Berengarra School

Hidden within the vibrant tapestry of Melbourne lies Berengarra School. It’s not just a school. It’s a testament to a vision born in 1977. The founders of Currajong Primary School saw a need, a void in the educational landscape. They envisioned a place where students facing social and emotional challenges could thrive. Thus, Berengarra School was born in Kew, with Reverend Kenneth Jago at the helm as the founding Chairperson. Berengarra, an Aboriginal term meaning “the land around Kew,” reflects the school’s deep connection to its original location. Berengarra School acknowledges and respects the traditional owners of this land, past, present, and emerging. Today, Berengarra School has grown, expanding its reach to two campuses. Box Hill houses Years 7-10, while Chadstone caters to the senior students of Years 10-12. The school remains true to its founding principles, offering a specialized, independent, and co-educational environment for students navigating social and emotional complexities. Berengarra School understands that these students often grapple with a range of mental health issues and learning difficulties. Many have struggled to find their footing in mainstream education. Here, at Berengarra, they find a haven, a place designed to nurture their strengths and unlock their potential. The school’s curriculum, rooted in the Victorian Curriculum, offers a diverse range of pathways. From the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) to the VCE Vocational Major (VM), and even Vocational Education and Training Certificates (VET) and School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs). Berengarra School equips its students with the tools they need to succeed. Beyond academics, Berengarra School cultivates a supportive community. They understand that reducing stress and anxiety is key to learning. They’ve thoughtfully removed common stressors. No uniforms, no homework, and a shorter school day from 9:30 am to 2:40 pm, easing travel burdens. At Berengarra School, it’s about belonging, about fostering a sense of community, and about empowering students to find their path, whether it leads to further education or fulfilling employment. Berengarra School. A place of hope, a place of growth, a place where every student is given the opportunity to flourish.