FAQs



What are your fees like? 

We keep our fees as low as possible, to allow maximum access to our wonderful school. For more information, please call or email us.

Do you do homework?

No. We see parents as co-educators, and expect that you will be involved in your child’s education – everything from reading with them at home, to helping out at school. We don’t see the need to have extra formal work outside of school hours.

How do you approach testing?

You can read all about our assessment policies here.

Are you like Steiner Schools or other alternative schools?

No. We are a democratic school. You can read more about democratic education here.

How are the classes structured?

We are a multi-age school. We have three classes – big kids, little kids and middle kids. However, there are lots of whole school activities, and the kids play and work with all ages.

What about uniforms? Shoes?

We don’t have a uniform at Pine. The kids are free to wear whatever they like, as long as it is comfortable and provides safety for activities (eg hats for outside, enclosed shoes if using tools). We have frequent dress-up days – everything from Pajama Day to Crazy Hair Day (although like many things at Pine, no-one has to dress up if they don't want to.) 

When was the school started? 

The school was started in 1983 by a group of committed parents and teachers who wanted a holistic, play-based and respectful education for their children. The first building was in a house, then a local neighbourhood centre, followed by shared council premises at the Old Jinker Track.  In 1989, the school was built on its current location at 123 Bunya Road, Arana Hills and opened to students in January 1990. 

What about high school?

Derek and Claire, Pine Parents for many years, had this to say:

At times we have had doubts about whether such a fun and play focussed environment was really going to be able to meet the demands and standards required for high school. But through the huge variety of activities, interactions and experiences that the children are immersed in, as well as the key curriculum requirements, their social intelligence is built well beyond what any rote learning could achieve. Having this critical developmental building block firmly established has provided the foundation for our son to now thrive as an academically competent and self-confident individual who is now looking forward to starting a new period of life at high school in the New Year ahead.


Our students go to a variety of different high schools - local state and independent schools, homeschooling and some continue on to Brisbane's democratic community high school, Humanitas High School. (Humanitas was founded in 2021 by teachers of Pine Community School, and shares many similar values). While all Pine graduates are different, we have found that a commonality is that they are great communicators, able to ask adults for help when needed, and have a positive attitude to learning and working with others (including other students and teachers).