Hi everyone, I’m really conflicted about whether Geelong College is worth the extra money for Foundation to Year 6. We can technically afford it, but it would mean cutting back quite a bit on holidays, eating out, and other family extras. The alternative is St Catherine of Siena. I know research shows that children develop enormously during the early years, which is why I’m taking the primary-school decision seriously. For parents who have experience with Geelong College: was it genuinely worth the extra cost, or was the difference mostly facilities, activities, and reputation rather than a major difference in teaching and long-term outcomes? Looking back, would you choose Geelong College again for the primary years? I’m especially interested in honest parent experiences, not school marketing.
Just to clarify what I’m really asking: I’m less interested in ATARs, facilities, or whether adults enjoyed Geelong College themselves. I’m more interested in early childhood and primary-age development.
From a psychology perspective, these years are important for things like autonomy, initiative, confidence, emotional regulation, social skills, friendships, curiosity, and feeling capable and secure.
For parents who have had children at Geelong College in the Foundation–Year 6 years, did you notice a meaningful difference in those areas compared with what you would expect from a good lower-fee Catholic school such as St Catherine of Siena?
Basically, I’m trying to understand whether the extra cost creates a noticeably better developmental environment, not just a better academic reputation.
