Kids in front of the school

Welcome to Fitzroy Community School

Fitzroy Community School (FCS) is a school that does not look or feel like a school. Visitors often comment that FCS seems more like a large family, while others share that the children are clearly happy and having fun.

The school has a relaxed atmosphere yet nevertheless achieves exemplary academic outcomes. Our students are keen on learning and want to come to school. High spirited, lively and enthusiastic aptly describe our students.

The family feel arises from keeping the enrolment small. A small school allows everybody to know everybody, a prerequisite to the individual feeling valued. The connections are personal and real.

FCS aims for three outcomes in terms of its students and graduates: goodness, viability and academic competency. We feel that these qualities offer the best chance of an active, fulfilling and engaging life and we are overjoyed that our graduates demonstrate them. Confidence and effective communication skills are another hallmark of our students, attributes acquired through the daily lifestyle of the school.

FCS was founded in 1976 by Philip O'Carroll and Faye Berryman AM in their home in North Fitzroy and still operates there. Their vision for an enlightened, fun and connected childhood continues to this day. FCS has a second campus in Normanby Avenue, Thornbury, where Wayne and Joelle Wearn-Jarvis are daily seen caring for and supporting our students.

We welcome prospective parents to come and see the school, so please get in touch.

Personalised, caring and expert teaching characterise the FCS experience

Our school offers a rich, unparalleled mix of activities to children. We offer more art, sport, drama, craft, science, music and camp that any school we are aware of. The FCS experience is a rich one, building strengths while being thoroughly enjoyed by the children.

Explore the Curriculum

Bush Walking

At FCS, our class time is successfully focused. Our combination of great teachers, a well-organised core curriculum, proven strategies, small classes (averaging 12 students) and a lack of classroom disruption is reflected in high levels of academic success with fewer hours on core skills than other schools. Or, we have much more time to have fun and engage in activities that build confidence and connection.

Life at FCS

This is Fitzroy Community School

Our motto is:
People Before Things

We live out our motto. Our many non-structured times each week: outings, park-time, walks along creeks, adventures in playgrounds, camps (with minimal programmed activities) and free-time at school allow for connection and community to be built, essential elements in living out motto. In knowing the children, we interact with them personally. In doing so, they are not just valued, but feel valued.

FCS In Essence