Snowy Mountains Christian School (SMCS) began—and continues to be—an expression of God’s faithfulness through the ministry of Cooma Baptist Church (CBC).
In November 1994, CBC purchased the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Authority’s former Training School after outgrowing its previous site. The property included three acres of land, and with it came a growing vision from several families who dreamed of establishing a Christian school in the Snowy Monaro region. After many meetings and much prayer, Snowy Mountains Christian School opened its doors on 4 February 1997 with 15 students, led by its founding Principal, Mr Geoff Wainwright.
The school grew quickly. By 1998, enrolments had risen to 41 students across two classrooms, and an additional building from Snowy Hydro was relocated to the site to enable the introduction of Years 7 and 8. As God continued to provide, 2004 saw the arrival of another building—this time from Fairburn RAAF Base—to accommodate Years 9 and 10, bringing total enrolments to 90 students.
Over the years, these facilities were transformed through significant refurbishment, landscaping, and development. The addition of the school oval, cricket nets, water storage tanks, car park resurfacing, the Multi-Purpose Hall, and extensive maintenance were made possible through thousands of volunteer hours, generous loans, and Federal Government grants. SMCS remains deeply grateful for every person who contributed to its growth.
Throughout its history, God has blessed SMCS not only with buildings but with dedicated Christian teachers, staff, and board members—people who have faithfully served the educational and pastoral needs of students with love and excellence. The school stands today as a testament to God’s provision and the many ways He has answered prayer, shaping both the physical and spiritual life of the community.
“He who calls you is utterly faithful and He will finish what He has set out to do.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24
A New Chapter: Joining the St Philip’s Family
In 2026, Snowy Mountains Christian School entered a new season by joining the St Philip’s community and becoming St Philip’s Christian College Snowy Mountains. This partnership represents a significant step in securing the long-term future of Christ-centred education in the Snowy Monaro region.
For nearly three decades, SMCS has faithfully served families across Cooma and the surrounding communities. Joining the St Philip’s group provides the school access to shared resources, leadership, professional expertise, and expanded educational pathways—strengthening the school for generations to come.
About St Philip’s Christian College
Since its humble beginnings in 1982, St Philip’s Christian College has grown into a diverse network of Christian learning communities. The group now encompasses:
- four K–12 coeducational colleges
- six early learning centres
- four special schools
- two young parents’ colleges
- an Aboriginal school
- a tertiary training institute
- an outside school hours academy
Today, more than 5,000 students and 900 staff across the Newcastle, Port Stephens, Central Coast, and Hunter regions call St Philip’s home.
At St Philip’s, we believe in Whole of Life Education—an approach that nurtures not only academic achievement but also faith, purpose, and character.