Lake Travis STEM Academy→

Location: Cedar Park
3315 El Salido Parkway
Cedar Park, TX 78613
Students served: K–12
Current enrollment: 50
Model/philosophy: Lake Travis STEM Academy is an accredited private school that combines experiential learning with STEM integration. LTSA's mission is to inspire students and create an authentic curriculum to provide a balanced learning environment, nurturing children’s natural curiosity about their world with student-centered experiences.
Special features: LTSA believes in small class sizes to maximize differential instruction and to accommodate a variety of learning styles. The curriculum is STEM-centered (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and emphasizes inquiry-based learning, problem-solving, and the development of 21st-century skills. LTSA integrates STEM in all regular classes, including Humanities.
Schedule: Elementary 8:30am–2:30pm Monday–Thursday (optional afterschool electives 2:30–3:30pm on certain days); Middle and High School 8:30am–3:50pm Monday–Thursday. Fridays are Club or Elective Class Days / Asynchronous Learning Days. Extra Fees may apply.
Tuition: Annual tuition is due before the student's first day of school. Elementary tuition and fees are $15,370 per year. Middle & High School tuition and fees are $16,990 per year.
Contact: Please go to the school's website under the admissions tab to sign up for a Virtual Information Session and then schedule a campus tour. The LTSA team looks forward to meeting with you!

Living Oaks→

Location: West Dripping Springs
Students served: Parent & Child Classes (child ages 0–3), PreK (ages 3–4), Mixed-Age Kindergarten (ages 4–6), Grades 1–8
Current enrollment: 59+
Model/philosophy: Living Oaks is a flourishing Waldorf initiative nestled on a serene 10-acre biodynamic farm! Living Oaks takes immense pride in offering a truly unique educational experience that blends the wisdom of Waldorf pedagogy with the wonders of nature. The campus, surrounded by the beauty of the hill country, provides the perfect backdrop for children to learn, explore, and grow harmoniously. Living Oaks offers an unmatched lunch program featuring locally sourced organic produce and meat. A commitment to sustainability not only ensures nutritious meals but also instills in students a deep appreciation for the environment and the food they enjoy.
Special features: Living Oaks is dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child, helping them bloom into confident, compassionate, and well-rounded individuals. The program includes handwork, games/movement, gardening, culinary arts, Spanish, art, music, and woodworking. The vibrant community comes together for traditional Waldorf festivals, regular family social events, moms’ and dads’ groups, and Steiner study groups.
Schedule: Monday–Thursday 8:30am–3:30pm; optional Friday Enrichment Days 8:30am–2:00pm with available aftercare until 3:30pm
Tuition: $14,523 for Early Childhood and $15,178 for 1st–8th grades. Tuition includes organic locally sourced snack and lunch prepared by the onsite chef. Sibling discounts available.
Contact: Antonia Wilemon, Enrollment Director | info@livingoaks.life

Long-View Micro School→

Location: Central Austin, near UT
1201 W. 24th Street
Austin, TX 78705
Students served: 2nd–8th graders who are highly motivated, eager to collaborate, and curious
Current enrollment: 80
Model/philosophy: Long-View is a micro-school that grew out of the renowned mathematics program, The Number Lab, which facilitates deep learning, strong number sense, and algebraic thinking. Long-View builds upon the philosophies of The Number Lab and expands to a “focused academic footprint” encompassing reading, writing, science, computer science, and mathematics. In Long-View’s micro-school model students receive a deep and thoughtful curriculum in these core academic areas, and then parents customize the rest of a child’s schooling in regards to arts, sports, and areas of interest after 2:30pm and on Fridays. Long-View is a great fit for families seeking an innovative educational model with a strong academic focus.
Special features: Students typically progress 2 to 3 years in mathematics over the course of an academic year; unique environment inspired by design-thinking principles; purposeful lessons targeting a growth mindset; hands-on science curriculum complemented by engineering/design challenges; computer science curriculum builds upon thinking patterns developed in mathematics program and teaches coding in Python; reading and writing program follows Reading and Writing Workshop approach and has a strong focus on nonfiction as well as independent choice in regards to books and writing endeavors.
Schedule: 9am–2:30pm
Tuition: $16,500 annually, which can be paid in installments. There is an additional $1,000 enrollment fee and a $1,000 new student technology fee.
Contact: Lisa Zapalac | 512-988-9887 | lzapalac@long-view.com

The Magnolia School→

Location: Gateway to Falconhead (Far West Austin / Lakeway / Bee Cave area)
3500 FM 620 S G-200
Austin TX 78738
Students served: Ages 3–14 (through 8th grade content)
Current enrollment: 140
Model/philosophy: Self-paced, individualized, and fun learning; students are grouped by their academic level and taught in groups of varied sizes; lessons are adjusted to meet each child's learning style and are fun so children want to come to school and enjoy learning
Special features: Low student-teacher ratios, with classes capped at 18 students and groups ranging from 5 to 15 students depending on content level; school year August–May; summer camps offered in June and July
Schedule: 8am–3:30pm Monday–Friday; after care 3:30–5:30pm Monday–Friday
Tuition: $16,695 for preschool; $17,500 for elementary school; $18,684 for middle school. Part time preschool also available.
Contact: Meghan Tapp | 512-266-9620 | meghan@TheMagnoliaSchoolATX.com

Mission Heights 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: Launching September 2024
Model/philosophy: Project-based learning, thematic teaching, Socratic discussions, hands-on learning, home economics, internships, character development
Special features: Mission Heights 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 Mission Heights, education is a transformative journey, molding students into adaptable, life-ready individuals poised to succeed in an ever-changing world.
Schedule: Core Program is Monday–Thursday 8:30am–3:40pm; Friday is an optional Community/Project Day
Tuition: $12,000 annual tuition; $150 one-time application fee; $600 annual supply fee
Contact: Sarah Pevehouse, Founder | https://www.facebook.com/MissionHeightsEducation

The Nest→

Location: South Austin
Students served: 18 months–2 1/2 years old
Current enrollment: 12
Model/philosophy: The Nest, a small and intimate environment, is primarily designed to provide opportunities that help support the young child’s initial transition from home to school. Indoor and outdoor prepared environments are thoughtfully designed to support the child’s budding independence as well as their need for exploration. The curriculum integrates nature and art while remaining strongly rooted in the Montessori philosophy.
Special features: The Nest provides engaging indoor and outdoor environments in a nurturing home setting in south Austin. Strong nature and art curriculum, including an annual Outdoor Art Show featuring the children's work. Regular community events and strong parent support, including support in the school search process.
Schedule: Families may choose between 3-day or 4-day enrollment, Tuesday–Thursday or Monday–Thursday. Hours of operation are 8:30am–12:30pm for both options. The Nest generally follows the AISD calendar with slight variations. The school year runs from August through May, with an optional month of summer camp through the end of June. The Nest closes for one week in the fall and spring and two weeks in the winter.
Tuition: Tuition can be paid monthly or annually. Annual tuition for 3-day enrollment is $7,750. Annual tuition for 4-day enrollment is $9,250. First-Time Enrollment Fee is $300. Annual Materials Fee is $400.
Contact: Laura Delgado, Owner/Director/Guide | themontessoritree@gmail.com

Oak Ridge Academy→

Location: Leander
1400 Spivey Road
Leander, TX 78641
Students served: K–12 (currently serving ages 5–15)
Current enrollment: 32 students (with 4 guides + the head of school)
Model/philosophy: Oak Ridge Academy provides a learner-led, curiosity-driven education, by guiding learners to resources, giving them support and encouragement, asking them challenging questions, and cultivating a culture that celebrates growth. Much of the day is spent outside, working on projects in the maker-space, gardening seasonal fruits and vegetables, or working independently to earn learning badges.
Special features: Oak Ridge Academy utilizes its outdoor space to teach children about sustainability practices, gardening, farm-animal care, and connecting with nature. Amidst the everyday academic learning, children also gain insight into care-taking the earth through innovation and strategic living.
Schedule: 9am–4pm, Monday–Friday, all months except August
Tuition: $1,000 monthly for 11 months per school year
Contact: Stephanie U'Ren, Head of School | stephu@oakridgelearning.com

Peak Collective→

Location: North Central Austin
5701 Cameron Road
Austin, TX 78723
Students served: Ages 12–15; grades 7th–9th
Current enrollment: Contact for availability details for the 2024–2025 school year.
Model/philosophy: Peak is a container to clarify one's dreams and pursue them through adventures, projects, mentorships, and rites of passage, with a spiritually grounded foundation. It is a learner-driven community for those courageous enough to discover their own unique genius by being radically curious, compassionately responsible, and striving to explore themselves and the world around us. At the end of Peak, graduates emerge as clear, confident, and well-spoken learners with deep individual and community awareness. They have built muscles of rigor and accountability and are ready to dive into their next challenge. 
Special features: Peak is a space to recognize that, at this age, this is the most capable these young people have ever been! This is the first time in their lives they've been this strong, this sharp, this aware, and the first time they’re able to be on their own. Peak is a time to capture this moment and capitalize on this new energy and dramatic growth, and propel them forward. Learners will leave with a Blueprint, co-created by the learner and family, to support their post-Peak adventure, with a community of support to continue guiding them through their next years.
Schedule: 8am–3:15pm Monday–Friday, year-round with week-long breaks every 5–6 weeks
Tuition: $19,000 per year. Limited scholarships available.
Contact: info@peakcollective.org

Raphael Springs→

Location: Bee Cave / Dripping Springs
Students served: PreK (ages 3–4), Kindergarten (ages 4–6), Grades 1–8
Current enrollment: 50
Model/philosophy: Raphael Springs is a thriving Waldorf educational initiative founded in the fall of 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, created by a group of parents and educators who sought to preserve in-person learning while adhering to the principles of traditional Waldorf education. This Waldorf-inspired education system ignites the senses and the natural abilities of our children, limits media exposure, and engages children in artistic and academic experiences that are attuned to the unique stages of childhood development, ensuring a holistic and enriching educational experience.
Special features: Trained Waldorf teachers, excellent music/orchestral program, Spanish, gardening, handwork and woodwork, games and movement, low student-to-teacher ratio, fully fenced 5-acre campus
Schedule: 8:15am–3:30pm Monday–Thursday program, with optional Friday Enrichment program, September–May
Tuition: $13,950 (sibling discounts available); $600 materials fees
Contact: info@raphaelsprings.org

Rifugio Austin→

Location: Mueller (Northeast Central Austin)
1310 E 51st St.
Austin, TX 78723
Students served: K–5th
Current enrollment: 10 students currently enrolled; looking to have enrollment at 15 for 2023–2024 school year
Model/philosophy: Rifugio Austin is a holistic project-based school currently serving students grades K–2 and expanding to 5th grade. From inspiration and first-hand experience of the Rifugios in the Italian Alps, the school provides the same refuge and warmth that each Rifugio provides from the natural elements. Rifugio Austin is built upon that experience, and the school environment is that of a safe and nurturing space where children will feel at home.
Special features: At Rifugio Austin, the educational foundation includes the simple belief that each child deserves to have their unique and individual needs fully met. By providing a stable, secure space, children will naturally explore, experiment, inquire, create, dream, believe, and do. The environment is inclusive, and children are respected as individuals who are unique and on their own learning journey.
Schedule: 8am–3:15pm Monday–Friday; 3:15pm–5pm after-school program; follows AISD calendar
Tuition: $1,400 monthly tuition + $1,400 yearly annual fee + $250 new student enrollment fee + $200 after-school program
Contact: Ariana DiNielli | admissions@rifugioaustin.com

Roving Learners→

Location: South Central Austin
4807 Pawnee Pathway
Austin, TX 78745
Students served: Ages 5–15
Current enrollment: 12
Model/philosophy: A traveling, experiential learning, hands-on school
Special features: The school travels in 2 passenger vans around Central Texas to explore learning and spends time at the home base integrating these experiences while focusing on reading, writing, and math. There is a strong emphasis on social-emotional learning and a peer mentoring program.
Schedule: 9am–3pm Monday–Friday
Tuition: $1000/month or $350/week or $100/day; $800 annual fee
Contact: John Thoms, Teacher/Co-owner | 512-731-9497 | john@rovinglearners.com

School on the Rise→

Location: Southwest of Austin
Rim Rock Trail
Austin, TX 78737
Students served: K–8. Kindergarten is Banyan Forest Kindergarten, a nature-based Spanish Immersion program. School on The Rise is a nature-based elementary program.
Current enrollment: School on The Rise currently has 9 students: 3 in 1st grade, 6 in a combined 2nd/3rd grade. Maximum class size is 12 students.
Model/philosophy: School on the Rise is an elementary micro-school located on eight beautiful acres just outside Austin city limits, in southwest Travis County, deep in the heart of Texas. It is designed for families who have an interest in alternative education, specifically Waldorf education, and who are seeking small class sizes, a spirit of innovation, a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere, teachers willing to work with each child's uniqueness, a social environment of acceptance and personal responsibility, the right amount of academic challenge, plenty of time in nature, and considerably less homework.
Special features: The educational program serves the range of grade levels from 1st grade through 8th grade. New groups of students for a grade level are formed in direct response to parent interest and need. The days and weeks are structured to provide both consistency and variety. Each day begins with vigorous physical movement, singing, and recitation, and then the 90-minute "main lesson." The remainder of each day is spent in academic practice periods, artistic classes, and recesses. The teachers work individually with students in the areas of skill development such as math and language arts. As is typical in a Waldorf classroom, each student makes books that provide a personal record of their learning process.
Schedule: 9am–3pm Monday–Friday. Typical school holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas/Winter Holidays, Spring Break, Easter. Typical school year runs late August–late May.
Tuition: Full tuition for the 2023–2024 school year is $16,632. This includes all fees. Limited financial assistance may be available.
Contact: hello@schoolontherise.com

Tigerlily Preschool→

Location: South Austin
8601 S. 1st St.
Austin, Texas 78748
Students served: Ages 3–5
Current enrollment: ongoing enrollment; max class size of 12 children with 2 teachers
Model/philosophy: Tigerlily believes that children are capable and confident problem solvers, curious about challenges, and take great delight in expanding their knowledge of the world around them. As we connect to our bodies through daily exploration of the natural world, our indoor and outdoor learning spaces will allow children time and space to explore these wonderful learning adventures of childhood.
Special features: Art: creative expression is central to a vibrant childhood; each child has the opportunity to draw, paint, collage, build, and sculpt with clay often; with this daily access, art mediums become powerful languages for the child to express their thoughts, ideas, questions, worries, and wonder. Documenting children’s learning: teachers share daily with the parent community, thinking together to support continued work together. Social emotional learning: every day in a preschool classroom is a day to make things better with each other; children learn language and social skills to support interactions that recognize and value each other and people in the world around them. We affirm and welcome all family structures and gender identities and seek to support children as change makers.
Schedule: Monday–Thursday 9:30am–2:30pm August–May; summer session
Tuition: $1,000 per month; $125 supply fee due August and January
Contact: info@tigerlilypreschool.com

Whole Life Learning Center→

Location: South Austin
Preschool & Elementary Campus
10801 Old San Antonio Road
Austin, TX 78748
Middle School Campus (NEW LOCATION)
10817 Old San Antonio Road
Austin, TX 78748
Students served: Ages 3–14 (PreK–8th grade)
Current enrollment: 95 (five mixed-age classes of 16–22 learners)
Model/philosophy: A holistic approach to education that synthesizes insights from Waldorf, Montessori, and democratic education; offering an integrated, multicultural curriculum with arts and academics, child-centered and project-based learning, mixed age groups, and small Mentor/Learner ratios. WLLC's mission is to inspire lifelong learners, creative change-makers, and conscientious leaders for a more equitable, just, and sustainable world.
Special features: Youth work with Mentors to develop holistic learning plans, honoring each learner’s intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual development; groups work together to choose enrichment classes, plan projects, and organize special events. Located in South Austin on 3 acres between 2 campuses, with permaculture gardens, a food forest, pond, and chickens. WLLC's Early Childhood Program serves ages 3–5. The school provides loving mentorship and an environment that enriches the imagination with creative play; nourishes the soul through song, stories, and art; inspires the mind through fun challenges and multi-sensory learning materials; and feeds the heart through connection with each other and nature.
Schedule: Drop-off between 8:30am and 9am, Monday–Friday; staggered pick-up between 3pm and 4pm daily depending on your child's class, and aftercare available until 5:30pm. WLLC generally follows the AISD calendar. Please refer to the school calendar for details.
Tuition: $12,000 per year for Elementary and Middle School and $13,000 for Preschool. All families are also required to pay a nonrefundable $500 registration fee and $350 supply fee upon enrollment/re-enrollment. The enrollment fee payment is due once annually, per family (not per child).
Contact: 512-676-5898 ext. 0 | info@wholelifelearningcenter.com | wholelifelearningcenter.com

Wholesome Generation→

Location: North Austin
12251 Running Bird Lane
Austin, TX 78758
Students served: 18 months through Grade 7
Current enrollment: 75 total. Toddler class ratio 1:4. PreK class ratio 1:5. K–Middle School class ratio 1:5.
Model/philosophy: Wholesome Generation’s mission is to inspire students to create deeply nourishing experiences, leading to academic and personal growth and happiness. The innovative learning community creates classroom, farm, and wilderness adventures, engaging learners’ minds, hands, and hearts. The healing program honors and holds space for all to reclaim and reconnect to the land and food systems and to move into creating. Teachers share healing modalities such as self-care and community health, while inspiring with Reggio Emilia–focused teaching based on play, pace, and progress. There is a strong emphasis on science exploration, entrepreneurial learning, equine therapy, fine arts, and social-emotional skill building.
Special features: WG’s program encourages youth to connect to nature and create via entrepreneurship lessons, Rewilding Camps, and equine therapy. Equine activities improve student confidence, self-assurance, verbal communication, focus, and mindfulness, and help develop problem-solving strategies and skills. WG empowers students to use its Equine model as a guiding light to develop their own business ideas, present them to the school community, and get support in fundraising for those projects. Diet-specific, local/organic, refined-sugar-free, gluten-free, vegan/vegetarian lunch and 2 snacks made fresh on site are included in tuition.
Schedule: 8:30am–4:30pm. After-care will be offered starting August 2024. Wholesome Generation follows the AISD calendar, with the exception of the summer, when it offers 8 full weeks of Rewilding youth camps (same hours as during the school year). All classes are offered year-round (with the same hours).
Tuition: Wholesome Generation accepts Workforce Solutions/CCMS for student scholarships. It is also a United Way/AISD approved classroom and accepts qualifying students (PreK3, PreK4) with a prorated, discounted rate. Full-time tuition for parents not qualifying for the low-income scholarship are offered a $1,200 monthly tuition rate (including 2 organic snacks and full lunch daily).
Contact: Lene Saint-Orens | lene@wholesomegeneration.org | 254-338-1333

Wild Life Forest Preschool at Earth Native Wilderness School→

Location: Bastrop, TX (25 minutes east of Austin)
137 Woodview Ln
Bastrop, TX 78602
Students served: Ages 3–5
Current enrollment: 20 students each day, with 3 instructors
Model/philosophy: Modeled after forest preschools in Europe and around the world, Wild Life Forest Preschool at Earth Native is play-based, child-led, and earth-conscious. Children learn as the mammals do, by following their satisfaction through play, by challenging their bodies, and by experiencing the patterns of their environment, both natural and social, in a forest they themselves care for. Children will build the foundations of writing, science, math, art, and physical development—even confidence and happiness—by exploring the forest with their friends. And of course, Wild Life Forest Preschool will make certain your child’s first adventures are considerate, careful, and safe.
Special features: Located on 80 beautiful acres of land, covered in native hardwood trees with abundant wildlife, incredible native plant diversity, and a spring-fed year-round creek. Small, intimate class size with a maximum of 20 students per day with 3 instructors. Curriculum is inspiration based and will include the establishment of deep connections to nature; animal tracks, bird language; empathy and understanding of local wildlife; plant identification, including edible, medicinal, and useful local plants; campfires; adventures; and fun!
Schedule: Hours are 9am–2pm. Program options include Monday/Wednesday program, Tuesday/Thursday program, and Friday program. Or enroll in more than one program to equal any number of days of the week you would like. School calendar runs September–May.
Tuition: Monthly payments of $175 (Friday program) or $345 (M/W or T/Th programs). Full tuition rates range from $1,480 to $.3,010.
Contact: Dave Scott | 512-299-8870 | info@earthnativeschool.com

WonderCrafters at Clearview Sudbury School→

Location: East Central Austin
1507 Wilshire Blvd
Austin, TX 78722
Students served: Ages 3 & 4
Current enrollment: Launching Summer 2024
Model/philosophy: Reggio Emilia & Play-based Maker Space
Special features:  WonderCrafters is a play-based, Reggio Emilia–inspired program with a makerspace vibe.
Schedule: Monday–Thursday 9am–3pm, with an extra hour before and after school available. Follows AISD calendar for days off. Summer months available as week-long, theme-based opportunities.
Tuition: The tuition is set at $12,000 per year (including summer months). There is a sibling discount of 25% for the second child and 50% for subsequent children. There is an option to apply for reduced tuition based on the family’s ability to pay.
Contact: Ali Ronder, Director | 512-777-0852| preschool@clearviewsudburyschool.org

WonderWell Preschool→

Location: Southwest Austin
7717 Southwest Parkway, Building 2
Austin, Texas 78735
Students served: WonderWell passionately serves children ages 2 through 6 years in its Pre-Primary and Primary programs and its exclusive Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs. WonderWell additionally offers students three enrichment classes each week: Health and Fitness, Atelier, and Leadership Academy.      
Current enrollment: WonderWell’s teacher-to-student ratios are 2:11 in Pre-Primary, 2:14 in Primary, 2:14 in Pre-Kindergarten, and 2:14 in Kindergarten.
Model/philosophy: WonderWell, a first-class preschool, embraces emergent curriculum and the Reggio Emilia philosophy of early childhood education. Its mission is to inspire each child’s innate curiosity and instill a deep love of learning. The school recruits, and, most notably, retains, the highest-quality educators who share its mission and vision. WonderWell is proud to provide its teachers with teacher education, high-quality professional development, and supplies.
Special features: WonderWell’s 16,000 square foot state-of-the-art building is the icing on the cake. The safety of the students is undoubtedly WonderWell’s top priority. WonderWell provides onsite security each day as an added layer of security and protection for students and staff. WonderWell also has multiple secure access points along with a courtyard playground that is shielded from the public eye. This beautiful playground is a space for limitless, authentic discovery and connection.
Schedule: 8 am–4 pm Monday–Friday; classes for the 2023–2024 school year begin Wednesday, August 16. The prospective student application for WonderWell’s 2024–2025 school year is now available and due on January 1, 2024. To submit your child's application for 2024–2025, click here.
Tuition: 2024–2025 tuition and fees are linked here.
Contact: Ashley Reinhardt, Founder and Director | ashley@wonderwell.com | 512-982-4310