Dara School vs Wilderness School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in South Australia, 12 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Dara School
Morphettville · Independent combined · R-10
93 students · ICSEA 1176
Wilderness School
Medindie · Independent combined · R-12
856 students · ICSEA 1176
| Measure | Dara School Morphettville SA | Wilderness School Medindie SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 82 Top 10% | 83 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #5 of 145 | #4 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #73 of 1,259 | #63 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | R-10 | R-12 |
| Students | 93 | 856 |
| Girls / boys | 28 / 65 | 856 / 0 |
| Foundation intake | 7 | 41 |
| Year 7 cohort | 9 | 89 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 95 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +133% | +5% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1176 | 1176 |
| ICSEA percentile | 98th | 98th |
| Top SEA quarter | 67% | 70% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 2% | 1% |
| Students per teacher | 8.1 | 11.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 11.3 | 77.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.7 | 37.7 |
| Language background other than English | 23% | 44% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 0% |
| Suburb | Morphettville 5043 | Medindie 5081 |
| Council area | Marion | Walkerville |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | daraschool.sa.edu.au | www.wilderness.com.au |
The verdict
- •Wilderness School scores higher on the Success Index (83.0 vs 82.0).
- •Dara School has fewer students per teacher (8.1 vs 11.1).
- •Wilderness School is the larger school with 856 students compared with 93.
- •Dara School has grown faster over five years (133% vs 5%).
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 Dara School better than Wilderness School?
On the Success Index, Wilderness School ranks higher (83.0 vs 82.0 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 Dara School and Wilderness School?
About 12 km in a straight line, between Morphettville and Medindie in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Dara School has 8.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Wilderness School has 11.1.
How do Dara School and Wilderness School rank in SA?
Dara School is 5th of 145 and Wilderness School is 4th of 145 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.