An Overview of Excellence and Belonging

Established in 1908, Longburn Adventist College (LAC) is a state-integrated, co-educational Year 7 to 13 day and boarding school. Situated in a peaceful, park-like rural setting five minutes south of Palmerston North, the college provides an ideal environment for focused learning, personal development, and spiritual growth, free from urban distractions.

The college operates under the foundational motto: "In Christ, we educate, encourage and empower." At LAC, academic achievement and spiritual development are deeply integrated. The school's educational philosophy is built upon the conviction that when core values are firmly established, exceptional results naturally follow. This holistic approach focuses on developing critical thinkers, fostering personal resilience, and inspiring a culture of academic excellence. The effectiveness of this model is reflected in the college’s high student retention rates and academic performance, which consistently track well above national averages.

A defining characteristic of LAC is its distinct, family-oriented community. The student body forms a rich multicultural tapestry, drawing day students from the local Manawatū region and boarding students to LAC House from throughout New Zealand, the South Pacific, and Asia. The college actively celebrates this diversity, maintaining a safe, inclusive environment where every student is recognized, valued, and encouraged to develop leadership capabilities.

As a member of Adventist Education New Zealand, LAC is connected to the largest Protestant educational network in the world. This global affiliation provides students with a broad international perspective, while governance by a local Board of Trustees ensures the school remains highly responsive to its community.

Longburn Adventist College is dedicated to educating the whole person – intellectually, socially, and spiritually – preparing students to become capable, values-driven contributors to the wider world.

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