Melbourne Community School (MCS) is a small, parent-run, independent school of up to 25
children, located in suburban Melbourne. Formerly called Malvern Community School it was first established in 1977 by a group of parents wanting a more meaningful education for their children than seemed possible within mainstream schooling. They created a school in which primary level numeracy and literacy were taught in a friendly and relaxed environment. Although it has been widely recognised that children learn at different rates and have different learning styles, the reality of a classroom of more than 20 children can make it impossible for teachers to cater for the individual child. At MCS our child to adult ratio makes the goal of a truly child-centred educational process a realistic one.

Children are individuals, and so we believe they learn best when allowed to learn at their own pace. We provide a holistic education where children don't just learn in isolation - they pick up specific skills and knowledge in the context of a greater experience.

The role of teachers at MCS is to provide guidance for each child through their primary years, so when the time comes to leave MCS each child is well-rounded not only academically, but also as a young person.

The members of the MCS community agree our school should allow children to enjoy their childhood, while preparing them well for the years ahead.

Education of the children does not rest solely in the hands of the teachers, but is also the responsibility of parents. It is not confined to the school hours, but also extends to the home so that there is a continuum between home and school life. The school is non-graded and non-competitive, with children of all ages and stages working and learning together. This can be either as a whole school group, in smaller groupings or individually.

Today, parents at MCS continue to support the school’s founding commitment to creating a small, friendly school in which children learn and develop in a climate of co-operation, respect for and appreciation of others.

MCS is run as a co-operative, registered with the Registrar of Co-operative Societies under the Act.