Our education model

Not every young person thrives in a mainstream school environment. For those disengaged or under-served by other education models, Youth Off The Streets offers a different path.

Through our six specialist high schools, we provide a safe, inclusive and flexible learning environment that meets students where they are. 

The Youth Off The Streets Model of Education encompasses over thirty years of learning, capturing the principles, practices and relational wisdom that have evolved from our shared journey alongside the communities we serve. It is a living framework, shaped by countless young people, staff and families who have taught us what it truly means to educate with purpose.

Our approach is grounded in the belief that education is about more than academics: it is the foundation for healing, growth and opportunity. By combining personalised learning with wellbeing support, we help young people re-engage with education, build confidence and develop the skills they need for a positive future. 

At Youth Off The Streets, school becomes a place of possibility – a place where every student is valued, supported and empowered to succeed. 

Our schools

More about each school and their contact details can be found below. 

•  The Bowen College, Maroubra (Years 9–10)
• Craig Davis College, North Wollongong (Years 9–12) 
• EDEN College, Macquarie Fields (Years 9–12) 
• Key College – Chapel School, Merrylands (Years 9–12) 
• Key College, Redfern (Years 9–10) 
• The Lakes College, Blue Haven (Years 9–10) 
• Maitland school, opening in 2026 (Years 9–10) 

General enquiries can be made to SchoolsInfo@youthoffthestreets.com.au.

Our three core frameworks

Circle of Courage

Our schools’ Model of Education is underpinned by the Circle of Courage philosophy, integrated with Native American philosophies on the four universal needs of youth development: Belonging, Mastery, Independence and Generosity.

The Circle of Courage acknowledges that young people are seen as sacred, capable and valued, and that adults and community share responsibility for nurturing their growth.

By building strong connections, developing skills and confidence, encouraging voice and choice, and creating opportunities to give back, we support each student to recognise their strengths, know they matter and to contribute meaningfully to the world around them.

Restorative practice

Restorative practice is a framework for building strong relationships and a healthy community. It uses inclusive processes to create social discipline and address conflict by actively involving everyone in finding solutions. The goal is to repair harm, not just punish wrongdoing.

Service-learning

Service-learning is a powerful, research-backed approach to education that blends meaningful community contribution with structured opportunities for reflection and learning. At Youth Off The Streets, service-learning has been part of our program for more than 20 years.

Our students engage in projects that make a real difference, whether through direct service, behind-the-scenes support or advocacy that raises awareness and drives change. From local initiatives like environmental clean-ups and community kitchens, to inclusive camps and international partnerships, these experiences help young people build empathy, confidence, cultural understanding and a strong sense of purpose.

Service-learning at Youth Off The Streets is not just an activity – it’s a transformational process where students learn that they have value, agency and the capacity to contribute to their community and the world. The activities that students participate in are based on the principles of Respect, Responsibility and Generosity and, where possible, relate directly to each individuals’ interests and strengths.

Students also participate in the MyStrengths program, a series of mentoring workshops that support teenagers to discover their strengths.