Welcome to Daylesford Dharma School
Live to be kind. Learn to be wise.
Established in 2009, Daylesford Dharma School is Australia’s pioneering independent primary school that integrates the Australian Curriculum with Buddhist philosophy.
We are a not-for-profit institution that achieves a high level of academic learning that is embedded with practices of kindness, compassion, and mindfulness. This approach fosters a sense of shared belonging, crucial for early childhood development, helping children understand themselves and their place in the world.
Our students’ develop a strong foundation of self-awareness and compassion that enables a positive transition to secondary education with resilience and moral character.
We have a daily social emotional curriculum linked to the Australian Curriculum General Capabilities and a school culture where our core values are combined with our school rules as Five Precepts.
Our school deeply values a high level of academic learning supported by nature based learning and the creative. We ensure that the arts are integral in our holistic education approach, nurturing well-rounded, contented individuals ready to embrace life’s challenges.
Join our free Pathway to Prep program
A fortnightly program in the Dharma School Prep classroom to nurture school confidence and curiosity. Available for all 4 and 5 year olds.
Commencing Friday 15 August 10 – 11.30 am
Our Foundation teacher will guide children through the rhythm of classroom learning with purposeful play, problem solving and creative engagement that builds confidence to transition from kindergarten to primary school. The group will experience age appropriate social emotional learning activities, nature based learning, and experience the rhythm of classroom learning.
Take a beautiful first step into school life in an environment built on kindness, curiosity, and joy.
Don’t miss out. Places are limited to 12 children.
Prep - Grade 6 Students 2026 Enrolments–Limited Places Available
We are Australia’s first registered school to teach the Australian Curriculum through a wisdom-compassion educational approach.
Each day begins with the Australian Dharma Curriculum to nurture students’ inner qualities, such as kindness, patience, and altruism.
Our teaching staff are able to support students to reach their potential because academic excellence and wellbeing go hand-in-hand.
This year we are offering a few fully-subsidised placements before August 2025.
Imagine a play space where every child can thrive. Help us make this a reality and support our Nature-Based Adventure Playground Fundraising Campaign!
It's Time to Build Together
Our students are not just users of the playground; they are leading the collaboration with KOMPAN, researching, discussing, and shaping every aspect from concept to creation. This is student-led learning at its best, designing and leaving a legacy in their school to benefit the next generation of learners.
The Five Precepts – Our School Values
At our school, values and rules are expressed in a genuine and non-punitive way to instill self-reflection and growth in our students and our community. We provide students with a vocabulary to describe how they are feeling and set behavioural expectations that enable self-reflection and growth. In this way, language guides the child’s social intelligence to understand what the experience of others might be as they develop their intrinsic wisdom and character. The Precepts are a useful lens through which students can develop their inner resources and examine their community, and our staff practice and uphold these values through daily meditation and mindfulness practices.
Reverence for Life
We care for them in a way that we would like to be cared for ourselves,
We respect all life.
Deep Listening and Loving Speech
We speak truthfully, using words that inspire confidence, joy and hope. We speak and listen in a way that can help ourselves and others.
Body Responsibility
We are committed to learning appropriate ways to take care of our energy and cultivate loving-kindness, compassion, joy and inclusiveness.
Mindful Consumption
We contemplate interdependence and consume in a way that preserves peace, joy and well-being for all living things.
Generosity
We believe that being generous and honest allows us to truly connect with the best in ourselves.
Discover Our Inspiring Learning Community
Explore how our unique approach to education nurtures your child’s growth in a supportive and mindful environment. Join us for a tour to experience firsthand the compassionate and holistic learning that sets us apart.