It wasn’t that many weeks ago that Pera was following the progress of the proposed charter schools in the news along with the rest of us. He was particularly interested to hear of a school in Wellington with a classical curriculum. Looking into it, Pera discovered that an old lecturer of his, Dr Michael Johnston, was Chair of the board. Curious, Pera got in touch and Johnston didn’t miss a trick.

Fresh from a close to six-year stint as Deputy Principal of Hastings Girls’ High School, Pera has hit the ground running. He’s already met with families across Wellington in their homes who are eager to have their children attend the school.

His first week on the job, however, has been a “comedy of errors”. The moment he arrived, his car clapped out and he’s been Ubering around Wellington ever since; but it seems nothing can slow him. Pera’s whirlwind appointment to Altum happened so quickly that his wife and two children are still in the Hawkes Bay. The plan is to travel home on the weekends to see them and help get the house ready for rental.

Building something extraordinary

Pera is taking on his role as principal very seriously. He hopes to build trust with the families and students; to be someone who is welcoming and makes them feel safe. He says, “safe also in terms of upholding high standards and routines, because that level of security makes people feel at ease.”

Having taught in a number of countries across several curricula, Pera believes the biggest difficulty schools face, especially state schools, is that they have to try and be all things to all people. He says, “the government has given us this tremendous opportunity, but it's on us to make it work and to offer the types of choices that New Zealand is after.”

As a charter school, Altum Classical Academy is free to attend but it has a focus on excellence in education. When asked if he was worried about having to take whomever first applied, Pera replied, “not really, because it’s so important that we are open to all and that everyone has the opportunity.”

Device-time like “smoking in the 60s”

Pera is equally determined that the school will be device-free as he’s seen the positive effect it can have at a prior school. “So we started getting strict on uniform and behaviour standards. We eliminated mobile phones without any sort of gradual process; we just said ‘nope’. After a lot of pushback and standdowns the school’s approach worked.” Speaking of devices, a parent once commented, “Christian, we’re going to look back on this like smoking in the 60s.”

Right now it’s all systems go and the pressure is on. Altum Academy needs to get its name out quickly and they’re busy recruiting staff (from over 400 applicants). “They’re not really obstacles,” says Pera. “They're just challenges. But we have a beautiful little school that we will be able to give a nice polish up very shortly. And that is a huge blessing to not have to worry about it. A site that's fit for purpose is great.”

Adopting the open door approach

Christian Pera is nothing if not dedicated. He says, “if people have questions, they should just contact me directly (he’s not joking, his mobile’s the contact number on the school website). I'm moving all over Wellington this week (albeit without a car) seeing different families and answering questions.”

When you arrange to meet Pera, as his Uber draws up at your door, take a moment to appreciate that he and his team are setting up something extraordinary with Altum Academy. A classical education open to everyone.

Altum Academy will open 2 February 2026 in Wilton, Wellington.

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