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Caloundra State High School

Three reasons to choose us

  1. ​Experienced staff delivering a broad curriculum that caters for academic and vocational pathways​
  2. A positive school culture, with an atmosphere of tradition and high achievement
  3. Programs to nurture excellence in academic, cultural and sporting achievement to ensure students reach their full potential​
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Principal's welcome

Welcome to Caloundra State High School. We take special care so your time with us is one to remember. 

You will receive a world class education from our experienced teachers studying subjects like marine science, tourism, hospitality, mathematics and English.

Outside of class, you can join sporting teams and do other activities like gym, arts (dance, drama, music) Surf Lifesaving and surfing lessons at the 6 local beaches you can walk to. To help you settle into school, you will have a buddy, access to the international student room, staff to support you and a host family who will welcome you into their home.

While you are at our school, we will make sure that you experience some of Australia so will organise trips to places like Australia Zoo and Sydney. Our international students enjoy their time with us and you will too! I look forward to welcoming you to our school.​

School overview

Number of students

Year school established

School website

Caloundra is where the Sunshine Coast begins! We are located a short 1hr train ride from Brisbane CBD. Experience uncrowded beaches with views of the heritage-listed Glass House Mountains, the sparkling waters of the Pumicestone passage, exquisite cafes and restaurants and a breathtaking coastal headland with hidden coves and sandy beaches.

You can see the ocean from our school and access adjacent natural bushland.

We have a targeted curriculum for each of our junior, middle and senior secondary schools.

Our broad curriculum has options to suit your interests, and we provide direct pathways to employment, training or further education after Year 12.

Our extracurricular activities are extensive exposing our students to a range of experiences tailored to their individual needs.

We value diversity and, through our international student program, all of our students have opportunities to expand their horizons, meet new people and experience everything the beautiful Sunshine Coast has to offer.

EQI programs offered

HS
High School
HSA
High School Study Abroad

Special programs

  • Academic Excellence programs
  • Sporting Excellence programs—volleyball (Years 7–10), Rugby League (Years 7–12) and surfing (Years 7–12)
  • Arts Extension programs—dance (Years 7–10)
  • High Performing Athletes program (Years 10–12)
  • Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths programs (Year 9)
  • Marine Science (Years 11–12)​

Extracurricular activities

  • Performance groups—string ensemble, concert band, vocal ensemble, rock band, instrumental music and dance troupes (application only)
  • Senior, middle and junior student leadership programs
  • Inter-school sport, sporting gala days and association with local sporting clubs
  • The Cali Adventure program which includes Aussie animal experience, surfing lessons, agricultural school experience, theme parks, cooking lessons and much more!
  • International student excursions—Lady Elliot Island, K'gari, Tangalooma

School facilities

  • Performing arts centre
  • Film, TV and new-media green room
  • Extensive sporting fields
  • Indoor sporting centre
  • Commercial hospitality kitchens
  • Engineering and construction workshops
  • Technical trade training centre
  • International student room

Tertiary pathways

  • First year university subjects through University of the Sunshine Coast and Central Queensland University
  • Access to local training providers to undertake Certificate/Diploma level courses (user pays)
  • Direct entry programs to local universities for graduate students

Languages

  • French and Italian (Years 7–9) with option to continue through distance education
  • Japanese (Years 7–10)
  • Distance Education languages subject to availability​

Homestay and accommodation

By living with an Australian host family international students become part of the local community and have a fantastic opportunity to practise their English in a safe and caring home environment.

Students have their own bedroom with study facilities, three meals a day, and access to transport to and from school, and to school activities.

Read more about homestay and accommodation options.

Holiday adventure programs

Holiday adventure programs are an exciting and safe way for students to travel and sightsee during school holidays.

All holiday adventures are fully guided and escorted by qualified teachers and staff to ensure student safety.

Find out more about our holiday adventure programs.

Contact details

Disclaimer

The information and data in this webpage is subject to change without notice. Before submitting your application, if you are interested in:

  • a particular subject, sport, program or extracurricular activity offered by an EQI school; or
  • particular school facilities;

please contact EQI or the school directly to confirm it will be offered and/or available in the year you intend to study.
Last updated 16 May 2025