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
Each listing in this alphabetical directory gives you a snapshot of a small, independent, alternative school in the Austin area.
This frequently updated list spans several pages, with navigation buttons at the bottom. Clicking on the name of a school will take you to its own website. To easily find schools by geographical area, see our Alt Ed Maps page. If you know of a school that’s missing from this directory, please drop a note here, and see Alt Ed Austin’s criteria for “alternative” and “school.” You may also be interested in our directories of other recommended schools (which are mostly larger or more specialized or religiously oriented), as well as special programs for children and adults.
Full disclosure: Alt Ed Austin founder Teri Sperry has ties with several of the schools listed on this site. Her child, now an adult, attended two of them years ago. She has friends who direct, teach at, or are otherwise involved in others. Some programs choose to advertise from time to time on Alt Ed Austin as Sponsoring Partners. She firmly believes that all of the schools featured on this site (including the ones to which she has no personal connection and those from which she receives no advertising fees) are good choices for some kids, each for different reasons.
To narrow the list by age level, select one
of the following tags:
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 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)
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
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
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
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
Clearview Sudbury School and WonderCrafters PreK→
/Location: East Central Austin
1507 Wilshire Blvd
Austin, TX 78722
Students served: (Clearview K–12) ages 5–18; (WonderCrafters PreK) ages 3–4
Current enrollment: (Clearview K–12) 21; (WonderCrafters PreK, which just launched in summer 2024) 1 full-time and 2 part-time
Model/philosophy: (Clearview K–12) Sudbury model school; (WonderCrafters) Reggio Emilia & play-based maker space
Special features: Clearview offers self-directed education, a democratically run school, with a supportive and proven model; WonderCrafters is a play-based, Reggio Emilia–inspired program with a makerspace vibe.
Schedule: (Clearview K–12) Monday–Friday 9am–4pm, follows AISD calendar for days off. (WonderCrafters PreK) Monday–Thursday 9am–3pm, with an extra hour before and after school available; follows AISD calendar for days off; summer months available as week-long, theme-based opportunities; weekly camps & Friday camps available during the school year.
Tuition: (Clearview K–12) Tuition is set at $10,900 per year for new families; there is a sibling discount of 25% for the second child and 50% for subsequent children; there is an option to apply for reduced tuition based on the family’s ability to pay. (WonderCrafters PreK) year round tuition $1,000/mo x 12 OR weekly Camps at $350/wk OR Friday camps at $75/day.
Contact: (Clearview K–12) Shawna Pitts, Admissions Clerk | 512-524-0085 | shawna@clearviewsudburyschool.org; (WonderCrafters PreK) Ali Ronder, Director | 512-777-0852 | preschool@clearviewsudburyschool.org
ESTEAM Academy→
/Location: Round Rock
12 Lake Drive
Round Rock, TX 78665
Students served: Grades PreK–12th, ages 4–18/19
Current enrollment: 54 (Early Elementary 13, Upper Elementary 17, Middle School 17, High School 7); maximum enrollment at current facility is 70; rolling admissions
Model/philosophy: ESTEAM Academy (an Acton Academy affiliate) is an entrepreneurship, art, and tech focused community. It is a tribe, a group of passionate, bold people who believe their children’s learning journey should be inspired and empowered, and so have committed to actively working together, inspiring, equipping, and connecting each Hero who walks thru the doors to discover their passion and purpose and to develop the relevant life skills needed to be successful in their chosen endeavors. Lifelong Learners, actively working and growing together.
Special features: ESTEAM Academy removes arbitrary considerations like age or time as indicators of what a Hero should or should not be able to do and instead looks at the individual and works to customize their journey with the tools they need to succeed in their own time. No tests! No homework! No grades! It is mastery-based, hands-on, and life skills–focused! Self-paced, student-led, Socratic, Montessori-inspired, project-based learning.
Schedule: Mondays–Fridays 9am–4pm. The Academy Programs run September–May; two months of Summer Camps (June and July) are included in the full-time 5-Day Program and available as an optional add-on for part-time programs. Flexible Program options include 2-day, 3-day, 4-day, and 5-day programs.
Tuition: $13,700 for 5-day Full-Time Program; $12,050 for 4-Day Part-Time Program; $10, 510 for 3-day Part-Time Program; $8,510 for 2-day Part-Time Program. Pay-in-full or finance options are available over 9 or 11 months. An enrollment fee of $500 due at enrollment (deducted from total tuition cost). Some clubs will have additional materials costs. Hardship tuition assistance available. Call to learn more or schedule a tour via the school’s website.
Contact: Nicholle Walton-Durban, Co-Founder & Head of School | 310-384-3391 | esteamacademyrr@gmail.com
Roving Learners→
/Location: South Central Austin
4807 Pawnee Pathway
Austin, TX 78745
Students served: Ages 5–15
Current enrollment: 12
Model/philosophy: A traveling, experiential learning, hands-on school
Special features: The school travels in 2 passenger vans around Central Texas to explore learning and spends time at the home base integrating these experiences while focusing on reading, writing, and math. There is a strong emphasis on social-emotional learning and a peer mentoring program.
Schedule: 9am–3pm Monday–Friday
Tuition: $1000/month or $350/week or $100/day; $800 annual fee
Contact: John Thoms, Teacher/Co-owner | 512-731-9497 | john@rovinglearners.com
Fusion Academy→
/Location: West Austin
4701 Bee Caves Road, Suite 101
Austin, TX 78746
Students served: The Academy is available for 6th–12th graders; tutoring provided for all ages.
Current enrollment: Fusion is year-round, so students can start classes at any time because their classes are one-on-one; maximum of 65 students in the Academy.
Model/philosophy: Fusion Academy is unique in that every class is taught with one teacher and one student. This allows teachers to create a very customized and supportive learning environment for each and every student. The Academy also provides students with a fun, creative, and full school culture; even though classes are taught one-to-one, the structure allows a strong emphasis on socialization.
Special features: What makes Fusion work is the commitment to meeting each student right where they are, creating a meaningful connection, and finding the very best way to unlock each student’s passion for learning and discovery. Also, all homework is completed on campus, to help take stress out of the home. Students can be fully enrolled, dual-enrolled with another school, or take individual classes for credit.
Schedule: Most students take classes Monday–Thursday, and Fridays are optional. Fusion has flexible schedules to work around a student’s schedule.
Tuition: Total tuition is calculated on a per-course basis, and cost per course for the current school year varies, as follows:
High school tuition: $3,490 per semester per course
Middle school tuition: $4,050 per semester per course
Tutoring, including SAT/ACT test prep: $100 per hour
Contact: Amanda Garrett | (512) 330-0188 | agarrett@fusionacademy.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: 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: 162
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: $21,600 plus Annual Fee of $1,500
Contact: Caroline Wilson | 512-454-5797 | admisssions@griffinschool.org
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. At Headwaters, they believe in the power of young people to solve challenges great and small. That’s why they’ve built a culture around student-led exploration and creativity. The school's approach to excellence is defined by challenge and growth--because they know when students are propelled by curiosity and grounded in empathy, they are ready for any opportunity life brings their way. 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 $15,700 to $16,600; Elementary tuition ranges from $16,900 to $17,300; Middle School tuition is $20,800; High School tuition is $22,900.
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: Dripping Springs (Southwest of Austin)
200 S. Canyonwood Dr.
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
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 in which 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: Unique 1:1 Literature classes, very low student-to-teacher ratios, 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; accredited by Cognia.
Schedule: Monday–Thursday 8:15am–3:55pm and Friday electives 8:50am–12:10pm; Friday Clubs and Supervised Study Hall 12:10pm–3pm
Tuition: $16,640 plus $975 fee per year ($500 discount for prepaying the year)
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