Express Your Interest

FAQ's
Mastery Schools New Zealand

Step 1: Submit an online Expression of Interest – http://www.msnz.school.nz 
Step 2: School Tour (mandatory) – one-hour tours are held every week of the school term.
Step 3: Submit an Online Enrolment Form – please note, the enrolment form does not secure a place at the school, nor does it commit families in any way.
Step 4: Enrolment Interview – determine suitability, review student enrolment, attendance, and behaviour history.  
Step 5: Academic Testing – determine eligibility and class/group placement.  
Step 6: Trial day at MSNZ (mandatory). 
Step 7: Enrolment Decision – families will receive communication on the outcome. 

No, you are not committed to enrolling if you submit an expression of interest (EOI). We will contact you after you submit an EOI to discuss the school, the enrolment process and answer any of your questions. 

The purpose of MSNZ is to provide education for those ākonga who most need it. Essentially for those who have disengaged or have the potential to disengage and are struggling with academic distress. Whilst we will be open to applications from all, there will be an enrolment and eligibility policy to ensure that we cater for those students who most need the support of the learning environment that MSNZ will offer. Students do not require a diagnosis of a learning difficulty in order to attend MSNZ.  

MSNZ requires three core commitments from ākonga, whānau and teachers: 
1) Each eligible child exhibits the commitment to participate in MSNZ’s education programme. 
2) Each whānau commits to engaging fully with the school, teachers and ensuring that their child attends schools regularly. 
3) MSNZ provides excellent teaching that ensures the child is taught at their level and accelerated. 

The school day begins at 8.30am. We have staggered finishing times – Year 2-6: 2.45pm; Year 7 & 8: 3.00pm.

MSNZ requests a voluntary school donation of $200 per term which includes all books, stationery, and excursion costs. The only other items you will need to purchase is a school uniform as well as providing your child with their own lunch/snacks and water bottle. 

Yes, we will have a school uniform. Details of how to purchase the uniform will be shared once your child is enrolled.   

We have a Transition Officer that assists individual students to re-enter a mainstream school. 

No, as a Charter School we do not having zoning. 

Charter schools are funded by the government; however they are not run by the government and do not need to teach the state-set curriculum. As well as setting their own curriculum, Charter schools can also set their own hours, holidays, and staff pay rates. Charter schools are run by businesses or not-for-profit organisations and give parents increased choice about the type of school their child attends. 

Each Charter school enters into a contract with the Charter School Agency which includes a performance management system that sets out targets that cover student achievement, student engagement, student enrolment and financial health. The Education Review Office (ERO) reviews the schools against the contract and their legislative obligations on a review cycle that is similar to that for new state schools. The educational performance of the schools is also monitored. 

  • Focus on explicit instruction pedagogy. 
  • Focus on academic success through mastery learning of literacy and numeracy – daily two-hour literacy and numeracy blocks. The specific needs of students are met through differentiated classroom instruction. 
  • All teachers are proficient at working with students with learning difficulties. 
  • All classes are led by a teacher and assisted by multiple assistant teachers. 
  • Instructional coaching model to continuously improve pedagogy. 
  • Focus on wrap around mental health services through the employment of specialists. 
  • Students progress is assessed and measured daily and students are able to see their progress. 
  • Use authentic assessment practices that engage children’s diverse understandings, capabilities and dispositions and empower children to begin to assess their own learning and others’ learning. 
  • Foster ongoing, authentic relationships. 

MSNZ is not a behaviour school. Any extreme behaviour will not be tolerated. At all times, the safety and wellbeing of other students and staff is a top priority. MSNZ takes pride in creating a safe learning environment for all. 

Yes, MSNZ is appropriate for your child as all students are placed in classes suitable for their standardised tested skill level. This level is frequently assessed and Individualised Learning Plans (ILPs) are regularly updated based on their progression of mastery of a subject. Nobody gets left behind.

We currently do not have any positions available, but welcome expressions of interest from educators. Go to our MSNZ Careers page on this website to submit an application. 

Our teachers would feel excited to apply science of learning-based approaches to the classroom including explicit and direct instruction. 

We offer the chance to help change the outcomes for ākonga who really need extra help in their learning, a collaborative and supportive team culture, highly attractive conditions and a competitive salary. 

We have highly skilled teachers who have undertaken specialist training and development with Mastery Schools Australia to teach using evidenced-based instruction. All teachers are proficient at working with students with learning difficulties. 

“Their success is their fun.”

Express Your Interest