FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: (SLO # or NDSP.Education.Pacific@dodea.edu)

Non-DoD School Program (NDSP)
Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools are unavailable in Western Australia. The Non-DoD Schools Program (NDSP) provides educational support and financial assistance to defray the costs of PK-12th grade (Kindy-Year 12) education while in Western Australia.

Families have three educational options through the NDSP:
• At Post (Public or Private School)
• Away from Post (Boarding School)
• Home Study/Virtual
Regardless of a family's intended educational option, all families are encouraged to register for the NDSP through Student Online Registration (DoDEA NDSP Student Online Registration). Registration with the NDSP is done separately and in addition to registration with schools in Western Australian schools.

More information about the NDSP can be found at Non-DoD Schools Program | DoDEA.

For detailed educational information, please view the NDSP Guide to Education in Western Australia (LINK).

Education in Western Australia

Academic School Year
School Structures
School Systems
Government/Public School Directory
Non-Government/Private School Directory
Uniforms
Transportation
School Supports

Academic School Year:

The academic calendar in Western Australia is based on the Southern Hemisphere seasons. Therefore, the school year starts at the end of January or the beginning of February and ends in December. Due to the likelihood that your transition to Australia will be from a Northern Hemisphere academic calendar, your child will likely be put half an academic year ahead or dropped back half an academic year. Schools consider many factors in making this determination, and family input is typically valued.

School Structures:

In Western Australia, U.S. grade levels are referred to and correspond to the Australian year levels. For example, U.S. 3rd grade corresponds to Year 3 in Australia.
• Kindy/Kindergarten is equivalent to a U.S. Pre-Kindergarten program
• Pre-Primary is equivalent to U.S. Kindergarten For children to enroll in the public schools of Western Australia, they must meet the following age cutoffs:
• U.S. equivalent of Pre-Kindergarten 4: 4-years-old by June 30
• U.S. equivalent of Kindergarten: 5-years-old by June 30
*Private Schools typically follow the same cutoffs; however, it is recommended to contact the individual private school to verify this information and the NDSP to verify eligibility for the program.

School Systems:

If seeking face-to-face instruction for your child while in Western Australia, there are two options: Public or Private.
• Government or Public Schooling
  ◦ Government-funded and free of charge to U.S. families (tuition and transportation)
  ◦ Pre-primary to Year 12 children are guaranteed acceptance at the catchment area school.
• Non-Government; Catholic, Independent, or International/Private
  ◦ Charge for tuition and transportation (see NDSP educational allowance)
  ◦ Families approach the individual school of interest to acquire information on registration and enrollment.
For assistance with locating schools in Western Australia, please refer to the following links:

Government/Public School Directory:

• Schools Online (Schools Online Department of Education Western Australia)
• Public School Registration Guide (LINK)

Non-Government/ Private School Directory:

• Private School Directory (Private Schools Directory)

Western Australia Department of Education Website: Department of Education WA - Department of Education

Uniforms:

Both Government and Non-Government schools require students to wear a uniform. Uniform costs or fees are non-allowable expenses through the NDSP and will be an out-of-pocket expense for families.

Transportation:

Students attending public primary schools typically reside near their school of attendance; therefore, they are commonly expected to walk. Public secondary schools serve a larger catchment area, so more students are required to use public transportation. Families are encouraged to contact their public school to determine transportation requirements for their students. Private school transportation varies depending on the school's offerings and the distance from the residence to the school. Contacting the private school directly can provide further information. Information regarding public transportation options in Western Australia can be found on the Transperth website: Transperth Home

School Supports:

Many Western Australian Schools offer a continuum of supports to foster students' well-being and academic growth throughout their school systems. While individual schools vary in offerings, many schools support diverse learners, gifted learners, and second-language learners, as well as student well-being programs to promote a student’s social-emotional development. Families are encouraged to contact their school of choice to learn more about the support offered in that school setting