Fairlie Primary School is a state primary school at 21 School Road in Fairlie, in the Mackenzie District of the South Island. Its distinctive feature is its backyard: the school says it uses the bush, farmland, ski fields and Aoraki/Mount Cook around it to bring learning to life. The school has taught children since its founding more than 145 years ago, and its website describes the teaching as localised.
The school teaches Years 1 to 6. Its curriculum covers literacy and numeracy alongside outdoor education, sports, the arts and leadership. Its vision is Supporting the Journey, Discovering the Potential, and its core values are Confident, Caring, Resilient and Respectful. Classes have Māori names, such as Korimako, the class for Years 0 and 1 that is also the Transition to School class, and Kererū, the Year 6 class. Staff include a sport lead, an ICT lead, an arts lead and a special needs coordinator.
The school's whakataukī, Mā te huruhuru ka rere te manu, means that the bird flies when it is adorned with feathers. The school says it supports children with the right tools so they can flourish. Visits can be arranged by phone or email.