When The McDonald College joined us for our Boarding Schools Expo events for the very first time this year, it triggered a response in so many families that walked through our doors. There was this collective moment of realisation among country families: “Hang on… my kid might actually be able to do this.”
By this, we mean dance. Acting. Music. Musical theatre. Classical ballet. The performing arts in all their demanding, amazing forms and delivered not as an afterthought or an extracurricular, but woven into the very rhythm of the school day. It’s the stuff of big city dreams… except we now know it’s within reach for families from right across rural, regional and remote NSW.
And that’s what makes The McDonald College so special.
Based in Sydney, The McDonald College is the only school in Australia that fully integrates world-class performing arts training into an academic education. Their students are dancers, musicians, actors, tennis players – and just as importantly, they’re also teenagers who live in a nurturing, co-ed boarding house that feels more like a big, supportive family than a traditional dorm.
For the country families we’ve met this year at our Expo events – many of whom have creative kids bursting at the seams for an outlet – discovering The McDonald College has felt like a bit of a miracle. Because for those families that seek it, it’s not just about finding a school that “offers” drama or dance. It’s about finding a place where a young person’s passion is taken seriously. Where they can grow not just as students, but as artists.
At Boarding Schools Expo, we’re so proud to connect families with schools like this – places that open up the world in ways we didn’t always think were possible from out here. And if your child dreams in pirouettes, clapperboard takes or spotlight moments, then this one might just be worth a closer look.
Because talent doesn’t come with a postcode. And neither should opportunity. I’ll keep saying it. You can count on that.
THE ONLY SCHOOL OF ITS KIND
The McDonald College – A school for
the performers of the future.
The McDonald College is a unique school where young people can pursue their passion while receiving world-class performance training alongside a rigorous academic education.
We are the only school in Australia to integrate performing arts genres such as Acting, Classical Ballet, Dance, Music, Musical Theatre, and Elite Tennis into the regular school day.
Our co-educational boarding house provides a safe, caring and family-oriented environment-one where students grow academically, socially, physically and emotionally, all while following their passion. We believe that when students do what they love, they thrive at school and flourish as individuals, ready for life beyond the classroom.
Discover life in our vibrant boarding community-where lifelong friendships are made, independence is nurtured, and every day is filled with creativity and community spirit.
Register now for our next Open Day on 31 July and book your place for Auditions on 22 August.
A Home Away From Home: Boarding at The McDonald College
The McDonald College Boarding House offers a unique and nurturing environment for young performers and athletes.
We spoke with Rebecca Rogers, Head of Boarding, to learn more about the program’s benefits and the special role she plays in shaping students’ lives.
Boarding Students Shine Bright in Chicago
Boarding students Sophie, Molly and Max lit up the stage in Chicago: The Musical.
They embraced leading roles, while also juggling workshops, vocal coaching and academic classes—an experience that would have been nearly impossible without the immersive environment The McDonald College offers.
A Leader on Pointe: Coco Rallies Flood Relief for Her Hometown
When devastating floods swept through Taree and surrounding towns in regional NSW, it was a moment of heartbreak for many.
But for Coco, a boarder in the Classical Ballet Stream and School Captain at The McDonald College, it was also a moment to lead with compassion.
Thank you to The McDonald College, Sydney, NSW for showing us around their amazing school. As always, enjoy the resources on our website helping you and your family make decisions about boarding school & supporting you once you’re there.