Yipirinya school has an enrolment of approximately 150 students. The school has a purpose-built Child Care Centre / Preschool catering for 2 - 4-year-olds and a full Primary School from Transition to Year 6. There is also a Secondary class, catering for the middle school years, 7-10. The school also has four purpose-built language classrooms and a Language and Culture Centre for the production of language materials.
Other buildings include administration, the student dining room and kitchen, the school library, ICT lab (computer room), a multi-purpose hall, swimming pool, home economics room, and craft room. The school is registered as an Independent or Non-government school and is governed by a School Council.
The School Council is an Incorporated body. Its members appoint a governing committee comprised of five elected members, representing the different language groups of Alice Springs. All members are Indigenous, and most are parents or carers of children at the school.
The Council's objectives include the promotion of educational programs for Aboriginal children and their health and welfare, the maintenance of the school's two way, bilingual/bicultural model of education, the fostering of community participation in education, and the promotion of training programs for Indigenous people involved in the school.
The Child Care Centre has recently been upgraded. It comprises a modern purpose-built structure, including a large play/learning room with an adjacent kitchen, bathroom, sleep room, and office facilities, and a secure outside play area with shaded sand-pit and playground facilities.
Parents/Carers of Child Care children pay fees of $75.00per week, including the cost of food and transport. Parents and Carers are always welcome at the Centre, and some spend time there with their children. Daily activities are planned to encourage all areas of development.
The school offers all primary grades from Transition to Year 6. Where numbers justify it, there are separate classes for each year group or hybrid classes of two-year groups. The classrooms have been built in pairs, each with its withdrawal or tutor rooms and storerooms attached, and with a shared office. There are separate toilets and bathrooms for each classroom and facilities for washing clothes. The School Library, the Language and Culture Centre, and the Kitchen and Dining Room are all part of the Primary Campus. The classrooms also have a shared outdoor lawn play area and a shade covered playground.
Qualified and registered teachers are appointed to all classes. Also, an Indigenous Assistant Teacher is appointed to work with each teacher. Whenever possible, a part-time tutor is also appointed to assist with one-on-one tuition or small group work. Additional classroom support staff include the Principal, the Curriculum Coordinator, School Counsellor, Physical Education Teacher, and a Special Needs Teacher. School Liaison Officers assist with communication with parents. An aboriginal health worker assists with health issues.
In keeping with the school's philosophy, all students have language and culture lessons each day and follow the Australian Curriculum Framework. Cultural excursions are also part of the Curriculum.
