The Mcdonald College

About school

Truly the only school of its kind in Australia.

We are an independent, non-denominational, co-educational K – 12 school in North Strathfield. 

We offer a range of disciplines in performing arts and elite sports integrated with an equal focus on students’ academic studies: 

• Acting (ATYP)
• Classical Ballet
• Contemporary Dance (Sydney Dance Company)
• Dance (Commercial)
• Music
• Musical Theatre
• Technical Production
• Elite Tennis (Voyager Tennis Academy) and
• Rhythmic Gymnastics (Rhythmic Academy of Sydney).

Students love The McDonald College because here they find their people, people who appreciate their individuality and value their diverse interests. Parents love The McDonald College because we place equal emphasis on academic rigour and the pursuit of their child’s passion. 

Our Junior school class sizes mean we can offer personal support to your child, tailoring their education to their abilities and needs. Developing your child’s foundations of literacy and numeracy is our focus. We tap into their natural creativity through our engaging program of performing arts classes to build their confidence and self-esteem. 

We can take up to 45 boarders of all genders from Years 7 – 12 a home away from home. Boarders come from the world over – from China to Cootamundra and as close as Concord. Our boarding house is designed to provide increased levels of privacy as students become more independent and mature. Our strong community values, together with holistic guidance and support for boarders creates close family-like relationships that last long after graduation. Our chef provides nutritional varied meals making dinner time a highlight of the day. 

Our unique partnerships with ATYP, Sydney Dance Company, Voyager Tennis Academy, and Rhythmic Academy of Sydney offer our students pathways to the future with industry training of the highest calibre. 

Our highly experienced staff are professional, personable, and passionate. Many of our staff have been at the top of their career, are still active in their chosen field on a professional basis and stay current via professional development. 

Our performing arts students are offered many opportunities to perform throughout the year including at our High Performance Season, An Evening of Classical Ballet, showcases, various plays, Eisteddfod groups, and more.  

Classical ballet students may audition for our pre-professional company, The Premier State Ballet, which performs a full-length ballet each year. Additionally, we offer an Elite Masterclass Series with respected industry professionals and the popular International Summer School.  

We also have an After Hours program which runs year-round and caters for all years and all levels.

  We count among our alumni the likes of Sarah Murdoch (international model, TV presenter, actor) Nikki Webster (star of the Sydney Olympics, dancer, vocalist) Tim Draxl (actor, musical theatre performer), Dimity Clancey (TV journalist), Meg Mac (singer-songwriter), Ash Magic (who has over 6.6M followers on TikTok), and Emma Watkins (the Yellow Wiggle). Recent graduate, Micheal Zhang (ATAR 99.95) is now studying at Harvard – all keeping good company with our graduate doctors, lawyers, teachers and business leaders. We are proud of all our alumni and love to stay in touch. 

OPEN DAYS AND AUDITIONS 

We hold a series of Open Days / Mornings, Principal’s Tours, Experience Days for prospective Infants’ students and Auditions for entry into Years 5 – 11.  For more information, visit mcdonald.nsw.edu.au