Our History

Thirty Years of Excellence

A legacy of innovation, growth and community at Snowy Mountains Grammar School

In the 1990s, families in and around Jindabyne were seeking independent secondary education in the local area. Many families considered moving away or enrolling their children in boarding schools as there were no secondary options available. To address this, community members came together to reach out to the respected Sydney Church of England Co-educational Grammar School (SCECGS) Redlands for support.

In 1996, their vision came to life when Snowy Mountains Grammar School opened at the site of the former Snowy Mountains Authority Headquarters on Kosciuszko Road. The space was transformed into a modern educational centre while retaining its unique industrial character. 

On day one, the School welcomed eleven students with this number growing to fifteen students by the end of the day. Snowy Mountains Grammar School has continued to thrive, with over 400 students from Kindergarten to Year 12.

In addition to offering affordable, high-quality independent education, Snowy Mountains Grammar School provides a unique alpine boarding experience and has significantly expanded its facilities. Recent additions include Stage 1 and Stage 2 of its Master Plan: the Curiosity Centre and Sports Precinct. Exciting opportunities in aviation, equestrian, mountain biking, snowsports and many other areas are also offered.

Snowy Mountains Grammar School acquired Gidgillys Early Education and Care Centre in 2023, offering long day care and a dedicated OSHC Centre program. Our Centre is a warm, nurturing environment, supporting our littlest learners to grow and thrive, ready for a smooth step into their Primary education.

Over the past 30 years, Snowy Mountains Grammar School has built a reputation for offering an exceptional education which nurtures well-rounded young people and has become an important part of the Jindabyne community. We have celebrated many significant achievements during our journey. 

Timeline

1996

Snowy Mountains Grammar School opens as a Years 7 to 12 co-educational Day and Boarding school – 15 students are enrolled by the end of the first day.

1996 First students at SMGS | Snowy Mountains Grammar School | History

2000

Kindergarten to Year 6 education is offered; Snowy Mountains Grammar School now offers a full K-12 education.

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2007

Aviation Program is introduced and run in conjunction with Jindabyne Aero Club.

2007 Aviation Program Starts | Snowy Mountains Grammar School | History

2008

Snowy Mountains Grammar School becomes wholly independent of Redlands.

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2010

Elizabeth Cornish Library opens.

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2015

Elite Snowsports Academy (ESA) is established.

2015 ESA Program is launched | Snowy Mountains Grammar School | History

2018

Australian Education Awards Boarding School of the Year.

2018 Boarding School of the Year | Snowy Mountains Grammar School | History

2019

First Master Plan is released.

Aviation Academy is established for Years 7 to 12.

 

2019 first MP is released | Snowy Mountains Grammar School | History

2020

Innovative Schools winner for Virtual Kindergarten Readiness Program: Let’s Explore!

Junior School Adventure Playground opens. 

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2021

All classes are single stream in Junior School and double stream in Secondary School.

Snowy Mountains Grammar School’s structure expands to include a Middle School.

$4.5 million is received from NSW Government Building Grants Assistance Scheme to fund Stage 1 of Master Plan: Learning Hub.

Snowy Mountains Grammar School breaks ground on Stage 1: Learning Hub and Stage 2: Sports Precinct of Master Plan.

Australian Education Awards National Finalist and Excellence Awardee for Regional School of the Year, Primary School of the Year – Non-Government, Best Use of Technology and Best Co-curricular Programs.

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2022

400 full-time students enrolled.

Equestrian Development Academy and Mountain Bike Academy are established.

 

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2023

Stage 2 Master Plan: Sports Precinct opens with multi-purpose courts, half-size oval and cricket net.

Snowy Mountains Grammar School acquires Gidgillys Early Education and Care Centre, offering long day care and a dedicated OSHC Centre program.

Agricultural Technology Plot, including Cattle Yards, is established.

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2024

The Curiosity Centre (Stage 1 Master Plan: Learning Hub) opens for use in Term 4 with state-of-the-art spaces and industry-grade equipment for Design & Technology, Mathematics, Science and Visual Arts.

Snowy Mountains Grammar School Gymnasium opens.

Three-storey motel adjacent to the School is purchased for new Boarding accommodation and onsite Boarding facilities expand.

 

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2025

Snowy Mountains Grammar School celebrates 30 years!

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