South-east Queensland's Hymba Yumba Independent School is demonstrating the success of integrating culture and traditional knowledge into its curriculum, improving learning outcomes.

It comes after Graham Catt from the Independent Schools Association visited the school, speaking with teachers, students, and the principal about the growing needs at the facility.

Demand for Hymba Yumba Independent School, on the traditional land of the Yuggera and Ugarapul people, has been rising, mirroring the growth of Independent school enrolments in Queensland.

The school introduced programs to enhance student outcomes and attendance, including therapy dogs, cultural classes, and Bunji (brother) and Tidda (sister) groups.

Hymba Yumba CEO, Karla Brady said the school embedded First Nations culture in its teaching, aiming to set its jarjums (children) up for success.

"What we are trying to create at Hymba Yumba is a unique educational experience for First Nations people that the standard curriculum doesn't deliver," she said.

"First Nations knowledge and perspectives come first for us. We're drawing on ways of knowing, learning and doing that have been around for over 3,000 generations.

"Our First Nations jarjum deserve to see themselves in everything they see and do, including in the curriculum."

Since its opening in 2011 with 50 jarjums and 8 staff, Hymba Yumba now has almost 300 jarjums, over 50 staff, and waitlists across primary and high school.

The school does not charge tuition fees, with families paying only a Resource Levy of $225 to $425.

"There is a lot of excitement for what we're doing here, because our innovative approach is delivering results," Mrs Brady said.

"We have proven that our model works, however we don't have the space to grow and expand any further."

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student enrolments have grown at an average rate of over 6 per cent each year over the past decade.

In Queensland, there are 46 Independent schools where the majority of students are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Between 2018 and 2023, enrolments at Independent schools in Queensland increased by 22 per cent, with more than 16 per cent of students in the electorate of Blair attending an Independent school.

Independent Schools Australia CEO, Graham Catt said Hymba Yumba's dynamic educational approach was clearly benefiting students and the community.

"Hymba Yumba is a powerful example of how Independent schools can innovate to provide exceptional learning environments for their students," he said.

"The Independent sector plays an important role in educating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in rural, remote, and urban areas."

"It's crucial that schools such as Hymba Yumba have access to adequate funding and resources to maintain the positive impact they have on our communities."

Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann, highlighted the success of Hymba Yumba as a testament to the dedication and skills of the teachers in providing tailored learning experiences.

"Australia has the oldest living culture in the world and Hymba Yumba is drawing on that knowledge to nurture the next generation of First Nations leaders in our communities, Mr Neumann said.

Hymba Yumba was featured as one of 10 case studies in Independent Schools Australia's recent report Improving Outcomes For All: Leading Reform Through Innovation, which showcased innovative approaches to equity, wellbeing, and workforce.