Head-to-head · 2026

Calvin Christian School vs The Friends' School

Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Hobart. Sourced from each school's published 2026 schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 13 May 2026.

The Education Desk · Editorial team, schools + fertility + family services · Updated 13 May 2026 · How we rank · Editorial standards

At a glance

The headline differences

  • Sector: Calvin Christian School is Christian; The Friends' School is Independent (Quaker).
  • The Friends' School offers boarding; Calvin Christian School is day-only.
  • Year 12 fees differ by $14,113: Calvin Christian School is more affordable.
  • ICSEA gap of 86: The Friends' School draws from a more advantaged community.
  • The Friends' School is the older school (est. 1887 vs 1962).
  • Both schools are in Hobart, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.

Comparison

Side-by-side

Metric Calvin Christian School The Friends' School
City / suburbKingston, HobartNorth Hobart, Hobart
SectorChristianIndependent (Quaker)
Genderco-educationalco-educational
Year levelsK-Year 12K-Year 12
ICSEA10721158
Year 12 fee 2026$7,467$21,580
Year 7 fee 2026$7,044$19,280
BoardingDay schoolYes · $23,800/yr
Founded19621887
ReligionNon-denominational Reformed ChristianReligious Society of Friends (Quaker)

All fees verified 13 May 2026 against each school's published 2026 schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).

Calvin Christian School

Standout strengths

  • Australia's first Christian parent-controlled school
  • Part of Christian Schools Tasmania network
  • Modest fees relative to peer Christian schools

Christian co-educational school in Kingston, Hobart. Australia's first Christian parent-controlled school

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The Friends' School

Standout strengths

  • Australia's only Quaker school
  • Strong values-based education + service
  • Boarding for rural Tasmania + Pacific

Quaker co-educational school in North Hobart. Founded 1887.

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Common questions

FAQs

Which is better, Calvin Christian School or The Friends' School?

"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, The Friends' School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Calvin Christian School is more affordable. Both are in Hobart. 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 Calvin Christian School and The Friends' School?

Calvin Christian School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $7,467 (Year 7: $7,044). The Friends' School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $21,580 (Year 7: $19,280). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.

What are the ICSEA scores for Calvin Christian School vs The Friends' School?

Calvin Christian School has an ICSEA score of 1072; The Friends' School has 1158. 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, Calvin Christian School or The Friends' School?

The Friends' School is the older school (founded 1887 vs 1962 for Calvin Christian School).

Do Calvin Christian School or The Friends' School offer boarding?

Calvin Christian School: Day school only. The Friends' School: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $23,800/yr.

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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