Principal Welcome

Hello there.

I’m Andrea Furness, the co-founder and Principal of Daylesford Dharma School and it’s a privilege to introduce you to our learning community.

The primary school years are critical for building strong foundations – not only in literacy and numeracy, but also through the social and emotional skills that shape lifelong wellbeing. The Dharma School is set on 22 acres of beautiful pastoral land on the outskirts of Daylesford, where we provide the space to grow, play, build, explore and experience nature as another classroom.

We integrate wellbeing as a core pillar of our educational approach through the Australian Dharma Curriculum – our daily wellbeing program that weaves social and emotional learning throughout the school day. Complementing this, our weekly Bush School curriculum and Compassionate Citizenship programs offer hands-on experiences that enhance creativity, empathy, and social responsibility. Research shows that early investment in these areas has a profound impact on long-term academic achievement and personal growth.

We believe this holistic approach is essential for every child to flourish. As a Low-Fee Independent School with a robust scholarship program, we are deeply committed to accessibility. You do not need to be Buddhist to benefit from learning self-awareness and ethical understanding; our diverse community welcomes families from all backgrounds.

Our graduates continue their education across various schools in the Central Goldfields and Macedon Ranges. Time and again, I hear from these schools that Dharma School students stand out for their maturity, confidence, and genuine love of learning.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about us. I warmly invite you to reach out and book a tour of the school. This is the starting point to explore what makes Daylesford Dharma School such a special place for children to grow, learn, and thrive.

Warmly

Andrea Furness
Co-founder and Principal
Daylesford Dharma School