Nga Tawa's curriculum caters for many differing needs and interests. All courses prepare students to take their place in, and make a difference to, their community and the world.

Features of the Nga Tawa curriculum that go beyond the national curriculum include:
• Religious and Philosophical Studies, taught from Years 9 to 13, which reflects the special Anglican character of the school
• Equine Studies, offered from Years 10-13 through the Equestrian Academy, which leads towards the National Certificate in Equine Studies (up to Level 4)
• The International Baccalaureate, offered in Years 12-13, which provides for an alternative qualification pathway to NCEA for senior students

Class sizes are kept small. In the junior school class sizes are kept to the mid-20s, whilst in the senior school most classes have less than 18 students.