“As far as is humanly possible the children are seen only as individuals, each one very different from every other one, with varying rates of growth and abilities. To work with them as individuals there must be real warmth and complete acceptance of each child as he (she) is.”
~Margaret E. Lyttle
The primary years are a time of growth, curiosity and increasing independence. At Preshil’s Arlington campus, learning isn’t something children are pushed through—it’s something they step into.
No ranking. No boxes. Just real learning.
Every student learns differently. That’s why we don’t rank, compare or standardise. Each child’s learning is shaped around their needs, interests and pace. We help students set meaningful goals, reflect on their growth and take ownership of their learning. They build confidence not by being “top of the class,” but by becoming more fully themselves.
A place that feels like theirs
Our physical environment at Arlington is designed to invite curiosity, responsibility and a sense of belonging. Rooms are flexible, open and filled with natural light. Every classroom is equipped with a kitchen, comfy couches and creative materials. Students freely move indoors and outdoors, working in groups or independently on the task at hand. Classrooms are always open as play and recreation spaces across the entire day (including play and lunch breaks), affording choice and differentiation in how children spend their time.
The Arlington campus includes dedicated art and music rooms, a library and cooking spaces, varied playgrounds for unstructured exploration, garden beds and untamed shrubberies with rope swings, sandpits, play equipment and trees to climb, outdoor areas for cubby-building, a fully equipped woodworking workshop, and our beloved bush nook, “The Pines.”
At Arlington, children may learn in composite homerooms, fostering a strong sense of community that isn’t bound by year levels, encouraging friendships, mentorship and collaboration across age groups.
Two educators for every class, so we can really get to know your child
Our primary educators take the time and do the work to know each student deeply. We believe that when a child is seen for who they are, learning becomes meaningful. The result is young people who are confident in themselves, connected to others, and ready to keep growing.
Our co-teaching model ensures every child is deeply known, supported and seen from more than one perspective. We’re able to be truly responsive to the needs of both the group and the individual, and adjust learning experiences in real time.
Our teachers bring their own expertise, often as leaders in their fields, into the classroom, and model mutual respect, cooperation and curiosity in how they work with each other and with children.
Curriculum with depth and rigour—on each student’s terms
The learning program at Preshil is mapped against the Victorian Curriculum, underpinned by the Preshil Educational Principles.
Learning here doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all script. You won’t find isolated subject blocks here. Projects and enquiry are shaped around the interests, ideas and questions that matter to the students.
Our curriculum is built around four key pillars:
Choosing, Enquiry, Skills and Breadth. These shape how students engage with core areas like English, Maths, Science and the Arts—through storytelling, hands-on exploration, and interdisciplinary learning.
Learning that grows with your child
Preshil Primary students are grouped by developmental stage rather than strict year levels, so we can support ongoing relationships and tailored learning. In the early years (Prep–Year 2), play-based exploration builds confidence and foundational skills. As students move into the middle and upper years (Years 3–6), they take greater ownership of their learning through collaborative projects, critical thinking and goal-setting—supported by strong relationships and a culture of mutual respect and curiosity.
When things go wrong, we help make it right
When a group of students were play-fighting with sticks, educators didn’t impose rules. They sat with the students, openly discussed concerns and worked together to set clear, shared boundaries. The result wasn’t just safer play—it was a genuine sense of shared responsibility.
Friendships and life in a community can be bumpy. These aren’t moments of disruption, but opportunities for deep learning. We don’t use rewards or punishments to manage behaviour. Instead, educators take the time to listen and help children work through big feelings. They help unpack what happened, support each child to express their feelings, and understand others’ perspectives. Sometimes, that’s all that’s needed for play to resume. Other times, students are supported to make amends or find next steps.
Out of School Hours Care (OSHC)
Primary students at Arlington can access extended care from 8:00am to 6:00pm each school day.
- Before Care (8:00–8:45am): Children can be dropped off at the Kindergarten at no cost.
- After Care (3:45–6:00pm): Primary students join Kindergarten children for OSHC, for a flat fee of $33.00.
Any primary student not collected by 3:45pm is taken to the Kindergarten and cared for by our staff until pickup. This ensures a safe, seamless and familiar environment across all parts of the school day.
Come and see for yourself
Book a tour. We'd love to show you around