About Us
Welcome to Berengarra School
A Melbourne, co-educational school for students in Years 7-12
Who We Are
Our History — Since 1977
Berengarra School was established when the founders of the Currajong Primary School decided that a specialist secondary school for students with social and emotional challenges was needed.
On 7 January 1977, Berengarra School was opened in Kew, Victoria, and a School Board was established with Rev. Kenneth Jago as the founding Chairperson.
‘Berengarra‘ is an Aboriginal word for the ‘land around Kew’ and references the original location of the school.
Berengarra School acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which our school operates and pays respect to Elders, past, present and emerging.
A non-denominational, co-educational specialist secondary school for students in Years 7-12 with social and emotional complexities, providing a trauma-aware learning environment since 1977.
We have found that Berengarra School is a safe space for the diverse young people who attend. The staff are caring, professional and highly capable and have an individualized approach to enable each person to achieve their potential.
Who We Support
Students who attend Berengarra School present with widely diverse needs. Berengarra School celebrates diversity and is committed to supporting the inclusion and success of all students. This requires an acknowledgement that some students have intersecting identities or additional needs that need to be taken into consideration.
Capable Learners with Emotional Needs
Students with significant emotional or behavioural needs who are capable learners
Disability, Neurodivergence & Learning Needs
Students with ADHD, autism, anxiety, trauma, depression or social withdrawal
Need for Calm Environment
Students who need a smaller, calmer environment to rebuild confidence
Disengaged from School
Students experiencing “school can’t” or who have disengaged from mainstream education
Gender, Sexuality & Self-Expression
Supporting all students in how they express themselves and their identity
Culture, Race & Language
Celebrating and supporting students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander
Culturally responsive support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
Life Circumstances & Economic Stress
Understanding and supporting students facing financial and situational challenges
Trauma-Aware Safety & Wellbeing Support
Trauma-aware care for students who have experienced adversity or challenging circumstances
An Alternative High School Experience
Flexible Hours
School day runs from 9:30am to 2:40pm, allowing travel outside peak times for more relaxed transitions
No Uniform Required
Students can dress comfortably, removing barriers and reducing daily stress
No Homework
All learning happens at school, allowing students to decompress and reset at home
Individual Support
Individually adjusted curriculum tailored to each student’s unique needs and learning style
Predictable Routines
Structured, consistent daily routines that create a sense of safety and predictability
Therapeutic Approach
Trauma-aware, relational approach to learning in a calm, supportive environment
Supporting Neurodivergent and Disengaged Students
All Berengarra School students require specialist support to meet their diverse social and emotional challenges. Students commonly present with a variety of mental health issues and/or learning challenges. Students who enrol at Berengarra School have all had challenges finding success in mainstream education. The school aims to offer the very best learning environment, curriculum and processes to meet the needs of our students.
Learn About EnrolmentBox Hill & Chadstone Campuses
Box Hill Campus
Our Box Hill Campus caters for students in Years 7-10. Highly experienced staff deliver the Victorian Curriculum with a trauma-aware approach, providing a safe and supportive learning environment for students to rebuild confidence and engage with their education.
Chadstone Campus
Our senior campus in Chadstone caters for students in Years 11-12. We offer Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC), VCE Vocational Major (VM), Vocational Education and Training Certificates (VET), and School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs).
Is Berengarra School Right for Your Child?
If your child needs a trauma-aware, therapeutic learning environment with specialist support, we’re here to help. Contact us to discuss enrolment or arrange a campus visit.