The Heart of Chapel
Chapel Downs holds a special place in the hearts of families across Flat Bush and Otara.
Mention our name, and someone will have a story – about a favourite teacher, a cultural celebration, a moment of kindness, or the lasting friendships that began here. This is a school where generations return, where dispositions are lived every day, and where every child is known, valued, and encouraged to shine.
Chapel Downs Primary School was established to serve the growing community of Flat Bush, an area that has transformed over the years from native bush to farmland and orchards and now into one of Auckland’s most diverse and fast-developing suburbs. As new families settled in the area, the need for a local school became clear, and Chapel Downs opened its doors in 1985. Since then, it has grown alongside the community it serves, becoming a cornerstone for learning, belonging, and connection.
The school sits on land with a rich cultural history, nestled between the heritage of local iwi and the vibrant multicultural communities who now call Flat Bush home. Chapel Downs embraces and reflects the diversity of its surroundings, with students and families representing a wide range of cultures, languages, and traditions. This diversity is one of our greatest strengths and something we celebrate daily.
Our Vision for Every Student
Our vision is for every student to be confident, compassionate, and capable.
We hope for them to be a lifelong learner who embraces challenge, celebrates diversity, and contributes positively to their community and the world.
We stand for inclusive, high-quality education that prepares every learner for the future. Our School Dispositions (Core Values)—Respect, Self Manager, Investigator, Communicator, Teamwork, Perseverance—guide all that we do. We are proud of our commitment to nurturing confident, curious learners who demonstrate our school dispositions and take pride in both who they are and where they come from.
We want every child to:
- Feel known, valued, and supported in their learning journey
- Develop strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking
- Grow as a curious, creative, and collaborative learner
- Build a deep sense of identity, belonging, and cultural pride
- Leave Chapel Downs with the skills, mindset, and heart to thrive in an ever-changing future
