Merrylands East Public School is situated on traditional Aboriginal Dhuruk land, near the main central business district of Parramatta. The student population is drawn from 40 socio-cultural backgrounds predominately from Islander, African, Middle Eastern and Asian communities. 84% of students are from a non-English speaking background and 10% are refugees. The student population, while stable around the 386 mark, is transient with students leaving being replaced by new arrivals. Merrylands East has a strong sustainability program with the school recently receiving the United Nations Association of Australia World Environment Award a first for NSW schools. Set in pistureque grounds, the school has four water tanks, a photovoltaic system consisting of 36 panels and landscaped areas. Key priorities are Literacy, Numeracy and Student Engagement.