In this special series, The Age focuses on Melbourne’s western suburbs to see how life could improve in Australia’s fastest-growing region. See all 10 stories .

Before she takes a seat in the classroom at Clayton’s John Monash Science School, student Prisha Singh has already sat in a car, two trains and a bus.

The year 12 student lives in Point Cook, but commutes 15 hours a week between home in Melbourne’s west and school in the south-east.

“It’s definitely exhausting, but I love the school, so it’s worth it,” the 18-year-old says.

The John Monash Science School, located on campus at Monash University, is a specialist state school for gifted students in years 10 to 12 with a focus on the sciences, mathematics and technologies. It’s perfect for Prisha, who hopes to become a dental

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