Caboolture Montessori School vs The River School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 37 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Caboolture Montessori School
Caboolture · Independent primary · Prep-6
218 students · ICSEA 1069
The River School
Maleny · Independent primary · Prep-6
77 students · ICSEA 1074
| Measure | Caboolture Montessori School Caboolture QLD | The River School Maleny QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 71 Top 25% | 68 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #95 of 804 | – |
| National rank (type) | #970 of 4,908 | – |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 218 | 77 |
| Girls / boys | 109 / 109 | 34 / 43 |
| Foundation intake | 35 | 11 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +26% | -36% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1069 | 1074 |
| ICSEA percentile | 75th | 77th |
| Top SEA quarter | 26% | 35% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 9% | 10% |
| Students per teacher | 12.7 | 7.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 17.2 | 9.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 17.6 | 10.8 |
| Language background other than English | 18% | 14% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 3% |
| Suburb | Caboolture 4510 | Maleny 4552 |
| Council area | Moreton Bay | Sunshine Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.cms.qld.edu.au | riverschool.com.au/ |
The verdict
- •Caboolture Montessori School scores higher on the Success Index (70.5 vs 68.2).
- •The River School has the higher ICSEA (1074 vs 1069), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •The River School has fewer students per teacher (7.9 vs 12.7).
- •Caboolture Montessori School is the larger school with 218 students compared with 77.
- •Caboolture Montessori School has grown faster over five years (26% vs -36%).
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 Caboolture Montessori School better than The River School?
On the Success Index, Caboolture Montessori School ranks higher (70.5 vs 68.2 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 Caboolture Montessori School and The River School?
About 37 km in a straight line, between Caboolture and Maleny in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Caboolture Montessori School has 12.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and The River School has 7.9.
How do Caboolture Montessori School and The River School rank in QLD?
Caboolture Montessori School is 95th of 804 and The River School is unranked among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.