“I want children in my Prep class to feel safe and known – that this classroom is their school ‘home’ for the year, and they are always welcome here. Prep is a big step, and we take great care to help them navigate it.”Mrs Vera, Brisbane Adventist College Prep teacher
You’ve just put your four-year-old to bed, and a decision is weighing on your mind. Settling into a comfy spot on the lounge, you type into the search bar: “Best Prep Brisbane.” You feel the pressure to get this right.
Most parents looking for a Prep don’t just pick the nearest primary school and hope for the best. They explore websites, talk to other parents, attend open days and tours, and book time with school principals. Parents wanting a particular “fit” – a values or faith-based Prep, for instance – often do even more homework, according to the Australian Institute of Family Studies.
Prep is the first year of formal schooling, and where the real school journey begins. So how do you know which school is the best choice for your child as they take this first big step – especially with so many Brisbane primary schools and Prep programs to choose from?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are some key things to look for that bring real clarity.
1. A nurturing, safe environment matters
Australian early learning research backs up what families instinctively know: children thrive in environments where they feel safe, supported, and known. Good Prep programs don’t rush children academically at the expense of confidence and relationships. They foster independence, build capacity for routine, and create a sense of belonging – which, combined, produce the best conditions for learning. Prep programs that emphasise social and emotional wellbeing and communication skills also lay foundations for greater wellbeing and success later, as children move through school.
Prep choice: supportive environment
Take advantage of school-hours tours to see children learning in real time. As you walk through Prep centres, notice whether the greetings are warm, the routine is predictable, and the classroom feels calm and welcoming. Find out where the bathrooms are and how adults monitor toileting.
KEY QUESTION TO ASK: If I’m worried about my child, how would I get in touch with you?
2. The role of play-based learning in Prep
Brisbane Prep teachers follow the Australian Curriculum, assessing children against Foundation achievement standards in English, Maths, and other learning areas. Because research shows that Prep-aged children learn best through interaction, experimentation, practice, and play, teachers use play-based and inquiry learning rather than formal instruction alone. For instance, four- and five-year-olds grasp concepts such as counting, sorting, and measuring best through guided, hands-on play. They explore ideas, develop creativity, and grow oral language skills through role-play and dramatisation. They build early reading skills through visual cues, storytelling, rhyming games, sounds and symbols, and develop hand strength and coordination for writing through crafting. In the playground, supervised unstructured play helps them learn social cues and build friendships. Learning through play helps Prep children master skills while also building confidence, curiosity, thinking skills, and connection.
Prep choice: play-based curriculum
As you walk through a Prep classroom, look for role-play stations, construction materials, inviting book corners, and a clear literacy program. Outside, notice whether there is plenty of space to move, climb, and run and play games that encourage cooperation and turn-taking.
KEY QUESTION TO ASK: How do you teach children to read?
3. Why class size and individual attention matters
The right school nurtures both academic and emotional development. Smaller Prep classes can reduce distractions, keep children on task for longer, and deepen the quality of teacher-child interactions. In settings where class sizes are restricted, teachers know their students well; they can quickly spot individual needs, tailor instruction, and offer meaningful feedback as they build each child’s foundation in literacy, numeracy, and self-regulation. For families, this means your child is far more likely to enjoy a strong, trusting relationship with their teacher rather than slipping under the radar.
Prep choice: maximum class size
Before enrolling, find out about the typical (and maximum) sizes in Prep and the early primary years. Find out who will be in the room each day – will a dedicated teacher aide be supporting the class along with the teacher?
KEY QUESTION TO ASK: What is the maximum class size for Prep, and how many adults are usually in the room?
4. Nature is vital to wellbeing and learning
A growing body of research shows that the environment around a Prep classroom matters far more than we once realised. It’s not just about an attractive campus; it’s about providing space for children to move, explore and breathe. Wide-open, tree-filled grounds and dedicated playgrounds or nature-play spaces give children a chance to reset emotionally between learning sessions, which supports concentration, emotional regulation, and enjoyment of school.
Prep choice: fresh air and nature
As you walk around, ask yourself: Does this campus feel spacious, green, and calm? The right Brisbane primary school for your child will provide spaces for children to flourish and thrive.
KEY QUESTION TO ASK: Do Preps have a variety of outdoor play areas to spend time in?
5. Preparing children for the transition to school
Prep is the first big step in a much longer school journey. In the early weeks, most children are still finding their feet, and “big school” – the wider primary campus – can feel a little overwhelming. As children grow in confidence, Prep teachers gradually increase children’s connections with the wider school community through visits to school events, the library, Year 1 classrooms, and selected older “buddy” students. Research suggests that this kind of balanced academic and social-emotional approach is linked with better health and educational outcomes over time.
Prep choice: supportive transition
In your interview or tour, ask about the school’s transition program for Prep children. Is it sudden, or a staged process over time? Look for a Prep with dedicated classrooms and playgrounds separate from those for older students.
KEY QUESTION TO ASK: How quickly do Prep children become part of the everyday primary school life, and how can I help my child get ready for school?
So, how do you choose a Prep that suits your child? It’s about fit, not perfection. Before making a final decision, experience the environment for yourself – it can make all the difference. Why don't you bring your questions to BAC’s Prep Open Day Tour, or register for our Prep Information Evening on Thursday, 23 April, 5:30 – 7:00pm? We'd love to see you.
Further reading
In Queensland, many children come straight from Kindergarten into Prep, especially if they’re turning five by June 30. It seems like a natural next step. But some children benefit from an extra year before starting full-time school. Our Prep Readiness Guide outlines clear developmental markers that help you decide whether your child is ready now or will flourish with a little extra time.
