Dharra School

We built a new specialist school in Aintree. It opened in 2024, helping the growing local population get a great education close to home. Dharra School provides educational programs for students with mild to profound intellectual disability.

Yarrabing Secondary College is located next to the school.

Lizzie Tout was appointed as the first principal of the new school.

The school was known by its interim name, Aintree Specialist School, during planning and design. Dharra School was chosen as this new school’s name following a 2-week community consultation. Dharra (pronounced darr-rah) is a Woi-wurrung word of the Wurundjeri people meaning white hawk.

Facilities

The school has the following facilities:

• an administration and library building
• 2 learning neighbourhoods (junior & senior)
• a community hub
• a hardcourt
• a carpark.

Students have great modern learning areas with air conditioning and heating. Outside, they have shade sails for sun protection. We have designed the school to be environmentally sustainable and easy to manage.