Christies Beach Primary School vs Southern Montessori School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 1.4 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Christies Beach Primary School
Christies Beach · Government primary · U, R-6
194 students · ICSEA 889
Southern Montessori School
O'Sullivan Beach · Independent combined · R-9
230 students · ICSEA 1095
| Measure | Christies Beach Primary School Christies Beach SA | Southern Montessori School O'Sullivan Beach SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 20 Lower 50% | 65 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #344 of 348 | #22 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #4788 of 4,908 | #372 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | U, R-6 | R-9 |
| Students | 194 | 230 |
| Girls / boys | 96 / 98 | 122 / 108 |
| Foundation intake | 36 | 35 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 23 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -31% | +17% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 889 | 1095 |
| ICSEA percentile | 9th | 83th |
| Top SEA quarter | 2% | 35% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 66% | 6% |
| Students per teacher | 13.0 | 12.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 14.9 | 18.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 21.4 | 11.1 |
| Language background other than English | 10% | 16% |
| Indigenous students | 28% | 0% |
| Suburb | Christies Beach 5165 | O'Sullivan Beach 5166 |
| Council area | Onkaparinga | Onkaparinga |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.cbeachps.sa.edu.au | www.southernmontessori.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Southern Montessori School scores higher on the Success Index (64.8 vs 19.7).
- •Southern Montessori School has the higher ICSEA (1095 vs 889), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Southern Montessori School has fewer students per teacher (12.5 vs 13.0).
- •Southern Montessori School is the larger school with 230 students compared with 194.
- •Southern Montessori School has grown faster over five years (17% vs -31%).
- •Christies Beach Primary School is a government school while Southern Montessori School is an independent 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 Christies Beach Primary School better than Southern Montessori School?
On the Success Index, Southern Montessori School ranks higher (64.8 vs 19.7 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 Christies Beach Primary School and Southern Montessori School?
About 1.4 km in a straight line, between Christies Beach and O'Sullivan Beach in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Christies Beach Primary School has 13.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Southern Montessori School has 12.5.
How do Christies Beach Primary School and Southern Montessori School rank in SA?
Christies Beach Primary School is 344th of 348 and Southern Montessori School is 22nd of 145 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.