Forestville Montessori School vs International Chinese School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 7.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Forestville Montessori School
Forestville · Independent primary · K-6
49 students · ICSEA 1171
International Chinese School
St Leonards · Independent primary · K-6
116 students · ICSEA 1172
| Measure | Forestville Montessori School Forestville NSW | International Chinese School St Leonards NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 86 Top 5% | 83 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | – | #18 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | – | #69 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 49 | 116 |
| Girls / boys | 19 / 30 | 50 / 66 |
| Foundation intake | 25 | 42 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -26% | +90% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1171 | 1172 |
| ICSEA percentile | 98th | 98th |
| Top SEA quarter | 73% | 81% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 0% | 0% |
| Students per teacher | 10.7 | 12.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 4.6 | 9.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 5.2 | 3.8 |
| Language background other than English | 56% | 42% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 0% |
| Suburb | Forestville 2087 | St Leonards 2065 |
| Council area | Northern Beaches | Willoughby |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.forestvillemontessori.nsw.edu.au | www.intcs.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Forestville Montessori School scores higher on the Success Index (86.0 vs 83.4).
- •International Chinese School has the higher ICSEA (1172 vs 1171), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Forestville Montessori School has fewer students per teacher (10.7 vs 12.7).
- •International Chinese School is the larger school with 116 students compared with 49.
- •International Chinese School has grown faster over five years (90% vs -26%).
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Forestville Montessori School better than International Chinese School?
On the Success Index, Forestville Montessori School ranks higher (86.0 vs 83.4 out of 100). The index measures community advantage and momentum from ACARA data, not teaching quality, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Forestville Montessori School and International Chinese School?
About 7.8 km in a straight line, between Forestville and St Leonards in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Forestville Montessori School has 10.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and International Chinese School has 12.7.
How do Forestville Montessori School and International Chinese School rank in NSW?
Forestville Montessori School is unranked and International Chinese School is 18th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.