Head-to-head · 2026
Calvary Christian College vs Ignatius Park College
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Townsville. Sourced from each school's published schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 6 June 2026.
Looking for just one school's fees and full profile?
At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: Calvary Christian College is Independent; Ignatius Park College is Catholic (Edmund Rice).
- Gender: Calvary Christian College is co-ed; Ignatius Park College is boys.
- ICSEA gap of 35: Ignatius Park College draws from a more advantaged community.
- Both schools are in Townsville, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Calvary Christian College | Ignatius Park College |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Mount Louisa, Townsville | Cranbrook, Townsville |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic (Edmund Rice) |
| Gender | co-ed | boys |
| Year levels | Prep-12 | Year 7-12 |
| ICSEA | 995 | 1030 |
| Year 12 fee | $7,155 | $7,908 |
| Year 7 fee | $6,690 | $7,908 |
| Boarding | Day school | Day school |
| Founded | 1978 | 1969 |
| Religion | Christian (non-denominational) | Roman Catholic (Edmund Rice / Christian Brothers tradition) |
All fees verified 6 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Calvary Christian College
Standout strengths
- ›STEM program
- ›Performing and Creative Arts (PACA) program with strings, woodwind, brass, voice and piano tuition
- ›Agricultural Centre / cattle club and rural showing
Calvary Christian College is a co-educational independent Christian school on a 60-acre campus at 569 Bayswater Road, Mount Louisa, serving Early Learning to Year 12. Founded in 1978 (opening 31 January with three teachers and 52 students in a church hall), it now educates roughly 900-1,100 students and is known for its STEM, Performing and Creative Arts (PACA) tuition, and a working Agricultural Centre with cattle showing. The 2026 annual day tuition is 6,690 dollars for Junior Secondary (Years 7-10) and 7,155 dollars for Senior Secondary (Years 11-12), plus levies.
See full profile →Ignatius Park College
Standout strengths
- ›Edmund Rice education tradition emphasising inclusive community, liberating education, justice/solidarity, and Gospel spirituality
- ›Continuation of Our Lady's Mount (first Catholic boys' secondary in Townsville); part of Edmund Rice Education Australia network of 38 schools
- ›Comprehensive co-curricular including rugby league, rugby union, soccer, basketball, water polo, music, debating, chess (1,000 students Years 7-12)
Catholic (Edmund Rice) boys school in Cranbrook, Townsville. Edmund Rice education tradition emphasising inclusive community, liberating education, justice/solidarity, and Gospel spirituality.
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Calvary Christian College or Ignatius Park College?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Ignatius Park College. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Calvary Christian College is more affordable. Both are in Townsville. The most meaningful comparison is on culture, programs, transport and entry pathway for your specific child – visit open days and talk to current parents.
What are the 2026 fees for Calvary Christian College and Ignatius Park College?
Calvary Christian College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $7,155 (Year 7: $6,690). Ignatius Park College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $7,908 (Year 7: $7,908). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Calvary Christian College vs Ignatius Park College?
Calvary Christian College has an ICSEA score of 995; Ignatius Park College has 1030. The Australian median is 1000. ICSEA measures the socio-educational advantage of the school community – it correlates with academic outcomes but does NOT measure teaching quality or value-add. ICSEA is published by ACARA on MySchool.
Which school is older, Calvary Christian College or Ignatius Park College?
Ignatius Park College is the older school (founded 1969 vs 1978 for Calvary Christian College).
Do Calvary Christian College or Ignatius Park College offer boarding?
Calvary Christian College: Day school only. Ignatius Park College: Day school only.
Next step
Model the 6-year cost for either school
Project Year 7-12 tuition with 4.5% annual indexation. Add boarding, levies and sibling discounts. Compare side-by-side.
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