Acton Academy (Main Campus)

Location: Central Austin
2201 Alexander Avenue
Austin, TX 78722
Students served: Elementary School, ages 6 through 11; Middle School, ages 11 through 14; High School, ages 14 through 18
Current enrollment: 100 max
Model/philosophy: Every child has a gift that can change the world in a profound way. Acton’s mission is to inspire each child and parent who enters the doors to discover a calling that will change the world.
Special features: Original flagship campus in the Acton Academy Network of over 300 campuses in 20+ countries around the world. Adaptive apps for math and language, project-based learning, Socratic discussion groups, examination of the Hero’s Journey and how it applies personally to each young person. Real-world exploration via hands-on apprenticeships, deep industry studies, and life-changing interviews.
Schedule: 8am–3:15pm Monday through Friday, September through mid-July
Tuition: $1,354 per month for an 11-month school year (total $14,894)
Contact: Chase Pattillo | info@actonmain.org | schedule a call at calendly.com/actonmain/call

Acton Academy Bee Cave

Location: Lakeway / Bee Cave
14913 Murfin Rd
Austin, TX 78734
Students served: Spark Studio, ages 4–6; Explore Studio, ages 6–8; Travel Studio, ages 8–11; Adventure Studio, ages 11–15; Launch Pad, ages 14–18
Current enrollment: 50 students
Model/philosophy: Acton Academy is the most student-centered learning environment in the world and does education like you've never seen before. It is completely different. Acton Academy believes that every child is born with potential to find their calling and change the world. Acton Academy promises your child will: begin a Hero's Journey; learn to be a curious, independent, lifelong learner; develop a deep respect for economic, political, and religious freedoms; cherish the arts, wonders of the physical world, and mysteries of life on Earth; discover their most precious gifts and learn to use them to solve difficult problems.
Special features: At Acton Academy children learn in a collaborative studio of multi-age learners. This flexible approach challenges each student to determine their own differentiated learning plan and inspires them through real-world projects and experiences. Acton's Learner Driven Community puts children at the center of their learning, allowing them to create and maintain personal goals and relational covenants and contracts, as they Learn to Learn, Learn to Do, and Learn to Be. Acton believes each child has a gift that can change the world in a profound way. Acton believes in a closely connected community of families and lifelong learners. The Acton Bee Cave middle and high school programs (Adventure Studio and Launchpad) feature apprenticeships, service, Socratic discussions, business fairs, group projects, and writing. The campus is located on 5 acres with lots of room to soak in nature and do projects outside. Each studio has its own space and structure, and it’s absolutely beautiful!
Schedule: Dropoff 8:15–8:45am; the first Socratic discussion of the day (called Launch) starts at 8:45am. School finishes at 3:15pm. School year runs early September to mid-July. There is a week-long break every 6 weeks.
Tuition: $1,375 a month for 11 months per year, or $15,125 a year
Contact: Matt Briggs | 512-387-4043 | matthew@actonbeecave.org | https://actonbeecave.org

Acton Academy Northshore (Evoke)

Location: Cedar Park / Leander
Students served: Ages 5–13 (Sparks 5–7, Adventure 7–10, Discovery 11–13)
Current enrollment: 24 max for Fall 2025, 60 max for Fall 2026
Model/philosophy: At Acton Academy learners engage in daily Socratic Discussions and self-paced challenges that equip young heroes to be independent, lifelong learners. This is Montessori for the modern age.
Special features: At Evoke, learners are especially curious about science and the arts. The school offers flexible scheduling options ranging from full private Acton Academy curriculum to 1-day and 2-day drop-ins for homeschoolers. Club & Extracurricular days feature deeper dives into topics like Mad Science, Entrepreneurship, Musical Theater Production, Robotics, Drone Racing, Fine Arts, and Contemporary Dance.
Schedule: 9am–3pm with extended-day options, 10-month Acton Academy schedule, summer camps in June & July
Tuition: $407 to $1,325 per month for 10 months
Contact: L Spearman, Head of School | info@evokeacademy.org | www.evokeacademy.org

Acton Academy West (the Westlake campus)

Location: West Lake Hills (serving Westlake, Rollingwood, Barton Hills, Tarrytown, and surrounding West Austin areas)
3423 Bee Cave Road
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Students served: Spark program (ages 4-5), Elementary (1st–5th), Middle School (6th–8th), and High School (9th–12th)
Current enrollment: 90
Model/philosophy: Every child has a gift that can change the world in a profound way. The school’s mission is to inspire each child to find their calling and develop the passion to pursue it. The founders believe that “learning to do”, “learning to be,” and "learning to learn" are more important than “learning to know.”
Special features: Acton Academy West Austin, founded in 2015, is a student-led, self-paced, private accredited school. The school uses online adaptive software for math and language, project-based learning, Socratic discussion groups, and examination of the Hero’s Journey and how it applies personally to each student. The campus is set back off of the road in Westlake, on a 6-acre magical property where the students enjoy a major focus on outdoor time and unstructured play. The campus participates in competitive private school league sports, including soccer, flag football, and basketball. Each team, in each sport, has held an undefeated season, and this year the all-girls basketball team won the championship.
Schedule: Monday–Friday 8:30am–3:15pm, year-round Sept–July. See the school’s calendar here.
Tuition: $1,200 per month for 11 months ($13,200 total per year)
Contact: Jayme Bynum, Head of School | info@actonacademywestaustin.com | actonacademywest.com (elementary & middle school) | high-school.actonacademywest.com (high school)

AHB Community School

Location: North Central Austin (Crestview neighborhood)
1509 Darmouth Ave
Austin, TX 78757
Students served: Grades K–8
Current enrollment: 90–100 students
Model/philosophy: AHB Community School is an accredited, secular private school with a mission of offering a community where children love learning, teachers love teaching, and families thrive. AHB works to preserve our students’ natural curiosity and enthusiasm for learning while fostering kind, confident, critical thinkers who are prepared for a life of learning and community engagement.
Special features: Mixed-age classes with co-teachers make for a small student-to-teacher ratio. A supportive, student-centered environment values social-emotional learning alongside academic rigor. Thematic, interdisciplinary curriculum encourages curiosity, creative problem solving, and hands-on learning. The condensed academic schedule respects children’s natural stamina, values family life, and encourages community involvement.
Schedule: Core Program runs 9am–2:30pm, 4 days a week, Monday–Thursday. Middle School offers an optional 5th day on Fridays. Optional before- and/or after-care and elective classes available to extend your day from 8am to 3:30pm. Annual calendar loosely follows AISD.
Tuition: $13,950 per year for Core Programs, plus enrollment fee of $1,000
Contact: Shari Vars, Head of School | shari@ahbcs.org | 512-893-5111

Alpha High School

Location:  Downtown/Central Austin
201 Colorado St
Austin, TX 78701
Students served:  Grades 9–12
Current enrollment:  50+; rolling admissions for the current school year, with small class sizes for personalized attention
Model/philosophy:  Alpha High is a mastery-based, self-paced private program that uses adaptive/AI-powered learning for core academics. Students typically complete rigorous coursework in about 2–3 hours per day, then spend afternoons in guide-led workshops and project work that emphasize practical life skills, goal-setting, and long-term “Masterpiece” challenges.
Special features:  Guide mentoring and motivation models; life-skills workshops (e.g., public speaking/storytelling, personal finance, entrepreneurship); and AlphaX “Masterpiece” work (a multi-year program culminating in an ambitious, student-driven project). Alpha High highlights city-based workshops and excursions, as well as personalized college counseling.
Schedule:  8:15am–4pm, Monday–Friday (drop-off 8:15–8:30am; pickup 3:30–4pm). Morning academics are designed to be completed efficiently, followed by afternoon workshops/projects. General term calendar: August–June.
Tuition: $40,000 per year; $1,000 non-refundable deposit; 5% sibling discount (second child and beyond); 10 equal monthly payments (Aug–Jun) option
Contact:  admissions.austinhigh@alpha.school | (512) 240-2694

Alpha School Austin

Location:  West + Downtown/Central Austin
PreK–5th Grade
1201 Spyglass Dr
Austin, TX 78746
6th–8th Grade (colocated with Alpha High School)
201 Colorado St
Austin, TX 78701
Students served:  PreK–8
Current enrollment:  160+; rolling admissions for the current school year, with small class sizes for personalized attention
Model/philosophy:  Alpha School Austin is a mastery-based, self-paced private program that use adaptive/AI-powered learning for core academics. Students typically complete rigorous coursework in about 2–3 hours per day, then spend afternoons in guide-led workshops and project work that emphasize practical life skills and goal-setting.
Special features:  Guide mentoring and motivation models; life-skills workshops (e.g., public speaking/storytelling, personal finance, entrepreneurship). Alpha School Austin also builds significant outdoor time into the day (weather permitting).
Schedule:  8:15am–4pm, Monday–Friday (drop-off 8:15–8:30am; pickup 3:30–4pm). Morning academics are designed to be completed efficiently, followed by afternoon workshops/projects. General term calendar: August–June.
Tuition: $40,000 per year; $1,000 non-refundable deposit; 5% sibling discount (second child and beyond); 10 equal monthly payments (Aug–Jun) option.
Contact: admissions.austin@alpha.school | (512) 595-0801

Apogee Dripping Springs Micro High School

Location: Dripping Springs
26650 Ranch Rd 12
Dripping Springs, TX 78620 (inside of DSPC)
Students served: High School (Grades 9–12)
Current enrollment: 9 full-time, 3 part-time, plus enrichment / field trip students (homeschoolers)
Model/philosophy: Apogee Dripping Springs is not just a high school but a transformative bridge to adulthood. Tailored for discerning parents and motivated students, this micro-school uniquely blends rigorous academics with crucial life skills, such as financial literacy and emotional intelligence. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and community engagement, preparing students for real-world challenges. Each student receives personalized mentorship alongside practical experiences through internships and community projects. At Apogee Dripping Springs, education is a transformative journey, molding students into adaptable, life-ready individuals poised to succeed in an ever-changing world. All parents who enroll their teens in ADS will automatically be enrolled in an adult mentorship program hosted by the Apogee Strong Foundation.
Special features: Project-based learning, thematic teaching, Socratic discussions, hands-on learning, home economics, culinary class, internships, character development, ACC dual credit
Schedule: Core Program is Monday–Friday 8:30am–3:40pm. Part-time is Tuesday/Thursday 8:30–3:30pm
Tuition: $15,500 annual tuition; $150 one-time application fee; $600 annual supply fee
Contact: Sarah Pevehouse, Founder | info@apogeedrippingsprings.com

Appamada School

Location: Dripping Springs
26450 Ranch Road 12
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Students served: K–12
Current enrollment: Rolling admissions with a maximum of 85 students (elementary: 15, junior high and high school: 70)
Model/philosophy: Appamada School nurtures a reverent culture that allows students to feel safe enough to be their authentic selves. When in that vulnerable space, students can learn in a connected way that honors taking risks and pushing boundaries. Appamada is a student-centered and process-based program that focuses on creative growth rather than outcomes, fostering the nonlinear nature of learning that comes naturally to humans. From kindergarten through 12th grade, the program celebrates learning through play and collaboration over competition.
Special features: Full-time and part-time options; nurturing, compassionate environment for elementary, junior high, and high school; individualized curriculum made vital through relating academics to a student's personal talents and passions; 12:1 student:teacher ratio; a large variety of unique class offerings; optional college admissions test prep; use of technology; deep Socratic inquiry; holistic student evaluations; relationship-centric culture and community
Schedule: 9am–3pm (Elementary), 8:45am–3:30pm (Junior High & High School); Monday–Friday, mid August–late May. Please visit the school's website for more details.
Tuition: Elementary (K–5th grade), full-time, $15,000 per year; Junior High (6th–8th grade), full-time, $18,500 per year; High School (9th-12th grade), full-time, $19,500 per year. See website for part-time (M-W-F) options.
Contact: Dave Haumer, Director | 512-484-4976 | dave@appamadaschool.com

Ascent: An Acton Academy

Location: North Central Austin
5701 Cameron Road
Austin, TX 78723
Students served: Ages 4–14. Spark Studio serves ages 4–6. Discovery Studio (Lower Elementary, Grades 2–3) serves ages 6–9. Explore Studio (Upper Elementary, Grades 4–6) serves ages 9–12. Peak Studio (Junior High, Grades 7–8) serves ages 12–14. Ascent expects to open their Launch Pad (High School, Grades 9–12) in the Fall of 2028.
Current enrollment: 50–65; rolling admissions through the year
Model/philosophy: Ascent Academy’s mission is to inspire each child and parent who enters its doors to find a calling that will change the world. Ascent follows a one-room schoolhouse model that applies the philosophy of the Hero’s Journey and the Socratic method to empower young people. Combining Montessori principles with technology, Ascent has created a self-paced learning environment where children are equipped to become independent, lifelong learners. It is a bold and brave educational model that trusts children to master academic skills, strive for excellence in their choices, and learn how to live and work with others as a community.
Special features: Ascent’s vibrant community of young learners is situated on nearly two acres in the historic Windsor Park neighborhood, complete with an orchard, a yurt, a budding urban forest, a chicken coop, and a dynamic outdoor Loose Parts Play environment. Ascent’s Spark Studio follows a Montessori-based program that empowers learners to make choices and sparks their curiosity. With a deep commitment to gross motor movement, Sparks spend part of their day in an outdoor, all-weather Loose Parts Play program. The Discovery Studio continues with a Montessori foundation in a blended environment encouraging curiosity and establishing supportive habits during session-long deep-dives. Learners develop a joy for learning through a balanced design that uses Montessori works, adaptive software, project-based learning, Socratic discussion groups, service learning opportunities, and outdoor education. The Explore Studio builds on the foundations of Spark and Discovery and follows the child’s internal, interpersonal growth as learners develop more self-awareness and independence through reflective processes and experimentation with more freedom within boundaries. The Peak Studio captures the magic of this special time of adolescence by embarking on life-changing adventures and connecting with meaningful and rigorous work both on and off campus.
Schedule: 8am–3:30pm Monday–Friday; year-round with week-long breaks every 5–6 weeks
Tuition: Annual tuition for the 2026–2027 academic year is $17,285. Sibling discounts and limited Hero Grants (scholarships) available.
Contact: Janita Lavani and Samantha Jansky, Co-Founders | ascent@ascentacton.org

Athena Micro-academy of Austin

Location: TBD
Students served: Students in grades 6–12 who are self-directed and thrive in smaller social spaces
Current enrollment: Launching Fall 2026 and enrolling now for the 2026–2027 school year; each learning pod will be 12–15 students to one learning coach
Model/philosophy: Athena commits to providing a small, year-round, blended learning environment where self-directed students engage in a relationship-centered program. Athena fosters a love of learning, allows students to feel safe to be themselves, and ensures they develop strong life and leadership skills that support their college, career, and adulthood readiness.
Special features: Choose your own curriculum from a library of vetted options; year-long, self-paced, blended learning program; full-time program; mixed-age learning pods; daily signature programs, including Athena's Council (life and leadership skills) and Voces (Spanish language learning); Flex Fridays rotate between meaningful community service opportunities and fun excursions in the Austin area; student opportunities for leading and/or participating in student clubs; Founder and Lead Learning Coach has 21+ years of education and education leadership experience in the Houston and Austin areas.
Schedule: Monday–Thursday 8:30am–3:30pm, Friday 8:30am–12pm; year-round with 2-week intercessions every 6/7 weeks; optional after-school program and tutoring available Monday–Thursday 3:30–5:00pm
Tuition: $17,000 annual tuition; monthly payment option available; sibling discounts; $250 one-time, non-refundable application fee
Contact: Mily Pérez, Founder | info@amaustin.org

Austin Micro School

Location: South Austin / Manchaca
13203 Gunsmith Dr.
Manchaca, TX 78652
Students served: Grades K–8 (growing into high school as students age up)
Current enrollment: rolling admissions for 2025–2026, with intentionally small class sizes to ensure personalized attention and a student-to-teacher ratio not exceeding 12:1
Model/philosophy: Austin Micro School reimagines K–8 education with a human-centered, hands-on approach. The school integrates strong academics, project-based learning, and leadership development through its signature Young Leaders curriculum. Families choose between Full-Time and Hybrid formats to best suit their lives while remaining immersed in a supportive community focused on academic rigor, critical thinking, and personal growth.
Special features: Austin Micro School programs are thoughtfully designed to meet the diverse needs of families by offering flexible learning options, including full-time enrollment (5 days a week) or a hybrid model that combines 1 to 3 days on campus with guided at-home learning. Students thrive in a dynamic and inspiring environment featuring engaging Core Skill Blocks, collaborative Project Blocks, and specialized classes in the Arts, Music, Spanish, Outdoor Education in the garden, and Maker Space that bring hands-on learning to life. For hybrid families, structured weekly learning plans, curated resources, and ongoing teacher support provide continuity while fostering student independence. Beyond academics, the school focuses on community and leadership, real-world projects, and essential life skills, cultivating a close-knit, nurturing environment where families and educators partner to support every student.
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:15am–3:15pm
Tuition: Full-Time tuition is $500 per week (total of $18,000 per year). Hybrid programs start at $139 per week ($5,000 per year). Payment options include payment in full by Aug 1 (10% discount) or auto-draft in 10 monthly installments (Aug–May). Sibling Discount is 5% off for second (and additional) children. Financial Assistance is available for qualifying families after acceptance.
Contact: 512-200-3145 | admissions@austinmicroschool.org | http://www.austinmicroschool.org

Bloom Preschool

Location: Southwest Austin
near William Cannon & Mopac
Students served: Ages 3–5
Current enrollment: 8
Model/philosophy: Bloom offers a loving, creative environment where children are free to learn through play and exploration of their world. Children spend most of their days in an outdoor classroom. As a Reggio Emilia inspired program, children's learning is built upon their interests, and projects are ongoing, inspiring, and meaningful. Children use emotional learning to build an understanding of self and create meaningful relationships with friends.
Special features: Daily music, gardening, free play, storytelling, art, friendship, community, project-based learning, emotional learning, comfortable home-based environment, outdoor exploration.
Schedule: 9am–3pm Monday–Friday; 2-, 3-, and 5-day options available. Follows a basic AISD calendar throughout the school year and runs through the end of June.
Tuition: Starting at $650 per month
Contact: Mary Belton | mary.bloom.preschool@gmail.com

Clearview Sudbury School and WonderView Preschool

Location: East Central Austin
1507 Wilshire Blvd
Austin, TX 78722
Students served: Clearview Sudbury School ages 5–18; WonderView Preschool ages 3–5
Current enrollment: Clearview 30–40 students; WonderView Preschool 5–12 students
Model/philosophy: Clearview Sudbury School serves learners ages 5-18 with the Sudbury education model; WonderView Preschool offers child-led, play-based early childhood education
Special features: Clearview offers a supportive and proven model of self-directed education in a democratically run school; WonderView Preschool offers a similar ethos for early childhood.
Schedule: Clearview Sudbury School operates Monday–Friday 8:30am–4pm and follows AISD calendar for days off. WonderView Preschool operates Monday–Friday 9am–1pm, with aftercare available 1-4pm; follows AISD holidays off; available during the school year as well as year-round enrollment.
Tuition: Clearview tuition is currently $11,400 per year; sibling discount of 25% for the second child and 50% for subsequent children; there is an option to apply for a limited amount of reduced tuition based on the family’s ability to pay. WonderView Preschool year-round 5-day tuition is $900 per month; please review the website for part-time and aftercare tuition options.
Contact: Shawna Pitts, Clearview Sudbury School Admissions | 512-524-0085 | shawna@clearviewsudburyschool.org;
Cari Keller, Director, WonderView Preschool | 512-777-0852 | preschool@clearviewsudburyschool.org

The Compass School

Location: Central Austin
3901 Shoal Creek Blvd
Austin, TX 78756
Students served: Open enrollment for the 2025–2026 school year for students in 1st and 2nd grade (Discovery Class 1). Accepting enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year for grades K–4 and will add a grade each year until it becomes a PreK–8 school.
Current enrollment: 4 students in Discovery Class 1 (1st and 2nd grade)
Model/philosophy: The Compass School (TCS) is an independent school for students in PreK through 8th grade. Compass School students embark on a journey of curiosity, discovery, and learning rooted in research and Progressive Education principles so that they are ready to create bright futures as their truest, most courageous selves. In a nurturing environment, students will thrive and develop their full potential to become lifelong learners and responsible citizens.
Special features: TCS fosters a learner-centered environment, prioritizing growth mindsets through inquiry-based Deep Dive and Cultural Investigation phases. Dual-grade classrooms offer a dynamic learning experience while maintaining an 8:1 student-to-educator ratio. Project-based learning, hands-on exploration, and resources like the Innovation Lab engage students in curiosity-driven learning. TCS students benefit from weekly mentorship and goal setting. A scaled tuition model ensures accessibility, and families actively participate through collaborative roundtables, learning workshops, and more. The Compass School exists to help children grow into courageously compassionate young adults.
Schedule: 8:45am–3:30pm Monday–Friday; August 24, 2026–June 4, 2027; after-school program until 5pm
Tuition: Tuition model allows you to pay proportionally to your adjusted gross income; maximum $24,750 annually (no miscellaneous fees), lunch not included
Contact: Geoff Harrison, Founder | gharrison@tcsatx.org

Figment Creative Labs

Location: South Austin*
7809 Brodie Lane
Austin, TX 78745
* Planning to add a 2nd location in Southwest Austin–Signal Hill Rd., Austin TX 78737
Students served: All ages—toddler playgroups, creative pre-K, homeschool groups, after-school programs, adult art nights, and camps
Current enrollment: Maximum class size 12 children with 2 creative guides
Model/philosophy: Figment Creative Labs is a creative space for all ages. FCL focuses on process art and learning through play with younger artists, and maker ed. hands-on learning and STEAM education as artists grow with them.
Special features: Figment’s current location, at 7809 Brodie Lane, includes an art studio, a maker space, the discovery lab, and a creative preschool and toddler space, as well as an ever-evolving outdoor play area. It is home to rainbow colors, unbridled curiosity, and a menagerie of beloved class pets to teach the children empathy and responsibility.
Schedule: Monday–Friday various programs with various schedules 9am–5:30pm, parties on Saturdays, and adult art nights. Figment takes a break from regular programs and focuses on summer camps and parties during summer break.
Tuition: Monthly tuition for most programs; weekly tuition for summer camps; 10% sibling discount; see website for each program’s current tuition rates.
Contact: 512-551-3244 | figmentfrontdesk@gmail.com

Fusion Academy

Location: West Austin
4701 Bee Caves Road, Suite 101
Austin, TX 78746
Students served: The Academy is available for 5th–12th graders; tutoring provided for all ages.
Current enrollment: Fusion is year-round, so students can start classes at any time because their classes are one-on-one; maximum of 65 students in the Academy.
Model/philosophy: Fusion Academy is unique in that every class is taught with one teacher and one student. This allows teachers to create a very customized and supportive learning environment for each and every student.  The Academy also provides students with a fun, creative, and full school culture; even though classes are taught one-to-one, the structure allows a strong emphasis on socialization.
Special features: What makes Fusion work is the commitment to meeting each student right where they are, creating a meaningful connection, and finding the very best way to unlock each student’s passion for learning and discovery.  Also, all homework is completed on campus, to help take stress out of the home. Students can be fully enrolled, dual-enrolled with another school, or take individual classes for credit.
Schedule: Most students take classes Monday–Thursday, and Fridays are optional. Fusion has flexible schedules to work around a student’s schedule.
Tuition: Total tuition is calculated on a per-course basis, and cost per course for the current school year varies, as follows:
     High school tuition: $3,490 per semester per course
     Middle school tuition: $4,050 per semester per course
     Tutoring, including SAT/ACT test prep: $100 per hour
Contact: Amanda Garrett | (512) 330-0188 | agarrett@fusionacademy.com

Great Minds Learning Community

Location: Pflugerville (serving Austin, Pflugerville, Round Rock, and surrounding areas)
3400 Rowe Lane
Pflugerville, TX 78660
Students served: Gifted and twice-exceptional learners in Grades 5–12. Small classes with a maximum 7:1 student-teacher ratio.
Current enrollment: 27. Limited spots available.
Model/philosophy: Great Minds Learning Community is an intellectually rich private school for neurodiverse thinkers who are gifted or twice-exceptional (bright with learning differences/challenges/disabilities, such as dysgraphia, dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADD/ADHD, sensory processing challenges, Asperger's/High Functioning Autism, anxiety, depression, other health conditions, or social difficulties). GMLC students are bright, quirky, creative individuals seeking a smaller group, sensory support, intellectual freedom, and a built-in small tribe of like-minded thinkers that "get" them and give them wings to thrive. There is a balance of structure (with guided support for lagging skills) and intellectual and personal freedom. Academically strong, strengths-based, focusing on the 21st-Century skills through real-world, project-based learning. Nurturing each student within their "stretch zone" through a relationship-based approach, small class sizes, growth mindset, and 7:1 student-teacher ratio with a strong focus on social, emotional, and executive-function skills with a close-knit, caring community.
Special features: Tailored to meet the needs of gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) neurodiverse young people and the intense, challenging, and exhilarating facets that being gifted or 2e brings to your child's educational experience—intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Student-driven with lots of voice and choice, combined with guided supports and a framework to create a balanced approach. For students who would benefit from a nurturing, small-group, hands-on environment and who crave the freedom to pursue their passions and intense intellectual curiosity to the beat of their own drummer with like-minded peers. Close-knit, caring community.
Schedule:
Tuesday through Thursday, 9am–3pm, August–May, with short breaks throughout the year to allow time for recharging and travel; drop-off from 8:30am, pick-up until 3:30pm. Optional Mondays, same schedule.
Tuition: $16,200 per year, with a $650 supply fee. Optional 4th day (Monday) program $2300. 20% sibling discount.
Contact: Deanne Repich, Head of School | 512-750-1417 | info@greatmindslc.com

Griffin School

Location: Central Austin
5001 Evans Avenue & 5206 Eilers Avenue
Austin, TX 78751
Students served: 9th–12th grades
Current enrollment: 166
Model/philosophy: Founded in 1996, Griffin School provides students with a high school program that values individuality, creativity, and community. What makes Griffin unique is the balance between a rigorous college preparatory academic program and a vibrant, creative, and supportive school community. Griffin students gain admission into some of the best colleges and universities across the country; more importantly, they become creative, curious, authentic human beings.
Special features: Interactive classes average 12 students. Academic programming fosters artistic expression, critical thinking, and genuine involvement in the school and Austin community. The school offers Advanced Placement courses across all disciplines, a broad array of fine arts classes, and a competitive sports program. The campus is centrally located in the historic Hyde Park neighborhood. Learn more by scheduling a tour with admissions@griffinschool.org.
Schedule: 9am–4pm; more or less follows the AISD calendar
Tuition: $21,600 plus Annual Fee of $1,500
Contact: Caroline Wilson | 512-454-5797 | admisssions@griffinschool.org

Growing Curiosity Community School

Location: North Central Austin
9000 Georgian Dr
Austin, TX 78753
Students served: ages 3–6 years
Current enrollment: 18 students; maximum of 20 with a student-teacher ratio of 10:1
Model/philosophy: Growing Curiosity’s mission is to provide an affordable, quality Montessori preschool program with a focus on physical and social development, anti-bias education, and an appreciation for nature.
Special features: Anti-bias education, Montessori philosophy, mixed-age learning, gardening
Schedule: 8am–5pm (with part-time 8am–3pm option) Monday–Friday
Tuition: $1,165/month full-time; $950/month part-time
Contact: Janeth Rodriguez Araujo, Director | director.growingcuriosity@gmail.com | 512-243-6924