Is McDonald College a good school?

We definitely think so but then again we are biased. There is a simple way to find out, simply register and come to our Open Day. We run them all throughout the year.

Is McDonald College related to McDonald’s?

Some of our reviews on Google might suggest that, but McDonald College has absolutely no connection to the McDonald's fast-food chain. Think of it this way: • One serves up sizzling burgers and milkshakes, the other serves up performances and academics. • One brings joy through deliciousness, the other brings joy through artistic expression. • Both make people happy, but in completely different and equally awesome ways! So, rest assured, there's no mandatory clown costume requirement at McDonald College (unless you choose the juggling performance). They're two separate entities, each dedicated to their own kind of Mc-excellence!

Is McDonald College a Performing Arts School?

Many people, when they hear ‘The McDonald College’, think of ‘ballet’ or ‘performing arts school’. While our history is steeped in ballet and dance, and these are art forms that we are famous for – we have evolved. We have expanded our offerings across all streams of performing arts and also offer performance sports – specifically tennis and rhythmic gymnastics. Performance isn’t just about what happens on stage or on a court. It is also about performance in the classroom. And creativity isn’t just about the arts. Creativity also lives in science, technology, and mathematics. From Kindergarten onwards, we foster critical thinking and creative problem-solving. This is key to how our students graduate to become well-rounded performers.

THE MCDONALD COLLEGE PORTAL

OPEN DAY06 Mar

OPEN DAY6 March

The McDonald College – Performing Arts and Performance Sports K-12 School in Sydney

The McDonald College

Selected for CALLBACK in HSC Dance

We’re thrilled to announce that student Molly Rytmeister has been selected to perform in CALLBACK, a prestigious event that celebrates exemplary HSC Dance performances from students across New South Wales. This selection is a huge honor and a testament to Molly’s dedication, skill, and artistry in dance, which she has…

The only school of its kind

In 1984, The McDonald College was founded by three women with an ambitious idea – to create a school where young people could pursue their passion and receive world-class performance training while receiving a rigorous academic education. It was the first school of its kind in Australia – and we remain unique.

While the history of the College is steeped in Classical Ballet and Dance, and these are art forms that the College is known for – we have expanded our offerings across all streams of Performing Arts and also offer Performance Sports – Elite Tennis and Rhythmic Gymnastics.

Through performance training, students also develop highly transferable skills such as self-discipline, time management, empathy, humility, adaptability, and resilience. Skills they can take into any career they choose.

McDonald College Alumnus Blake Bowden - actor, musical theatre, dancer

"My husband I were struck by the professionalism and commitment of the teachers at the last parent-teacher interviews, where each teacher was able to precisely articulate our daughter's strengths while simultaneously fostering her development.

As the HSC draws nearer, we are once again assured of the fulsome education our child is receiving at the school."

Year 12 Parent 2024

As I near the end of my time at the College, I reflect on how bittersweet it has been to have felt myself grow not only as an academic student and ballet dancer, but as an individual. The students and teachers I have connected with, the performance and academic opportunities I have been afforded and the struggles I have faced trying to do it all; they have all made me into the more resilient, confident and morally grounded person I am today.

Year 12 Student 2024

"Henry has been at the College since Year 5, and everyone at the school has been extremely supportive of his journey which sees him heading to the Royal Ballet School this year. We could not be happier with the progress he has made. Neither of us has a dancing or ballet background, so the support and assistance we received from the school was amazing. We highly recommend the school to anyone whose children have similar aspirations."

Mark and Kate Burgess

"Fantastic school. One in which all students are supported, encouraged, and included. Academic achievements are equally as important as their performing arts achievements, and it’s a school that has helped our daughter to excel in both."

Kim Sindel

"We are grateful and blessed that our daughter has found her home and her people at The McDonald College. This incredible school has provided a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for her to thrive personally, academically, socially and in her area of Performing Arts. I can’t thank the staff enough for all that they do. My only regret is that we didn’t find The McDonald College sooner."

Sharon Read

"We especially appreciate the support of the Music Stream at The McDonald College – especially Ms Bermingham, Katia and Paul, who all encourage my daughter's creative development. We appreciate the environment that the College provides to foster those students who wouldn’t have thrived in a standard school environment."

Sarah Derry

"What a great happy school. We have been looking at this school for some time and it is such a friendly environment with fantastic teachers."

Sara Piccinelli

"My daughter is a changed child just after one week at the College. She is finally excited to go to school and is so happy. The small classes are just what she needs to get her confidence back in her academic work. The high standard of performing arts is exactly what she needs to excel. The communication and genuine care for her is confirmation that we have made the right decision in changing schools."

Kirstyn Burton

"This school is a wonderful school. My child has had an amazing time here, and he continues to grow academically but also performance-wise. The staff are amazing and nurturing, and my child has loved every minute of it. Great school!"