Ballarat Steiner School vs Dandenong Ranges Steiner School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 139 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Ballarat Steiner School
Mount Helen · Independent primary · Prep-6
64 students · ICSEA 1076
Dandenong Ranges Steiner School
Emerald · Independent primary · Prep-6
151 students · ICSEA 1080
| Measure | Ballarat Steiner School Mount Helen VIC | Dandenong Ranges Steiner School Emerald VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 69 Top 25% | 70 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | – | #417 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | – | #1044 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 64 | 151 |
| Girls / boys | 37 / 27 | 88 / 63 |
| Foundation intake | 14 | 24 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -33% | +11% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1076 | 1080 |
| ICSEA percentile | 77th | 79th |
| Top SEA quarter | 31% | 28% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 11% | 6% |
| Students per teacher | 6.8 | 12.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 9.3 | 11.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 5.0 | 17.4 |
| Language background other than English | 14% | 6% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 2% |
| Suburb | Mount Helen 3350 | Emerald 3782 |
| Council area | Ballarat | Cardinia |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | www.ballaratsteinerschool.com.au | www.drss.vic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Dandenong Ranges Steiner School scores higher on the Success Index (69.6 vs 68.6).
- •Dandenong Ranges Steiner School has the higher ICSEA (1080 vs 1076), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Ballarat Steiner School has fewer students per teacher (6.8 vs 12.7).
- •Dandenong Ranges Steiner School is the larger school with 151 students compared with 64.
- •Dandenong Ranges Steiner School has grown faster over five years (11% vs -33%).
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 Ballarat Steiner School better than Dandenong Ranges Steiner School?
On the Success Index, Dandenong Ranges Steiner School ranks higher (69.6 vs 68.6 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 Ballarat Steiner School and Dandenong Ranges Steiner School?
About 139 km in a straight line, between Mount Helen and Emerald in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Ballarat Steiner School has 6.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Dandenong Ranges Steiner School has 12.7.
How do Ballarat Steiner School and Dandenong Ranges Steiner School rank in VIC?
Ballarat Steiner School is unranked and Dandenong Ranges Steiner School is 417th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.