The Academic Orchard LLC→

Location: Leander
9 East Windemere
Leander, Texas 78641
Students served: Accepting 5th–10th graders for the 2024–2025 school year
Current enrollment: 19 students. Maximum enrollment before waitlisting: 24. For 2024–2025, the school added a 9th and 10th grade and will add a high school grade each year through 12th. Maximum student:teacher ratio of 1:12.
Model/philosophy: The Academic Orchard is an inclusive, Montessori-inspired upper elementary and adolescent environment that seeks to support students in their academic and artistic pursuits. The goal of The Academic Orchard is to trajectory students in the full-time middle and early high school program into an Austin Community College dual enrollment program while they are in high school. The school offers an extensive outdoor program that integrates a large orchard and garden into the daily curriculum in addition to a state-of-the-art Makerspace and Arts program.
Special features: 5-acre private wooded campus with Brushy Creek integrated on campus; large mature permaculture-designed orchard and garden located on campus and integrated into the program; located on the corner of Ronald Reagan and 2243; Montessori adolescent farm school; certified skilled teachers; 4-day school week with 1- or 2-week breaks between units; ACC co-enrollment support for high school program; college preparedness; STEM magnet; students are outdoors frequently for play and sport; includes an integrated Makerspace program with laser cutter, resin art, watercolor and other fine arts, and use of other cutting-edge art and education materials
Schedule: Monday–Thursday 9am–3:30 pm. 2024–2025 school year begins Aug 19, ends May 23, and includes some holidays and 1- and 2-week breaks between units of study, with May 27–29 reserved as potential make-up days.
Tuition: $10,050 per year ($75 per day) with a $75 per unit supply fee (6 units per year)
Contact: Randie Piscitello, Director | 512-576-9625 | randie@academicorchard.org

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: $1,241 per month for an 11-month school year (total $13,648)
Contact: Chase Pattillo | info@actonacademy.org | Schedule a call at calendly.com/actonmain/call

Acton Academy Bee Cave→

Location: Bee Cave; serving Lake Travis, Lakeway, Oak Hill, Spicewood, Cuernavaca, and Dripping Springs
14820 Hamilton Pool Rd*
Austin, TX 78738
* Permanent location to open September 2026 at 15765 Hamilton Pool Rd | Austin, TX 78738
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 totally and 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 his or her 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.
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 (Spark 5–7, Adventure 7–10, Discovery 10–13)
Current enrollment: 20 max for Spring 2025, 40 max for Fall 2025
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 a hybrid scheduling program with 5-, 3-, and 2-day options to meet parents where they need it. Mondays and Fridays are Club & Extracurricular days with class electives like Mad Science, Ninja Warrior, and Contemporary Dance. The Evoke community loves nature, and learners enjoy being outside on the Lake Travis Northshore!
Schedule: 9am–3pm with extended-day options, 10-month Acton Academy schedule, summer camps in June & July
Tuition: $646 per month for 2 days to $1,250 per month for 5 Days; 10 installments
Contact: L Spearman, Head of School | evokeacton@gmail.com | www.evokeacademy.org

Acton Academy Northwest Austin→

Location: Northwest Austin
8508 White Cliff Drive
Austin, TX 78759
Students served: Spark Studio serving ages 4–7; Discovery Studio serving ages 7–11
Current enrollment: Rolling admissions; see this page for upcoming deadlines; maximum of 50
Model/philosophy: Acton Academy Northwest 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. 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” and “learning to be” are even more important than “learning to know.”
Special features: Online adaptive software for math and language, project-based learning, Socratic discussion groups, examination of the Hero’s Journey and how it applies personally to each student, no homework, service learning opportunities, and outdoor education. Located on 1-acre property off Old Spicewood Springs Road and 360. Will be building out a large, separate makerspace for learners to explore and spend plenty of time outdoors!
Pandemic plan: Read this school’s COVID-19 response here.
Schedule: 8:30am–3:15pm, Monday–Friday; Acton Academy Northwest Austin follows an 11-month calendar that allows for students to have extended breaks throughout the year and maintains their interests and retention by shortening the summer break.
Tuition: $1,350 per month for 11 months
Contact: Angela Griffiths Lucas, Head of School | angela@actonacademynwaustin.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 (Hyde Park neighborhood)
4001 Speedway
Austin, TX 78751
Students served: Grades K–8
Current enrollment: 80–90 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 (11 to 1). 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: $12,700 per year for Core Programs, plus enrollment fee of $1,000
Contact: Shari Vars, Head of School | shari@ahbcs.org | 512-299-5487

Alpha Austin→

Location: Central Austin
1201 Spyglass Drive
Austin, TX 78746
Students served: Grades K–8
Current enrollment: 108; rolling admissions for 2024–2025 school year, with small class sizes for personalized attention; student:guide ratio of 5:1
Model/philosophy: Alpha School is a mastery-based, self-paced K–8 private school that leverages AI-powered learning to accelerate academic achievement. Core subjects are completed in just two hours per day, followed by guide-led immersive life skills workshops in the afternoons. The school emphasizes essential real-world skills such as leadership, financial literacy, and public speaking, believing that fostering self-driven learning and problem-solving is as crucial as academic success. Alpha makes three key commitments: students will love school, learn twice as fast, and learn vital life skills. Its mission is to empower every student to unlock their full potential and thrive both academically and personally.
Special features: Alpha's dynamic campus combines entrepreneurship labs and innovation spaces, in addition to school trips. Students take, on average, two international trips yearly, plus frequent regional expeditions, putting their skills to work in real-world settings. With a 5:1 student-guide ratio and Harvard-educated mentors, the Alpha environment transforms students into global leaders.
Schedule: 8:15am–4pm, Monday–Friday; August 14, 2024–June 6, 2025
Tuition: $40,000 annually, with financial assistance and scholarship opportunities. All supplies, travel fees, and workshops are included.
Contact: Alpha Austin Admissions Team | 512-358-1672 | admissions@alpha.school

Alpha High→

Location: Downtown Austin
201 Colorado Street
Austin, TX 78701
Students served: Grades 9–12
Current enrollment: 19; rolling admissions
Model/philosophy: Alpha High is an accredited, mastery-based, self-paced high school that leverages AI-powered learning to accelerate academic progress. Students complete rigorous coursework in 2–3 hours per day, followed by guide-led workshops in the afternoons, where they develop critical life skills and work on Masterpiece Projects—Olympic-level challenges designed to push their creativity, leadership, and innovation. The school emphasizes leadership, entrepreneurship, critical thinking, and college preparedness, ensuring students are fully equipped for success beyond high school. Alpha High fosters self-driven learners, preparing them for top-tier universities and future careers through a balance of academic rigor and real-world experiences.
Special features: Alpha High's campus reimagines what's possible in high school with spaces designed for real-world impact. A professional-grade podcast studio enables students to broadcast globally, while entrepreneurship labs and innovation spaces support ventures that generate significant revenue. Students take, on average, two international trips yearly, while maintaining rigorous academics that consistently yield top national SAT scores and AP results. With mentors from Harvard and industry leaders, Alpha High students don't just prepare for the future—they create it.
Schedule: 8:15am–4pm, Monday–Friday; August 14, 2024–June 6, 2025
Tuition: $40,000 annually, with financial assistance available and scholarship opportunities. All supplies, travel fees, and workshops are included.
Contact: Alpha Admissions Team | 512-358-1672 | admissions@alpha.school

The Ammonite School→

Location: Southeast Austin
Students served: Grades K–3
Current enrollment: Maximum class size of 8 with 2 teachers
Model/philosophy: The Ammonite School offers individualized curriculum tailored to each student based on a combination of Montessori Philosophy, Socratic Method, Social Emotional Curriculum, The Five Love Languages, and Multiple Intelligence Theory.
Special features: The Ammonite School is a very small mixed-age classroom that welcomes all types of learners, including neurodiverse and 2E students. All learners are supported in the community; the Ammonite School works in partnership with its families to create the best possible school experience for the students. The school offers a very low student-to-teacher ratio (4:1) and rich math, language, art, science, and nature curricula. The classroom is equipped with beautiful Montessori materials as well as personalized project-driven learning opportunities.
Schedule: Follows AISD calendar; Monday–Thursday 8:45am–2:45pm
Tuition: $1,375 per month
Contact: Susanne Crawford | theammoniteschool@gmail.com | 206-235-4270

Apogee Cedar Park→

Location: North Austin / Cedar Park
12129 N FM 620
Austin, TX 78751
Students served: Currently serving ages 4–11; growing to middle school and high school as learners age up.
Current enrollment: 50 learners, with all studios at a 12:1 ratio or under. Year-round enrollment if space is available.
Model/philosophy: Apogee’s mission is to equip and shape young citizens into critical thinkers who take the onus of responsibility of all elements of their education.
Special features: At Apogee Cedar Park, children learn in a collaborative studio of multi-age learners. The flexible approach challenges each student with their own differentiated learning plan and inspires them through real-world projects and experiences. Apogee's Learner Driven Community puts children at the center of their learning, allowing them to create and maintain personal goals and studio contracts.
Schedule: 9am–3pm Monday–Friday, drop-off as early as 8am and a BJJ after-school program until 5:15pm (additional cost for after-school); September–June 30, with week-long breaks every 4–5 weeks.
Tuition: $14,000 annually or 10 monthly payments of $1,400. Sibling, pay-in-full, and first-responder discounts available.
Contact: Tim Kennedy, Owner; Michelle Myers, Program Director | info@apogeecedarpark.com

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: Launching September 2024
Model/philosophy: Project-based learning, thematic teaching, Socratic discussions, hands-on learning, home economics, internships, character development
Special features: 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.
Schedule: Core Program is Monday–Thursday 8:30am–3:40pm; Friday is an optional Community/Project Day
Tuition: $13,000 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; personalized lunch program based on dietary restrictions included with tuition; individualized curriculum made vital through relating academics to a student's personal talents and passions; 12:1 student:teacher ratio; optional college admissions test prep; use of technology; deep Socratic inquiry; holistic student evaluations; relationship-centric culture and community
Schedule: 8:45am–3:30pm Monday–Friday; mid August–late May. Please visit the school's website for details.
Tuition: Elementary (K–5th grade), full-time, $13,000 per year; part-time, $10,000 per year. Junior High & High School (6th–12th grade), full-time, $16,500 per year; part-time, $12,500 per year.
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 4–12. Spark Studio serves ages 4–6, Discovery Studio serves ages 6–9, and Explore Studio serves ages 9–12.
Current enrollment: 65+; rolling admissions
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, online 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.
Schedule: 8am–3:30pm Monday–Friday; year-round with week-long breaks every 5–6 weeks
Tuition: Tuition for the 2024–2025 academic year is $16,355. Sibling discounts and limited Hero grants 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 1–8, expanding to high school as students age up
Current enrollment: 16; rolling admissions for 2024–2025, with small class sizes for personalized attention; maximum student: teacher ratio of 12:1
Model/philosophy: Austin Micro School provides a personalized, hands-on learning experience that combines the best of Montessori and modern educational methods. The mission is to nurture the development of young leaders equipped with critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills essential for the 21st century. The school emphasizes human-centered education, focusing on the holistic growth of each student, including cognitive, emotional, social, and ethical dimensions.
Special features: Small class sizes for individualized instruction; curriculum designed to foster deeper learning and leadership development; strong focus on community engagement and social responsibility; 3-acre campus with dedicated gardening and maker spaces; a vibrant, close-knit community that supports every child's unique learning journey
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:15am–3:15pm; extended day available 7:30am–5:30pm
Tuition: $18,000 per year with financial assistance available. The school does not charge any extra fees (supply fees, travel fees, etc.).
Contact: 512-200-3145 | admissions@austinmicroschool.org | http://www.austinmicroschool.org

Austin Rising School→

Location: Southwest Austin (behind the YMCA in Oak Hill)
6211 Parkwood Drive
Austin, TX 78735
Students served:  Grades 1–12
Current enrollment: 61 for elementary/middle school; 30 expected for high school
Model/philosophy: Austin Rising School is a homeschooling school and co-op that nurtures holistic development by prioritizing students' well-being, empowering them through hands-on projects to discover passions, build teamwork, and tackle real-world challenges through project-based learning. Students’ social-emotional well-being is paramount, making them feel heard, safe, and understood.
Special features: Block learning, allowing for deep exploration spanning all major content areas; arts-integrated and project-based learning in cross-curricular modules
High School: Project-based learning, spanning all major content areas; higher ed partnership. Located at a different campus in South Austin.
Schedule: Tuesday–Thursday 9am–3:15pm, Monday 9am–2pm
Tuition: $7,550–$9,600 annually
Contact: Michelle Larios | austinrisingschool@gmail.com

Austin School for the Driven→

Location: Mueller (East-Central Austin)
Students served: Ages 10–14
Current enrollment: 6 (maximum enrollment is 15 students)
Model/philosophy: The Driven community carries three core tenets: 1) Question the premise of the question politely. 2) Check your ego at the door. 3) Be willing to learn what is needed.
Special features: Driven is a school within a makerspace. The makerspace is a large room full of tools to make almost anything the students can dream of. There is a knife making forge, kiln, commercial embroidery machine, giant laser cutter, MIG welder, dye sublimation printer, CNC router, vinyl cutter, and a wide variety of hand and power tools. Driven leans into learning to use as many tools as possible because these skills open up opportunities for both hands-on academic learning and creative expression.
Schedule: 9am–3:30pm, August 13–May 30
Tuition: $19,475
Contact: Ken Hawthorn | founder@austinschoolforthedriven.com

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

Bridges Academy Austin→

Location: West (Steiner Ranch)
4308 N Quinlan Park Rd Ste 100
Austin, TX 78732
Students served: K–12th grades; specializing in dyslexia, dysgraphia, gifted/2e, and other learning differences
Current enrollment: About 50 students and growing; average ratio 1:6
Model/philosophy: Bridges Academy Austin is a small accredited K–12 school specializing in dyslexia, dysgraphia, gifted/2e, and other learning differences. The school meets students where they are academically and helps them reach their potential. Teachers are certified teachers, reading specialists, and special education teachers who also have experience with gifted/talented learners. The school helps students advance in their areas of strength while receiving support in their areas of need. Students average two years of growth per year. In the words of a student, “We learn twice as much, but without the stress.” Bridges Academy Austin offers dual credit, so students may earn college credit while in high school. High school students typically go to college after graduation. the school is a welcoming environment for diversity. Students of all ethnicities, religions, genders, etc. are welcome. Students are kind to each other.
Special features: Specializing in dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, gifted/2e, and other learning differences; certified teachers and specialists; executive functioning support; onsite options for speech therapy and occupational therapy; no homework for K–8; minimal homework for high school students; a good option for students with hearing impairments
Schedule: Monday–Friday. Hours vary by the student and courses, but core classes are 9am–2:30pm, and some students have study hall, electives, and 1:1 interventions before or after these hours. August–May school year calendar.
Tuition: $19,900 annual tuition; enrollment and materials fee. This rate is subject to change. Please refer to the school’s website for current tuition information.
Contact: Alexandra Elliot, PhD, Director | 512-506-1980 | info@BridgesAcademyAustin.com

Children’s Discovery Center→

Location: South Austin*
3515 Convict Hill Rd
Austin, TX 78749
*Other campuses in Central Austin (5112 Duval St) and Northwest Austin (8600 White Cliff Drive #3)
Students served: Infants–5 years
Current enrollment: Student:teacher ratios follow the Texas minimum standards for licensed childcare centers
Model/philosophy: CDC creates multisensory opportunities and provocations to take another look. Play as work sets the stage for growing social, physical, and cognitive skills. Each day is mostly spent out of doors in generous outdoor classrooms that serve both as spaces for gross-motor and muddy play and as provocations to learn about the fluttering butterfly or the seed that has just sprouted. CDC rejects the distinction between “childcare” and “preschool,” embracing care as a vital component of early learning. As children experience care, they learn about empathy and compassion, grow in social skills, and in turn care for their classmates.
Special features: Children’s Discovery Center–South Campus offers a homelike setting in large, naturally lit classrooms, large shaded outdoor play areas, greenbelt access for hiking, and a pool for preK.
Schedule: Children’s Discovery Center is a year-round school. Breaks closely align with AISD’s. Hours are 7:30am–5:30pm Monday–Friday.
Tuition: 6 weeks–23 months = $1,625 per month; 2–5 years = $1,475 per month. Prorated tuition for a 2- or 3-day school week is also available.
Contact: Jaya Harper, Children’s Discovery Center South Director | 512-899-2267