New charter school with Catholic values to open soon

Tōtara Point School will be a state-funded charter school approved by the Charter School Agency. The new school’s website states that, while it is not under diocesan governance, it upholds Catholic teachings and actively nurtures faith, reason and virtue in every aspect of school life.

“We operate independently while being publicly accountable,” the website says.

The school plans to open with years 1-4 in 2026 (potentially extending to year 5), growing to years 1-6 in 2027, with approximately 20 students per year level.

To date, the Government had approved 11 charter schools, all of which have been new schools, Radio New Zealand has reported. Seven opened at the start of the year with an eighth, Twin Oaks Classical School in Auckland, opening in July.

Three new schools have been approved to open at the start of next year, including Tōtara Point School.

Children do not have to be Catholic to attend Tōtara Point School. The school website stated that it welcomes families from all backgrounds who are “supportive of our mission, values and Catholic ethos”.

As a charter school, it will be free to attend, but families will be encouraged to make a voluntary donation each term. Uniforms and learning materials may have some costs.

The school will follow the Cambridge Primary Curriculum, enhanced by research-backed teaching practices. It will use Spalding for literacy.

Mentors will guide students in academic progress, personal habits, social development and moral growth.

The website explains the mentors “encourage, challenge and coach each child – helping them grow in responsibility, purpose and virtue”.

“Tōtara Point School was founded for families who want more than the status quo. We are a school where academic excellence, personal formation and Catholic values are not just aspirations – they are daily realities,” the school’s website states.

St Josemaría Escrivá, the founder of Opus Dei, is quoted on the school website. A Manukau Road, Epsom, address is listed on the school’s contact page.

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Tōtara Point School

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