Calvary Lutheran Primary School vs Christie Downs Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in South Australia, 1.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Calvary Lutheran Primary School
Morphett Vale · Independent primary · R-6
191 students · ICSEA 971
Christie Downs Primary School
Christie Downs · Government primary · U, R-6
205 students · ICSEA 925
| Measure | Calvary Lutheran Primary School Morphett Vale SA | Christie Downs Primary School Christie Downs SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 35 Lower 50% | 37 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #262 of 348 | #251 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #3779 of 4,908 | #3659 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | R-6 | U, R-6 |
| Students | 191 | 205 |
| Girls / boys | 91 / 100 | 89 / 116 |
| Foundation intake | 24 | 21 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -27% | -25% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 971 | 925 |
| ICSEA percentile | 34th | 17th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 9% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 42% | 50% |
| Students per teacher | 12.4 | 8.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 15.4 | 24.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 15.0 | 26.2 |
| Language background other than English | 10% | 31% |
| Indigenous students | 9% | 31% |
| Suburb | Morphett Vale 5162 | Christie Downs 5164 |
| Council area | Onkaparinga | Onkaparinga |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.calvary.sa.edu.au | www.cdownssch.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Christie Downs Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (36.7 vs 34.9).
- •Calvary Lutheran Primary School has the higher ICSEA (971 vs 925), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Christie Downs Primary School has fewer students per teacher (8.3 vs 12.4).
- •Christie Downs Primary School is the larger school with 205 students compared with 191.
- •Calvary Lutheran Primary School is a independent school while Christie Downs Primary School is a government school, so fees and enrolment rules differ.
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 Calvary Lutheran Primary School better than Christie Downs Primary School?
On the Success Index, Christie Downs Primary School ranks higher (36.7 vs 34.9 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 Calvary Lutheran Primary School and Christie Downs Primary School?
About 1.6 km in a straight line, between Morphett Vale and Christie Downs in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Calvary Lutheran Primary School has 12.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Christie Downs Primary School has 8.3.
How do Calvary Lutheran Primary School and Christie Downs Primary School rank in SA?
Calvary Lutheran Primary School is 262nd of 348 and Christie Downs Primary School is 251st of 348 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.