Frequently Asked Questions
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No because we are fully state funded, however we invite voluntary donations of $400 per child per term to assist with our property costs.
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Yes, both formal and PE uniforms are required. We use a local supplier and everything is made in New Zealand. We have an optional shell jacket.
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Charter schools (kura hourua) are publicly funded, offering free, flexible and innovative education. For more information visit www.charterschools.govt.nz
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Monday–Wednesday: 8:45am–3:15pm at school. Thursday–Friday: home learning with whanau. Parents are required to sign in attendance via our online platform by 9am on Thursday and Friday mornings.
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300 Great South Road, Auckland. Relocating to a new site in 2026.
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Parents are true partners, delivering home learning two days a week, attending PD events once a term and engaging in community life. Parents need to attend a meeting with their child’s teacher once a term and stay up-to-date with all communications from the school. Above all, we expect open dialogue and a commitment to the partnership.
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Our approach of collaborating with parents, classical curriculum, Charlotte Mason pedagogy, Christian tradition, and low-tech environment make us distinctive. We are a community that values wisdom, wonder, and service.
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Charlotte Mason (1842–1923) was a British educator and reformer who championed a broad, liberal education for children of all social classes. She believed that education should nurture the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—through exposure to living ideas and consistent habit formation. Rooted in the classical tradition, Mason emphasised rich literature, nature study, and the cultivation of virtuous character, affirming that children are born persons with inherent dignity and potential. Her principles continue to inspire schools worldwide, fostering an education grounded in wonder, wisdom, and delight.
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Everyone’s home is different and we encourage whanau to explore what routines work best for them. We do encourage consistent routines as these help children become independent learners. Teachers provide both a paper and digital copy checklist of what work children need to complete on Thursday and Friday but there is flexibility on how it’s done. The workload is age-appropriate and includes time for families to lean into their interests.
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We believe it is vital our tamariki understand the origins of modern New Zealand. Our students learn the mythology and stories of tangata whenua and the story of Britain; children also learn how these separate peoples and destinies were woven together through the Treaty of Waitangi to build the nation we know and love today.
The Twin Oaks Way
Our kaupapa is grounded in six core practices:
At Twin Oaks we treat each other with respect and dignity because we are all Imago Dei.
At Twin Oaks we practice mastering our bodies so that everyone can focus on the work of learning.
At Twin Oaks we consistently give our best effort because we value excellent work.
At Twin Oaks we assume the best of each other and are quick to reconcile relationships.
At Twin Oaks we pay close attention to the work of learning so that we grow in knowledge and wisdom.
At Twin Oaks we pursue goodness, truth and beauty.
Collaborative
Classical
Charlotte Mason
Christian Tradition
Low-Tech
