Head-to-head · 2026
Calvary Christian College vs Townsville Grammar School
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.
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At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: Calvary Christian College is Independent; Townsville Grammar School is Independent (non-denominational).
- Gender: Calvary Christian College is co-ed; Townsville Grammar School is co-educational.
- Townsville Grammar School offers boarding; Calvary Christian College is day-only.
- Year 12 fees differ by $10,821: Calvary Christian College is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 149: Townsville Grammar School draws from a more advantaged community.
- Townsville Grammar School is the older school (est. 1888 vs 1978).
- Both schools are in Townsville, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Calvary Christian College | Townsville Grammar School |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Mount Louisa, Townsville | North Ward, Townsville |
| Sector | Independent | Independent (non-denominational) |
| Gender | co-ed | co-educational |
| Year levels | Prep-12 | Pre-Prep-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 995 | 1144 |
| Year 12 fee | $7,155 | $17,976 |
| Year 7 fee | $6,690 | $17,420 |
| Boarding | Day school | Yes |
| Founded | 1978 | 1888 |
| Religion | Christian (non-denominational) | Non-denominational secular |
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 →Townsville Grammar School
Standout strengths
- ›International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) for Years 11-12, one of only 18 IB schools in Queensland
- ›Co-educational boarding for Years 7-12 with 120 boarders (25 international students)
- ›Three junior school campuses (Annandale, North Shore, North Ward) plus Year 7-12 campus adjacent to Townsville Sports Precinct (2022)
Independent (non-denominational) co-educational school in North Ward, Townsville. International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) for Years 11-12, one of only 18 IB schools in Queensland.
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Calvary Christian College or Townsville Grammar School?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Townsville Grammar School. 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 Townsville Grammar School?
Calvary Christian College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $7,155 (Year 7: $6,690). Townsville Grammar School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $17,976 (Year 7: $17,420). 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 Townsville Grammar School?
Calvary Christian College has an ICSEA score of 995; Townsville Grammar School has 1144. 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 Townsville Grammar School?
Townsville Grammar School is the older school (founded 1888 vs 1978 for Calvary Christian College).
Do Calvary Christian College or Townsville Grammar School offer boarding?
Calvary Christian College: Day school only. Townsville Grammar School: Yes.
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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