[1] The school was a progressively run educational institution, which sought to foster an atmosphere in which kids were encouraged to develop their own particular talents, instead of sticking to a rigid set curriculum.

Being socially and politically progressive, the school attracted an interesting and eclectic mix of students, many being the children of ANU academics and staff.

Australian Senator Susan Ryan and former UN chief weapons inspector and diplomat Richard Butler were amongst the community of parents.

It felt the idea of having a school principal having selection over teaching staff was outside the scope of the Unions control.

1994 was to be a difficult year for AME financially but a short term grant from the ACT Government, staved off disaster.

In early 2003, the Canberra bushfires narrowly missed destroying the former buildings of the school, as the nearby Stromlo pine forests were decimated by fire.

The area has also faced a number of other challenges, including nearby land development by the ACT Government, which has occurred progressively, since the early 1990s.