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 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

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

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

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

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

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

GT School→

Location: Georgetown
2351 Westinghouse Rd
Georgetown, TX 78626
Students served: Grades K–8
Current enrollment: 9; rolling admissions, with small class sizes for personalized attention; student:guide ratio of 5:1
Model/philosophy: GT School is a mastery-based, self-paced K–8 school designed specifically for Gifted & Talented students. By combining AI-powered learning with deep intellectual exploration, students master core academics in just 2 hours each morning, advancing beyond grade level and ranking in the top 1% nationally. With 4 hours freed up each day, students learn life skills through applied academics, preparing for academic competitions like robotics, Math Olympiad, public speaking, and chess—all led by fellow gifted scholars from Harvard and UCLA. GT School’s gifted students and guides foster the intellectual rigor and creative mindset needed for advanced academic success.
Special features: Adaptive and personalized learning allows and encourages Gifted & Talented students to work above grade level and unlock their full potential. As a result, GT School guarantees students will be in the top 1% nationally and win academic competitions. Students who start in Kindergarten will also finish high school academics with 5s on APs and a 1500+ SAT by 8th Grade.
Schedule: 8:15am–4pm, Monday–Friday; mid-August–early June
Tuition: $25,000 annually. All supplies, travel fees, and workshops are included.
Contact: Tim Eyerman, Dean of Parents | admissions@gt.school

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 5th 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.
Schedule: Monday–Friday 8:30am–3:30pm (drop-off begins at 8am, pick-up ends at 3:45pm); September–May
Tuition: $10,500 per year plus annual enrollment fee; monthly tuition payment plans available
Contact: Cristine East, Director of Admissions | cristine@insideoutsideschool.org | www.insideoutsideschool.org/contact-us.html

Kirby Hall School→

Location: Central Austin
306 W. 29th Street
Austin, TX 78705
Students served: PreK(4)–8th grade
Current enrollment: 101
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, hands-on learning, growth mindset instruction, tech-intentional approaches, regular time in the MakerSpace, Spanish language instruction in all grades, and frequent field trips, alongside 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: PreK4, $14,950; Kindergarten to 8th, $20,625
Contact: Emily Roberts, Director of Admissions | 512-474-1770 | eroberts@kirbyhallschool.org

Lake Travis STEM Academy→

Location: Cedar Park
3315 El Salido Pkwy,
Cedar Park, TX 78613
Students served: K–12; homeschool à la carte classes available, too
Current enrollment: Approximate range 20–50 students in multi-grade classes; 4:1 minimum student:teacher class ratio and 12:1 maximum, as well as one-to-one instruction available! LTSA welcomes homeschoolers for à la carte classes or to join in field experiences.
Model/philosophy: Lake Travis STEM Academy is an accredited, private K–12 STEM school built on evidence-based learning models. The academy employs several pedagogical approaches and ideological frameworks to create an authentic, student-centered curriculum. Science, technology, engineering, and math are integrated across subjects. Small class sizes allow for more individualized learning and opportunities for participation. Experiential learning drives student growth through meaningful experiences.
Special features: Lake Travis STEM Academy teaches 21st-century skills necessary for success in a changing world: critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, and caring (LTSA's added Social and Emotional Learning component). Subjects are connected to real-world problems inspired by a yearly phenomenon (much like Finland's model of learning!). Skills and concepts are applied to address constraints (students work within real limitations like time, budget, materials, rules, or environmental limits) in the context of memorable projects.
Schedule: Lake Travis STEM Academy is a 4-day school (following Finland's model of learning, to give students and families a balanced work week). Fridays are still learning days; they are asynchronous learning days, club days, or, for older kids, internship days! Elementary grades hours are 8:10am–2:30pm (after-school care available); Middle and High School grades hours are 8:10am–3:30pm. LTSA follows a regular school calendar year with a summer break.
Tuition: Incentivized tuition if paid in full by June 1st. Payment options are available. All fees are published on the website.
Contact: Please click on the "Admissions" button on the school’s website and follow Step 1 to schedule a call or virtual session with Kori McLain (Founder and Director) to get more information.

Little Learning Grove→

Location: South Austin
730 Wales Way
Austin, TX 78748
Students served: Preschool, Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade (ages 3–8)
Current enrollment: Maximum 36 students per day; student-to-teacher ratio of 7:1
Model/philosophy: Little Learning Grove champions a nature-based, inquiry-driven philosophy. The school believes children are capable, curious learners who thrive in an environment that fosters exploration and wonder. By integrating the natural world into its daily curriculum, it provides a holistic education that nurtures the whole child. Its approach is designed to cultivate creativity, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning through hands-on, experiential activities set within a warm and supportive community.
Special features: Little Learning Grove distinguishes itself through several key features. The school operates from a converted home in a South Austin neighborhood, featuring a large backyard and an ancient live oak tree that serves as a natural playscape. It employs a rigorous curriculum that supports social and academic growth while ensuring mastery of state standards. The community-oriented model includes a four-day school week and monthly family events with opportunities to add Friday day camps during the academic year and weekly summer camps. Additionally, Little Learning Grove is a WASC-accredited private school that accepts TEFA (voucher) funds.
Schedule: 8am–3pm Monday–Thursday; follows AISD calendar
Tution: Tuition is paid monthly, August–May. Two-day-a-week plan is $650/$700 monthly; 4-day-a-week plan is $1,250 monthly.
Contact: Brittney Simmons, Director | hello@littlelearninggrove.org