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
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:
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
GT School→
/Location: Georgetown
2351 Westinghouse Rd
Georgetown, TX 78626
Students served: Grades K–8
Current enrollment: 9; rolling admissions for 2024–2025 school year, 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; August 14, 2024–June 6, 2025
Tuition: $25,000 annually. All supplies, travel fees, and workshops are included.
Contact: Tim Eyerman, Dean of Parents | admissions@gt.school
The Magnolia School→
/Location: Gateway to Falconhead (Far West Austin / Lakeway / Bee Cave area)
3500 FM 620 S G-200
Austin TX 78738
Students served: Ages 3–14 (through 8th grade content)
Current enrollment: 140
Model/philosophy: Self-paced, individualized, and fun learning; students are grouped by their academic level and taught in groups of varied sizes; lessons are adjusted to meet each child's learning style and are fun so children want to come to school and enjoy learning
Special features: Low student-teacher ratios, with classes capped at 18 students and groups ranging from 5 to 15 students depending on content level; school year August–May; summer camps offered in June and July
Schedule: 8am–3:30pm Monday–Friday; after care 3:30–5:30pm Monday–Friday
Tuition: $16,695 for preschool; $17,500 for elementary school; $18,684 for middle school. Part time preschool also available.
Contact: Meghan Tapp | 512-266-9620 | meghan@TheMagnoliaSchoolATX.com
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
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
