Ms Murphy is a mother to three children, two of which are enrolled in local schools.
Ballarat Grammar is an Anglican Preparatory-to-Year 12 school.
A Ballarat Grammar mother, whose name has been withheld for privacy, said their child, who is in Year 6, had become frightened and anxious.
"I think they were initially scared because she's [Ms Murphy is] someone a bit like myself. I go running, I am often off doing that," she said.
"When they discovered it was someone from the same year level, it made it more real for them.
"For the kids, it is really scary when a mum goes missing. Mums are such vital parts of their everyday life."
Ballarat Grammar principal Adam Heath said staff had spoken to Year 6 students twice in the past week about the support available to them if they felt upset, concerned or anxious.
"We introduced them to this very difficult set of circumstances, understanding they are young and particularly vulnerable," he said.
"We explained to them there was support available and it would be upsetting for them potentially and very, very unsettling."
Mr Heath said Year 6 students had been introduced to the school's counsellors and chaplains and many had already sought support.
A Damascus College spokesperson said its chapel would be open at recess and lunch for its students and staff to visit, "to light a candle, to offer a prayer or to sit quietly in reflection".
"In times of challenge and uncertainty, we can experience mixed emotions, and we acknowledge the grief and vulnerabilities that the Damascus community may be feeling at present," she said.
Missing Ballarat woman Samantha Murphy has three children with strong connections in the community and her disappearance has left some children feeling anxious.
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