Location: West Central Austin (Spyglass & Mopac)
1201 Spyglass Dr.
Austin, TX 78746
Students served: Middle school, ages 10–14, grades 5–8
Current enrollment: 60 students max; ratio 20:1
Model/philosophy: Esports Academy redefines education with a pioneering model that blends 2-hour, app-based learning with the exciting world of gaming and esports, tapping into the natural passions of students. This innovative approach “levels up” students, equipping them for high school and life beyond video games. By intertwining academic achievement with the development of essential life and social skills, Esports Academy ensures that students not only excel academically but also thrive in their personal growth. Special features: 2-Hour Learning Model—academic learning is achieved in two hours per day using interactive apps; core life skill workshops—a focus on developing skills like teamwork, leadership, financial literacy, and critical thinking through gaming workshops; a motivational model with levels (Novice, Intermediate, Elite) encouraging progress in various areas; a comprehensive fitness program that includes yoga, sports skills, resistance training, and mindfulness exercises; esports training—specialized training for students who achieve the Elite level
Schedule: Full-time, August 14–June 7. The daily routine includes academic sessions, fitness activities, life skill workshops, and esports training for eligible students.
Tuition: $25,000 per year
Contact: Beau Sydes | Lead Guide | austin.admissions@esports.school
Each listing in this alphabetical directory gives you a snapshot of a small, independent, alternative school in the Austin area.
This frequently updated list spans several pages, with navigation buttons at the bottom. Clicking on the name of a school will take you to its own website. To easily find schools by geographical area, see our Alt Ed Maps page. If you know of a school that’s missing from this directory, please drop a note here, and see Alt Ed Austin’s criteria for “alternative” and “school.” You may also be interested in our directories of other recommended schools (which are mostly larger or more specialized or religiously oriented), as well as special programs for children and adults.
Full disclosure: Alt Ed Austin founder Teri Sperry has ties with several of the schools listed on this site. Her child, now in graduate school, attended two of them years ago. She has friends who direct, teach at, or are otherwise involved in others. Some programs choose to advertise from time to time on Alt Ed Austin as Sponsoring Partners. She firmly believes that all of the schools featured on this site (including the ones to which she has no personal connection and those from which she receives no advertising fees) are good choices for some kids, each for different reasons.
