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: 25. 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: $15,500 per year, with a $600 supply fee. Optional 4th day (Monday) program, $3,800. 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: 160
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 about Griffin School at weekly Thursday morning tours.
Schedule: 9am–4pm; more or less follows the AISD calendar
Tuition: $20,350, plus annual fee of $1,125
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: $765/month full-time; $625/month part-time
Contact: Dr. Breana Sylvester, Director | breana@growingcuriosity.org | 512-243-6924

Headwaters School

Location: Multiple
Early Childhood Campus, South Austin
6305 Menchaca Rd.
Austin, TX 78745
Elementary Campus, Southwest Austin
9607 Brodie Ln.
Austin, TX 78748
Middle and High School Campus, Downtown
807 Rio Grande
Austin, TX 78701
Students served: Age 18 months through 12th grade
Current enrollment: 525 (Early Childhood: 113; Elementary: 191; Middle School: 114; High School: 107)
Model/philosophy: Headwaters School is an independent school in Austin, Texas, serving students from early childhood through grade 12. Founded in 2001, the school begins with a Montessori foundation and progresses to the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme. The school invites its students, guides, staff, parents, and trustees to be Peacemakers, Advocates, Creators, and Thinkers.
Special features: The Montessori curriculum in the Early Childhood and Elementary programs empowers students to explore their individual curiosity, grow in kindness, and learn self-advocacy in a caring, supportive environment. In middle school, Headwaters students learn who they are, who they want to become, and what impact they want to have on the world. The downtown location for the middle and high school gives students real-world practice in developing executive function skills and navigating the world beyond the campus. In high school, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme features depth over breadth and a mastery of writing across the curriculum. Headwaters offers a highly personalized college counseling experience.
Schedule: Headwaters follows a semester structure, with school typically beginning in late August and continuing through late May. Students attend school five days a week. On the Early Childhood campus, families can choose a half-day program or a full-day program. The school offers summer programming on all three campuses. The most up-to-date school calendar can be found here.
Tuition: Early Childhood tuition ranges from $14,700 to $15,800; Elementary tuition ranges from $15,800 to $16,100; Middle School tuition is $19,800; High School tuition is $21,900.
Contact: Amy Nylund, Director of Early Childhood & Elementary Admissions / Krista Phillips, Director of Middle & High School Admissions | 512-623-5406 | admissions@headwaters.org

Hedge School Cooperative

Location: Southwest Austin
9409 Granada Hills Dr.
Austin, TX 78737
Students served: 8th–12th grades
Current enrollment: 15 students currently; max student:teacher ratio 10:1
Model/philosophy: The Cooperative offers consent-based education for the development of critical thinking skills, creativity, and compassion. Serving grades 8–12, the school welcomes and celebrates all individuals including, but not limited to, LGBTQIA+.
Special features: The Hedge School Coop holds seminar-style classes on the grounds of the Still Water Retreat Center. There are 62 acres for both the mind and body to wander. All grade levels learn together, with and from their teacher and each other. The school strives to build not just a center for learning but also a community of learners.
Schedule: Monday–Thursday 10am–3pm; 2-day and 4-day tracks available. Annual calendar similar to AISD.
Tuition: Enrollment fee, $300; 2-day tuition, monthly $600; 4-day tuition, monthly $900.
Contact: Dr. Erin Flynn | 512-710-0328 | hedgeschoolcoop@gmail.com

Huntington-Surrey School

Location: North Central Austin
4700 Grover Avenue
Austin TX 78756
Students served: Grades 9–12
Current enrollment: 32
Model/philosophy: "College prep with heart." Huntington-Surrey offers a full curriculum plus à la carte courses (homeschoolers welcome). Small classes, personal attention, a positive learning environment, and a strong academic program help students gain confidence and a sense of responsibility.
Special features: Fully accredited by AdvancED, very low student-to-teacher ratios, unique 1:1 literature classes, student-choice-driven electives, part-time or full-time school day, personalized college advising, ACC Dual Credit Program offered, many learning differences accommodated (high-functioning autism, sensory processing, ADHD, mild dyslexia, etc.); an Austin institution since 1973.
Schedule: Monday–Thursday 8:15am–3:25pm and Friday electives 9am–12pm; Friday Study Hall 12pm–3pm
Tuition: $16,000 per year (discounted to 15,500 if paying in one lump sum)
Contact: Margaret Connor, Head of School | 512-502-5400 | contact form on website

Innovation Learning Lab

Locations: Cedar Park and South Austin
Full address provided upon inquiry for a tour or Trial Day
W. New Hope Dr.
Cedar Park, TX 78613
W. Slaughter Ln
Austin, TX 78748
Students served: Ages 8–18; ages 5–7 welcome with older sibling enrollment
Current enrollment: 25 total unique students (Innovators) across days/locations; 5:1 Innovator-to-Guide/Aide ratio; up to 20 Innovators per day
Model/philosophy: Innovation is a dynamic homeschool hub catering to families that value social development and academic excellence. The program nurtures the whole child as an integral part of a vibrant, secular learning community. The student-centered approach revolves around community building, social-emotional learning, and engaging inquiry-based projects. Innovation Learning Lab welcomes diverse, emotionally aware, and inclusive families.
Special features: Mindfulness centered with growth-mindset nourishment sprinkled throughout the day, with a community focused on building each other up while leaning into individual goals in a mixed-age setting offering tons of outdoor time, projects, and a variety of semester-long classes to choose from, including language, STEAM, and more!
Schedule: Mondays (South Austin) 10am–2pm; Wednesdays (Cedar Park) 10am–2:30pm; Fridays (Cedar Park) 10am–4pm. Please see the website for current class offerings and schedule.
Tuition: Full days $200/day per month. Friday 2pm-4pm Add Ons: CAD (Computer Assisted Design) $140/month, Playcare $60/month. Scholarships are available, with more details on the website.
Contact: Tamara Button, Director | Tamara@InnovationLearningLab.com | 512-655-3103

The Inside Outside School

Location: near SH 130 & Cameron Road
5530 Killingsworth Lane
Pflugerville, TX 78660
(transportation provided from North Central Austin)
Students served: K through 6th grade
Current enrollment: 36
Model/philosophy: Educating for Human Greatness and Nature-Based Integrated Thematic Instruction
Special features: Democratic approach; relevant, place-based, independent and collaborative study projects that help students learn how to think rather than what to think; reading, writing, and math taught as tools of inquiry; community stewardship; focus on connecting to the natural world; 7.28-acre campus with a natural running creek, gardening, and farm animals. This year the integrated theme is “Come Together.”
Schedule: Monday–Friday 8:30am–3:30pm (drop-off begins at 8am, pick-up ends at 3:45pm); September–May
Tuition: $9,000 per year plus enrollment fee
Contact: Cristine East, Director of Admissions | cristine@insideoutsideschool.org | www.insideoutsideschool.org/contact-us.html

Invictus: An Acton Academy

Location: Leander / Liberty Hill
10000 W. State Highway 29
Georgetown, TX 78628
Students served: Currently enrolling ages 4–12
Current enrollment: Now enrolling; limited seats available in Spark Studio (ages 4–7) and Discovery Studio (ages 7–12). Middle and high school studios will be added in the future.
Model/philosophy: Invictus is a learner-driven, self-paced, private and accredited school. Every child has a unique gift that can change the world in a profound way. The school's mission is to inspire every person who enters the doors to find a calling and cultivate the passion and skills to pursue it.
Special features: Online, adaptive software for math and language; project-based learning; Socratic discussion; examination of the Hero's Journey and how it applies personally to each student
Schedule: 9am–3:45pm Monday–Friday; Invictus follows an 11-month calendar (September–mid-July) that allows for students to have extended breaks throughout the year and maintains their interests and retention by shortening the summer break.
Tuition: Annual tuition is broken into 11 monthly payments of $1,250 with a nonrefundable $1,000 enrollment fee
Contact: Sarah Max, Head of School | sarah@invictusleander.org

Kirby Hall School

Location: Central Austin
306 W. 29th Street
Austin, TX 78705
Students served: PreK(4)–8th grade
Current enrollment: 110
Model/philosophy: The mission of Kirby Hall School is to prepare bright young people for a life of academic success, personal fulfillment, and dedicated service while teaching them to lead with kindness, humility and respect. Kirby Hall features small class sizes with opportunity for individualized instruction; tech-intentional learning coupled with hands-on activities like regular MakerSpace time and field trips; and a warm, nurturing and inclusive environment.
Special features: Historic building; located within walking distance of UT Austin; small class sizes; warm, family community; high academics in a nurturing environment; ability to individualize class schedules
Schedule: 8am–4:15pm, depending on grade level, Monday–Friday; generally follows AISD schedule as relates to holidays and announcements concerning weather
Tuition: Lower (K–5th) and Middle (6th–8th) School: $18,925 per year
Contact: Emily Roberts, Director of Admissions | 512-474-1770 | eroberts@kirbyhallschool.org

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