑rated; however short‑term absence/leave from Long Day Care must be paid. An enrolment will end for Child Care Subsidy purposes if a child does not attend a session of care for 14 continuous weeks. Boarding - Boarding is not offered; the school operates day and Long Day Care programs only. Fee payment options - Bank transfer (bank details provided for electronic transfer): BSB and account number are supplied for use with family name as description. Card payments (MasterCard and Visa) are accepted with a 1% card transaction surcharge. Fees may also be invoiced and scheduled per the billing statements issued (Long Day Care billed fortnightly; school tuition billed per term).
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement There is no school uniform requirement. Dress code and Sunsmart guidelines apply, including hats for outdoor wear and safety-related clothing rules.	Uniform requirement Sydney Montessori School does not require uniforms. Clothing should be worn in a manner appropriate for a school environment and items must be clearly labelled with the child's name. A dress code policy is available on the school website; all students must wear enclosed footwear.
Food options	Food options After School Care includes afternoon tea. Vacation Care includes morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.	Food options Most children bring packed lunches. Some classes share a special lunch during the term. Lollies, chocolate, sugary snacks or fizzy drinks are discouraged. If a child arrives at school without sufficient lunch, the school provides available food and the costs may be forwarded to the parents. Please see the Food and Nutrition Policy on the school website.
House system	House system The school has a house system with named houses: Grimm House; Elisabeth Selbert House; Paul Klee House; Gutenberg House; Albert Einstein House; Ludwig Leichhardt House; Clara Schumann House; Sophie Scholl House; Pestalozzi House. Marlene Dietrich Hall is a sports facility on campus.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is an Australian public company limited by guarantee, registered as German School Johannes Gutenberg (ACN 003 484 204). The Board of Directors is elected by the members and oversees the school's governance and performance; all board work is voluntary.	Governance and ownership Sydney Montessori School is governed by Sydney Montessori School Ltd (SMS Ltd), registered with ASIC, which is responsible for the school's administration. Staff and parents automatically become eligible to join SMS Ltd; membership carries no financial or legal obligations beyond payment of fees and levies. The School Board is elected at each year's Annual General Meeting and oversees governance and policy; the Board appoints a Chairperson and Treasurer, and the Principal is a standing member of the Board. Minutes are recorded by the Board Secretary, and all SMS Ltd members have voting rights.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school provides a complete education in a co-educational and bilingual environment. An intensive language immersion programme leads to bilingual competency in English and German, so students do not need to be familiar with German language beforehand. The curriculum is broad and supports personal development for life after school. In Years 11 and 12 the school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).	Curriculum details Preschool (Stage 1, ages 3–6) follows a Montessori program in a prepared environment. It provides a rigorous, academic curriculum across English, Mathematics, Practical Life, Science, Gardening, Art, Physical Education, Geography, Culture and Music, with Stage 1 access to a full Kindergarten program meeting the outcomes of the NSW syllabus (NESA). Children attend a regular school day from 8:45 am to 3:00 pm. Primary (ages 6–12) uses Montessori methods with concrete materials initially, moving toward abstraction, and the learning aligns with NSW Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES) syllabuses and the NSW NESA syllabuses. High School (Years 7–12) offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) and is a fully authorised IB DP school; the school is pursuing authorisation for the Career-related Programme (CP).
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results November 2025 IB graduates achieved a pass rate of 93.75% and an average score of 31.5 points. They exceeded the global IB average of 29.3 points.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates continue their academic journeys at universities across Australia and around the world.	Higher education progression The Diploma Programme is internationally recognised for its academic rigour and its focus on critical thinking, global awareness and intellectual curiosity, preparing SMS students for higher education.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented GISS Learning Diversity Team includes support for gifted and talented students.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning Montessori education supports social and emotional development. It develops independence, responsibility, concentration, respect, patience and a love of learning. The prepared environment is described as a 'Living Room' where psychosocial, physical and academic development are integrated. A three-year age grouping promotes social development, with older children teaching and younger children learning through observation and cooperation. Mixed-age classrooms encourage peer learning, collaboration and opportunities to practice empathy and self-regulation. Parents and educators collaborate to guide each child's social and emotional growth.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) The school supports students with additional needs through an inclusive enrollment approach. For children requiring support related to disability, health, mental health or other areas, SMS gathers information about the student's disability and need for adjustments before enrolment. The school requests reports such as psychologists, speech pathologists and occupational therapists to inform planning. These documents help plan appropriate adjustments to support learning within the Montessori environment. The school aims to include students with diverse needs by coordinating tailored supports and accommodations as part of the enrolment process.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing The school prioritises holistic development, including social, emotional and physical growth. The 2025 Annual Report states SMS focuses on the development of the whole child—intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically—within a prepared environment that encourages independence, curiosity and self-directed learning. The Preschool program provides guidance in social, emotional and co-curricular areas. The Montessori environment supports mental wellbeing by promoting independence, self-esteem, discipline and resilience through cooperative, mixed-age learning. The school emphasizes a safe, caring community where children form meaningful relationships and learn through hands-on activities.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding The school has a Child Protection Policy and Procedure. The school also has a Grievance Policy and Procedure to address concerns. The Policies page lists SMS Child Protection Policy and Procedure and SMS Grievance Policy and Procedure. The Parent Handbook includes guidance on school procedures and grievance handling. The school expects all members to feel safe and to report concerns, with processes described in the policies.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The Terrey Hills campus spans 16,200 square metres and comprises 10 buildings. Since moving to Terrey Hills in August 2008, the school has expanded with new classrooms in 2018 and 2022 that meet the eco-friendly Passivhaus standard. The campus contains a central lobby, administration offices and a library surrounding learning spaces. Enhanced learning spaces include air-conditioned classrooms and a wireless network, with laptops available for younger students and BYOD from Year 7 onward. Environmentally friendly features include rainwater harvesting, waterless urinals and a 10 kW solar installation powering part of the campus.	Facilities overview The Montessori classroom is a prepared environment designed to meet the child's developmental needs. It groups children by ages 3-6, 6-9 and 9-12, with older children guiding younger ones. The materials are hands-on, self-correcting and arranged to invite exploration and independent work, introduced by the Directress in a logical sequence. The environment balances freedom with order and harmony, fostering cheerful order, calm, and purposeful work as a microcosm of society. The prepared environment provides materials and activities suited to the child's intellectual, emotional, physical and social needs at each stage of development.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Key sports facilities include an Indoor Sports Hall, mostly underground, with a stage and capacity for performances and assemblies of up to 400 people. A covered Outdoor Multisports Field was added in 2015. The school also uses the neighbouring Terrey Hills Swim School for parts of its physical education program. Varied outdoor play areas with sun covers support outdoor activities.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The campus comprises 10 buildings that accommodate Preschool, Primary, Junior Secondary and Senior School (IBDP). Specialist rooms for science, arts and music, plus an IB Study Centre, are on site and the library is centrally located. In 2018 and 2022 the school extended with new classrooms built to the passive house standard. In October 2017 classrooms were retrofitted with air conditioning, and from Year 7 onwards students bring their own laptops with a wireless network available in every classroom.	Academic facilities The Montessori classroom provides materials and activities designed to meet the child's intellectual, emotional, physical and social needs at each developmental stage. The Directress introduces these materials in a logical sequence and supports learning as children work independently or in small groups. Materials are multi-sensory, self-correcting and suitable for tasks ranging from simple to complex. The environment is physically and psychologically designed to encourage independent, hands-on learning within a calm, orderly setting.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities After School & Vacation Care is provided through Extend, offering after-school care for Kindergarten to Year 6 and Vacation Care with daytime programs and activities such as science, cooking and sport; sessions run after school and during holidays and are located in the Elisabeth Selbert Building next to the library. Extend's ASC hours are Monday to Friday from 3:15 pm to 6:00 pm for Kindergarten to Year 6, with Vacation Care from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. GISS Football Academy offers football training in partnership with Borussia Dortmund (BVB), with weekly sessions and an introductory package available for term participation.	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The school began on February 7, 1989 as the German School Johannes Gutenberg in Prospect and moved to Ryde in January 1992, with Preschool opening in 1993. In 2002 it adopted the trading name German International School Sydney and acquired land in Terrey Hills. Construction in Terrey Hills began in 2006 with funding from Germany (over AUD 13 million) and teaching commenced at the Terrey Hills site in August 2008. In 2010 two new buildings housing a library and additional classrooms were added, and the land area was doubled by purchasing part of a neighbour's land. Four classrooms were added in 2017–2018, and in early 2022 three modular classrooms opened to an eco-friendly passive-house standard.	History SMS is a co-educational, non-denominational school for children aged 0–16. Formerly known as the Sutherland Shire Montessori School. It offers a Pre-School, Long Day Care and Play Group, with Montessori learning across early childhood and primary, and transitions to the International Baccalaureate Diploma in high school. It is registered and accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and meets its syllabuses. Teachers are degree-qualified with Montessori and IB training.
Community	Community The GISS community is multicultural and lively, with over 390 students from 20 countries and more than 50 teachers and 12 administration staff. Approximately 230 GISS families form the active Parent Representative Council (PRC) and the School Board. There is an alumni group for current and former students and teachers.	Community The school fosters grace, courtesy and mutual respect, building a strong community where families feel they belong. Parents are warmly encouraged to contribute to the school through various activities. An active Parents & Friends association coordinates social activities across all stages to engage families and support the school. The school values partnerships with families and the wider community.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The PRC and the School Board are active governance bodies within GISS. GISS families participate in school life through these groups. The school hosts major community events with extensive parent and student volunteering. The Christmas Market is the biggest community event of the year, featuring German food, music, games and activities, supported by Cupra and the Casella Family. Volunteers contribute to cooking and organizing, with heartfelt thanks to all involved.	Parent teacher association SMS has a Parents & Friends (P&F) association. Its vision is to foster a generous and welcoming community that participates in inspired, sustainable activities. Its mission is to provide a base that supports and strengthens the school community through a variety of social activities across all stages. P&F coordinates a range of activities to encourage family involvement and engagement with school life. A P&F Manual outlines the governance and guidelines for P&F activities. P&F supports the SMS community through fundraising and events.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Science & Experiments (B1) is offered for Year 1–4; Year 5–6 work on a project for the Science Fair. STE(A)M (B2) provides coding, robotics, 3D design/printing and media exploration. Technology (B3) covers video creation, audio integration, stop-motion, podcasts and augmented reality projects.	Academic & intellectual The school provides a rigorous academic curriculum as part of the Montessori program. Curriculum areas include English, Mathematics, Practical Life, Science, Gardening, Art, Physical Education, Geography, Culture and Music. These co-curricular areas support independent learning and holistic development. [nsw.edu.au/preschool]
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Arts and Music are included in the co-curricular program. Art and Music are taught alongside other subjects to foster creative expression. The Montessori environment emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning in artistic activities. [nsw.edu.au/preschool]
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Exchange Program: Students have the opportunity to participate in a student exchange with Germany, visiting Germany for about three weeks every two years; includes a week staying with a host family and visits to our German partner school. German as an Additional Language (DaF) is taught with CLIL integration and language support; Year 7 entry leads into CLIL subjects such as Art, Music and PE in German, with ongoing language development and the option to participate in a Year 9/10 exchange. The school hosts community language events such as the Christmas Market and excursions to the Goethe Institute.	Cultural & language Geography and Culture are part of the co-curricular areas. Students explore geography and culture through hands-on activities. Montessori methods support cultural awareness and global understanding. [nsw.edu.au/preschool]
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Co-Curricular Activities (AGs) are available for Year 1–6 on Tuesdays; students select one activity per term. GISS Football Academy provides professional football training in partnership with Borussia Dortmund, with holiday camps and programs for boys and girls aged U6–U17.	Social & hobbies Social development is a key focus of the co-curricular program. Children work with peers and engage in group activities to build communication and social skills. These experiences emphasize collaboration, cooperation and respectful interaction. [nsw.edu.au/preschool]
Community & service	Community & service Social Entrepreneurship – AG has run since 2021 for Years 3–7, connecting students to the community and industry. Students develop entrepreneurship skills, design thinking, budgeting and financial literacy. Teams present ideas to leadership, use start-up capital and donate profits to charities, supporting global citizenship.	Community & service Families are integral to the SMS community, and parent involvement is encouraged. The Parents and Friends association organizes social events and contributes to the SMS community. Parent information evenings and community activities are offered throughout the year. [nsw.edu.au/preschool, sms.nsw.edu.au/pandf, 2019 SMS Parent Handbook]
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The Student Representative Council (SRC) was elected in Term 1, 2024. The SRC informs students about important issues, holds regular meetings with class captains, and organises events and fundraisers to support the charity 'A Girl & Her World.'	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing GISS Football Academy provides high-level training and holiday camps in partnership with Borussia Dortmund. After School & Vacation Care runs Monday to Friday after school and during holidays, offering activities including science, cooking and sport. Swimming Carnivals and other sports events are part of school life.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Physical Education is included in the co-curricular areas. Gardening is included as part of the curriculum, offering outdoor activity. Music and Art support creative expression and well-being. Students learn through hands-on activities that promote independence and self-directed learning. [nsw.edu.au/preschool]
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English and German are core languages of instruction. Primary features six English and five German lessons weekly, with Maths and General Studies taught in German. From Year 6, French is available as a foreign language and Spanish from Year 8; German is offered as a foreign language for students not fluent. Religion is taught in German and Ethics in English from Year 1, with CLIL providing language support across Arts, Music and PE.	Language provision English is the language of instruction at Sydney Montessori School. Second language learning is offered from Years 7–10 and is included in Years 11–12 programmes. Current Year 9–10 students have had one year of French and will also study one year of Spanish; Year 11–12 language is proposed to be Spanish, with online language study available through Pamoja (including French, Mandarin and Spanish). The school supports non-English speakers with enrichment program IEPs and TESOL support and maintains a commitment to mother tongue maintenance and multilingualism.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching English and German are the languages of instruction across Preschool to Year 10. Primary uses six English and five German lessons weekly, with Maths and General Studies taught in German. Arts, Music and PE are taught in German with integrated language support (CLIL), and Religion is taught in German or Ethics in English from Year 1. In Junior Secondary, Maths, Biology, Humanities and History can be taken in either English or German.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs An intensive language immersion programme leads to bilingual competency in English and German. Preschoolers participate in immersion with highly qualified bilingual teachers. The program enables second-language acquisition through authentic experiences in both languages, with pace tailored to each child.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations Registered and accredited by BOSTES (NSW Board of Studies Teaching and Educational Standards). Registered and accredited by NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority) and meets the NSW syllabuses.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Open Day and tours: Register for Open Day to visit the school and meet staff and students. A principal‑led presentation explains the curriculum and learning methods. If the event day or time is not convenient, group tours or virtual tours are available. Attending Open Day helps families understand the school environment before applying. 2. Online information and enrolment checklist: Access important information about the school online and review the checklist with the required forms to prepare the application. The online resources outline the documents needed and any deadlines. Families can request a meeting with the registrar or school management team to discuss individual circumstances if required. After reviewing, proceed to the online application. 3. Submit online application: Submit the application online. An application fee of $250 is invoiced at the end of the online application. Provide copies of passport(s) and birth certificate where applicable, and the last two school reports; upload documents to the online application. Ensure all required documents are ready before submission. 4. Approval process after submission: Following submission, you will receive an email confirming receipt and updates on the approval process. GISS reviews the application after the documents are received. The outcome will be communicated: a place may be offered, a place may be placed on the waiting list, or the application may be declined. Additional documents may be requested if needed. 5. Interview and admission test: Once all required documents are received, you will be invited to book your child's interview and, if applicable, an admission test. All Kindergarten to Year 12 students must participate in an age-appropriate interview. If the child is overseas at the time, the interview can be conducted online in English or German. A trial day may be scheduled before or after the interview. 6. Enrolment offer, contract and start information: As soon as enrolment is approved, you will receive an offer that includes the enrolment form and notice for the enrolment fee due. After the enrolment form is completed and the enrolment fee is paid, you will receive a copy of the enrolment contract and enrolment is complete. Before school starts, you will receive additional information via email and/or a parent information session to set up your child for a smooth start. The school may provide visa information for overseas students if applicable.	Admissions 1. Entry points for education. SMS has multiple entry points for families to begin their children's education: Montessori First Steps Playgroup (0-3 years), Long Day Montessori (15 months–3 years, 3-6 years), or Stage 1 (3–4 years Preschool and 5 years Kindergarten), Stage 2 and Stage 3 (Primary Years 1–6). The school is a co-educational, non-denominational K-12 school, with a Pre-School, Long Day Care and Play Group, and students may transition to the International Baccalaureate Diploma in High School. 2. Enrolment application and processing. All applications are processed in order of receipt of Enrolment Application form and payment of the Application Fee. Priority is given to families who already have siblings enrolled and do not have outstanding fees; priority is also given to families committed to a Montessori education and to those who have engaged with Playgroup or Long Day Care. 3. Documentation for additional needs. For children with Additional Needs requiring support, SMS gathers information about a student's disability and need for adjustments before an enrolment is confirmed, to enable appropriate planning. Helpful documents may include current school reports, psychologist reports, speech-pathology reports, occupational therapy reports, medical specialist reports, and vision/hearing reports. 4. Outcome and waitlist. If an enrolment is not accepted, SMS does not discuss the reasons. A formal offer of placement is made and should be accepted in writing within two weeks; if the offer is not accepted, the child's name may be returned to the Waitlist. 5. Acceptance conditions and orientation. On acceptance, parents agree to abide by the School's policies and ethos, and the Enrolment Fee for Stage 1–3 must be paid at the time of Acceptance. Where possible, an Orientation Visit for Stage 1 is arranged with the class teacher to familiarise the family with the classroom environment and discuss the child's health and background. 6. Enrollment administration and non-discrimination. The School maintains a School Register and does not discriminate in enrolment policies or procedures on the basis of gender, race, religion or disability.
Scholarships	Scholarships IB Scholarship offers up to 50% tuition support for the two-year International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB Year 11 and 12). It is available to internal and external local Year 10 students with English fluency. Eligibility includes preferably two years at an Australian school, a record of high academic achievement, strong English and Maths, willingness to study in a bilingual/multilingual international environment, personal integrity, and commitment to service learning. German language knowledge is not a prerequisite. How to apply: Year 10 students currently enrolled at GISS email ibscholarship@giss.nsw.edu.au with last four school reports and Year 9 NAPLAN results, a personal statement, and an explanation of why they deserve the scholarship. Year 10 students from another school should start the GISS online application, upload birth certificates, passports, last four reports, and latest NAPLAN results, then email ibscholarship@giss.nsw.edu.au with the personal statement. Applications close on December 3, 2025.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist An assessment is conducted after the application. The school may offer a place, place the applicant on the waiting list, or decline the application.	Waitlist Waitlist: An enrolment Waitlist is used; if an offer of placement is not accepted, the child's name may be returned to the Waitlist.
	View full profile →	View full profile →