Nature's Schoolhouse Microschool→

Location:  Cedar Park; operates out of Rockbridge Church
2001 W New Hope Dr
Cedar Park, TX 78613
Students served:  PreK–8th grade
Current enrollment:  15
Model/philosophy: Nature’s Schoolhouse offers a flexible, hybrid homeschool program for PreK–8th grade that blends structured academics with the freedom and flexibility of homeschooling. In our mixed-age setting, learners engage in focused academic work three days per week (Tues/Wed/Thurs), using individualized online curriculum supported by experienced educators. Optional enrichment days on Mondays bring learning to life through hands-on activities, outdoor exploration, and creative expression. With small group support, outdoor play, and a calm, low-stress environment, students build confidence and a love of learning.
Special features:  The school offers a unique hybrid homeschool model with a 2-hour daily academic approach, truly self-paced curriculum, and a calm, lounge-style learning environment. Students enjoy daily outdoor play on a 5-acre campus and learn in mixed-age groups that promote collaboration and confidence. Our Tuesday–Thursday academic schedule, with optional Monday enrichment, honors family time while providing structure and support. The school cultivates a vibrant, inclusive community through regular gatherings and events. As a partner of the Community Learning Foundation, we offer a mission-driven, secular program that is both an affordable alternative to full-time private school and a flexible option for homeschooling families looking for community.
Schedule:  Nature’s Schoolhouse's hybrid program operates on a year-round calendar from early August through late June, with seasonal breaks: one week in fall, four weeks in winter, one week in spring, and six weeks in summer. The hybrid academic program meets Tuesday through Thursday, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM, with optional Monday Enrichment offered on 27 Mondays from September through May (9:00 AM–3:30 PM).
The school does not offer after-school or Friday care, but can provide families with an extensive list of recommended local programs that complement their schedule for extended care or enrichment.
Tuition:  Hybrid academic program: $8,525 annually or 11 monthly payments of $775. $300 New Student Enrollment Fee. $150 annual Re-Enrollment fee & $500 annual Curriculum Fee due in July. 
Mondays only: $2,325 annually or $300 deposit + 9 monthly payments of $225. Hybrid Families receive a discounted rate of $1,925 annually or 11 monthly payments of $175.
Contact:  Nicole Tomayko, Director | nicole@naturesschoolhouse.com

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

NextGen Academy→

Location: Northwest Austin
13915 US-183
Austin, TX 78717
Students served: Grades 5-8
Current enrollment: 3; rolling admissions
Model/philosophy: NextGen Academy is a mastery-based school for grades 5–8, integrating AI-powered academic learning with cutting-edge life skills development. Students master core subjects in just 2 hours each morning, giving them afternoons to immerse in hands-on workshops fueled by the latest technology in an immersive, high-tech environment that inspires creativity. With an additional 4 hours each day, students dive into AI, public speaking, entrepreneurship, game development, and creative problem-solving, while engaging with top-tier tech tools that make learning exciting and dynamic. Mentored by industry experts, NextGen Academy keeps students excited about school while equipping them with the skills to thrive in high school and beyond.
Special features: Students are motivated by their expert Guides, who help students find their passion through utilizing cutting-edge technology, including a state-of-the-art competition arena, VR headsets, high-powered Alienware PCs, and a professional podcasting and shoutcasting studio.
Schedule: 8:15am–4pm, Monday–Friday; August 14, 2024–June 6, 2025
Tuition: $25,000 annually. All supplies and workshops are included.
Contact: Beau Sydes, Head of School | 512-222-4065 | austin.admisisons@nextgenacademy.school

Pint-Size Playhouse→

Location: South Austin
Students served: Ages 2–4, Licensed Home Preschool
Current enrollment: 8 (normally has 10 students, which is max enrollment; the State allows 12, but Pint-Size Playhouse chooses to stay below minimum standards and only enroll 10 students)
Model/philosophy: Pint-Size Playhouse has brought together some of the best and most powerful parts of many different philosophies and approaches to early childhood education. It is a play-based learning and relationship-building preschool program with just a touch of traditional academics sprinkled in throughout the day. "A Playful Learning Community!"
Special features: This little preschool program has a remarkable school community built on strong connections between teachers, parents, and students. It focuses on play-based learning, outdoor nature play, and art, including monthly enrichment classes: Mr. Sean's Music Class, Ms. Emma's Music and Movement, and Home Bodhi Yoga.
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm; 3-day, 4-day, and 5-day options; open year-round, with a 2-week summer break, and closely follows AISD student calendar for holidays and closures
Tuition: 5 days, $1,133 per month; 4 days, $1,033 per month; 3 days, $933 per month. Registration Deposit: $250. Annual supply fee: $300 (due every April)
Contact: Nicole Perez | 512-584-9641 | nicole@pint-sizeplayhouse.com

Pío Pío Preschool→

Location: South Austin
9808 Briar Ridge Dr.
Austin, TX 78748
Students served: Enrolling children ages 2–4
Current enrollment: 12-student maximum class size; 6:1 ratio with two full-time, certified teachers
Model/philosophy: Pío Pío is a Reggio-inspired, Spanish immersion home preschool located in South Austin, distinguished by its low student-to-teacher ratio and highly qualified, experienced educators. With over 30 years of combined teaching experience, co-founders and sisters Alexandra and Michelle are thrilled to welcome you to Pío Pío Preschool, a project that is the fruit of their passion for early childhood education, creativity, and respect for humans of all sizes. Pío Pío offers a child-centered, play-based program that follows an emergent curriculum, where children are encouraged to inquire into the world around them through exciting projects and developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
Special features: Spanish immersion—all programs are taught fully in Spanish to help children develop their Spanish language skills and the accompanying neurological benefits of second-language acquisition. Reggio-inspired—the program celebrates the idea that children have “100 languages” with which to express themselves; students are provided with opportunities to create and demonstrate understanding through art, music, drama, sculpture, movement, and the culinary arts. Art & Music—as part of an interdisciplinary approach to education, sound and aesthetics are used as vehicles for both expression and learning. Extracurricular Program (EP)—Monday, Cooking; Tuesday, Sport; Wednesday, Atelier; Thursday, Music & Movement
Schedule: Regular Program runs Mon–Thurs 8am–3pm; Extracurricular Program runs Mon–Thurs 3pm–5pm; Pollitos Program runs on Fridays 9am–9:30am and 10am-10:30am; Pío Pío follows the AISD calendar Sept–May and offers a Summer School Program during the month of August.
Tuition: Regular Program, $1,225/month; Extracurricular Program, $350/month; Pollitos Program, $175/month
Contact: info@piopiopreschool.com | 512-799-4026

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 2024–2025 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: $2,000 monthly or $20,000 for the school year; $1,400 annual fee; $250 new student enrollment fee; $250 monthly after-school program fee
Contact: Ariana DiNielli | admissions@rifugioaustin.com

Texas Sports Academy→

Location: Bee Cave / Lake Travis
4402 Hudson Bend Rd
Austin, TX 78734
Students served: Grades K–8
Current enrollment: 8; rolling admissions for 2024–2025 school year
Model/philosophy: Texas Sports Academy is a mastery-based, self-paced K–8 school that combines AI-powered learning with students' passion for sports. Academics are completed in just 2 hours per day, with afternoons focused on guide-led life skills workshops and athletic training. The school emphasizes learning through movement and critical life skills like teamwork, leadership, and giving and receiving feedback, helping students excel both academically and athletically. With personalized support and coaching from former NFL, NBA, MLB, and D1 athletes, Texas Sports Academy equips students with the discipline and skills for success in both education and sports.
Special features: State-of-the-art sports facilities including sports fields, Parkour gym, rock climbing, and the latest and greatest equipment for movement and play.
Schedule: 8:15am–4pm, Monday–Friday; August 14, 2024–June 6, 2025
Tuition: $25,000 annually. All supplies, travel fees, and workshops are included.
Contact: Jamal Gross, Chief Ambassador | admissions@sportsacademy.school

TFT Clubhouse→

Location: Taylor
109 E. 8th St.
Taylor, TX 76574
Students served: Grades 3–7
Current enrollment: 2 currently enrolled; 15 max
Model/philosophy: TFT Clubhouse is a dynamic, project- and play-based learning center offering a fully accredited online academic platform combined with in-person instruction by licensed educators. TFT creates a nurturing environment where children build confidence, develop emotional intelligence, and excel in academics. Through hands-on STEM learning, social-emotional skill-building, and compassionate guidance, they support the growth of healthy minds and bodies. The curriculum encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and positive communication, empowering children to thrive both in and out of the classroom. TFT Clubhouse is where joyful learning, personal growth, and educational excellence come together—helping every child reach their full potential.
Special features: Located off Main Street in the heart of Taylor with a home environment (full kitchen and fenced-in yard) and an open floor plan with sensory accommodations for play and project-based learning; staff are licensed teachers and/or therapists who work from an SEL and STEM model.
Schedule: 8am–3pm Monday–Friday, with after-school clubs 3pm–7pm Monday–Friday; following Taylor ISD calendar, beginning fall semester 8/11/2025 and ending spring semester 5/22/2026; Summer Session runs each summer 6/2–8/1.
Tuition: Monthly tuition of $950; Day Drop-in at $45 per day
Contact: Amy Griego, Owner/LMFT | 512-595-3818 | admin@traumafreetree.com

Tigerlily Preschool→

Location: South Austin
8601 S 1st St
Austin Texas 78748
Students served: Ages 3–5
Current enrollment: 12
Model/philosophy: Reggio inspired, teachers strive to understand children better and support their exploration and knowledge-building of this very interesting and good-feeling world, together. Tigerlily is a good-feeling place for everyone.
Special features: Highly experienced and gifted teachers who provide thoughtful experiences in a welcoming environment where each child is valued and celebrated; a beautiful and spacious environment; thoughtful social and emotional learning; daily documentation; creative expression; play; outdoor education; community events; experience in supporting children with special needs
Schedule: 4 days per week, Monday–Thursday, 9:30am–2:30pm; largely follows AISD calendar; closed in July
Tuition: $1,050 per month for 4 days per week
Contact: Marie Catrett, Founder/Teacher/Director | 737-733-0942 | marie@tigerlilypreschool.com

Whole Life Learning Center→

Location: South Austin
Preschool & Elementary Campus
10801 Old San Antonio Road
Austin, TX 78748
Middle School Campus
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: The Whole Life Learning Center 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. 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 ample outdoor learning and playing spaces, permaculture gardens, a food forest, pond, and chickens.
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: $14,500 per year for all enrolled students. Additionally, families are required to pay a nonrefundable $500 registration fee and $500 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 1:8. K–Middle School class ratio 1:10.
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 STEAM/science exploration, entrepreneurial learning, equine therapy, fine arts and language (Spanish), 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. WG also inspires students to explore entrepreneurship learning and offers enriching academic activities to support independent learners interested in early skill development. Community youth classes on weekends: Spanish, art lab, culinary.
Schedule: 8am–5pm. 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 $1,250 monthly tuition rate (including 2 organic snacks and full vegan/vegetarian/meat-based lunches).
Contact: Lene Saint-Orens | lene@wholesomegeneration.org | 254-338-1333

Wild Life Forest Preschool→

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. School calendar runs September–May.
Tuition: Monthly payments of $220 (Friday program) or $445 (M/W or T/Th program). Full tuition rates range from $1,890 to $3,915.
Contact: Dave Scott | 512-299-8870 | info@earthnativeschool.com

WonderWell→

Location: Southwest Austin
Students served: Ages 2 (Pre-Primary) through 6 (Kindergarten)
Current enrollment: 100
Model/philosophy: WonderWell is a highly acclaimed private preschool that embraces emergent curriculum and the Reggio Emilia philosophy of early childhood education. The program endorses the belief that children learn best when their learning is personally meaningful and relevant to their own interests and lives. The school's mission is to inspire its students' innate curiosity and instill a deep love of learning. WonderWell passionately serves children ages 2 through 6 years, with its Primary and Pre-Primary programs as well as its exclusive Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs.
Special features: WonderWell’s innovative campus is an exemplar of progressive educational design. Each day, students participate in enrichment classes across uniquely tailored spaces, such as “Maker Day” in the Atelier, “Eat the Rainbow” in Health and Fitness, and learning about distinguished authors and children's books in “The Well,” the school's newly unveiled library. A dedicated school nurse and onsite security ensure a safe and nurturing environment. The school's layout also includes a carefully designed Courtyard, concealed from public view, providing a private, protected space for students and staff alike.
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8am–4pm; closed in June and July; summer camps designed and offered by WonderWell staff
Tuition: See website for WonderWell's tuition and fee structure, payment plans: https://wonderwell.com/investment
Contact: Ashley Ivey, Founder and Director | ashley@wonderwell.com | 512-982-4310