Dr Grant said his school formed part of a network in the region, which ensured students were offered healthy competition with state schools in such things as sport, as well as a first-class regional education.

"I think a lot of parents used to send their children to school in Sydney and Melbourne when they got into senior years, but that just isn't the case anymore," he said.

"The culture around education in the region has shifted."

Read more about Wagga's rank as the most family-friendly city here.

Within the Suncorp Bank report that ranked Wagga as the most family-friendly city in Australia, Wagga didn't make the top 10 list for the full-time teacher-to-student ratio.

Sydney ranked at number one at 11.8 students per teacher, followed closely by Melbourne with 11.9 students per teacher.

Regionally, Ballarat, Hervey Bay and Rockhampton performed best, each with 14.2 students per teacher.

TRAC students Bronte Gooley and Youssef Abouelnasr, both 17, said boarding schools had been an option, but it was the sense of community offered at TRAC which contributed to their decision to stay.

"Knowing this is my Higher School Certificate exams year, I know I have the whole backing of the entire school board," Bronte said.

"I think the teachers here go to great lengths to give you individual attention," Youssef said.

Bernard Salt, KPMG demographer, said the fact Charles Sturt University had a campus in the city offered great opportunity, allowing students to go from kinder to degree qualified in the same city.