Croxton Special School opened in 1957 on a filled quarry site in Northcote. It was the first school in Victoria to be built specifically for the education of children with learning disabilities. The school now caters for 165 students from prep to year 12.

The school has undergone a recent upgrade and modernisation program with the completion of a new administration and learning centre by Hede Architects in 2019. The following year further funding was allocated to continue this process with the recently completed specialist learning building.

The new Woolhouse St building will house, shared and hands-on learning spaces, performing arts and drama, food technology café and teaching kitchen along with physical therapy areas. New landscaping and sensory play spaces will connect the building into the main campus.

Working with a special needs school has its challenges but also comes with significant rewards. What is evident at Croxton is the high-level commitment of the staff and parents, which creates a very supportive and caring environment.

The school also has an impressive active outreach program involving many community partners and volunteers. For instance, the school hosts a large shared community playground and produce garden open to the local neighbourhood.

At Croxton the outdoor suite of gardens, playgrounds and landscape are a vital part of the learning environment. Staff and a band of dedicated volunteers work with the students to foster hands-on experience with planting, maintenance, play and looking after the chickens. Some parts of the campus are a bit scruffy but that is part of its charm. Such an informal environment is conducive to constant tinkering and creative adventure.