The Hills Christian Community School vs The Hills Montessori School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in South Australia, 3.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
The Hills Christian Community School
Verdun · Independent combined · R-12
640 students · ICSEA 1092
The Hills Montessori School
Aldgate · Independent combined · R-9
133 students · ICSEA 1105
| Measure | The Hills Christian Community School Verdun SA | The Hills Montessori School Aldgate SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 67 Top 25% | 68 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #19 of 145 | #17 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #327 of 1,259 | #302 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | R-12 | R-9 |
| Students | 640 | 133 |
| Girls / boys | 314 / 326 | 76 / 57 |
| Foundation intake | 50 | 16 |
| Year 7 cohort | 53 | 5 |
| Year 12 cohort | 28 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +30% | -24% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1092 | 1105 |
| ICSEA percentile | 82th | 86th |
| Top SEA quarter | 35% | 45% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 7% | 9% |
| Students per teacher | 13.1 | 10.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 48.9 | 12.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 29.9 | 9.4 |
| Language background other than English | 5% | 4% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 0% |
| Suburb | Verdun 5245 | Aldgate 5154 |
| Council area | Adelaide Hills | Adelaide Hills |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | www.hills.sa.edu.au | www.montessori.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •The Hills Montessori School scores higher on the Success Index (68.1 vs 66.8).
- •The Hills Montessori School has the higher ICSEA (1105 vs 1092), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •The Hills Montessori School has fewer students per teacher (10.6 vs 13.1).
- •The Hills Christian Community School is the larger school with 640 students compared with 133.
- •The Hills Christian Community School has grown faster over five years (30% vs -24%).
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Windsor Gardens
Frequently asked questions
Is The Hills Christian Community School better than The Hills Montessori School?
On the Success Index, The Hills Montessori School ranks higher (68.1 vs 66.8 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 The Hills Christian Community School and The Hills Montessori School?
About 3.5 km in a straight line, between Verdun and Aldgate in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
The Hills Christian Community School has 13.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and The Hills Montessori School has 10.6.
How do The Hills Christian Community School and The Hills Montessori School rank in SA?
The Hills Christian Community School is 19th of 145 and The Hills Montessori School is 17th of 145 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.