Head-to-head · 2026
Calvary Christian College vs Southern Cross Catholic 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; Southern Cross Catholic College is Catholic.
- ICSEA gap of 45: Southern Cross Catholic 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 | Southern Cross Catholic College |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Mount Louisa, Townsville | Annandale, Townsville |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Gender | co-ed | co-ed |
| Year levels | Prep-12 | Prep-12 |
| ICSEA | 995 | 1040 |
| Year 12 fee | $7,155 | $7,131 |
| Year 7 fee | $6,690 | $7,131 |
| Boarding | Day school | Day school |
| Founded | 1978 | 1998 |
| Religion | Christian (non-denominational) | Catholic |
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 →Southern Cross Catholic College
Standout strengths
- ›Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways
- ›Catholic Earthcare / sustainability and solar program
- ›Comprehensive student wellbeing and pastoral care
Southern Cross Catholic College is a co-educational Catholic Prep-to-Year-12 college in Annandale, operated within the Townsville Catholic Education diocese. Opened in January 1998 with 70 Prep-Year 4 students, it grew to a full primary/secondary college, graduating its first Year 12 cohort in 2019, and now enrols around 1,070-1,320 students under the motto 'To Love, To Serve, To Shine'. The 2026 Years 7-12 fee is from 7,131 dollars (excluding senior subject levies), with a discount for paying in full at the start of Term 1.
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Calvary Christian College or Southern Cross Catholic College?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Southern Cross Catholic College. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Southern Cross Catholic 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 Southern Cross Catholic College?
Calvary Christian College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $7,155 (Year 7: $6,690). Southern Cross Catholic College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $7,131 (Year 7: $7,131). 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 Southern Cross Catholic College?
Calvary Christian College has an ICSEA score of 995; Southern Cross Catholic College has 1040. 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 Southern Cross Catholic College?
Calvary Christian College is the older school (founded 1978 vs 1998 for Southern Cross Catholic College).
Do Calvary Christian College or Southern Cross Catholic College offer boarding?
Calvary Christian College: Day school only. Southern Cross Catholic 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.
Open calculator →