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

Figment Creative Labs→

Location: South Austin*
7809 Brodie Lane
Austin, TX 78745
* Planning to add a 2nd location in Southwest Austin at 11101 Signal Hill Rd., Austin TX 78737
Students served: All ages—toddler playgroups, creative pre-K, homeschool groups, after-school programs, adult classes on Sundays
Current enrollment: Maximum class size 12 children with 2 creative guides
Model/philosophy: Figment Creative Labs is a creative space for all ages. FCL focuses on process art and learning through play with younger artists, and maker ed. hands-on learning and STEAM education as artists grow with them.
Special features: Figment’s current location, at 7809 Brodie Lane, includes an art studio, a maker space, the discovery lab, and a creative preschool and toddler space, as well as an ever-evolving outdoor play area. It is home to rainbow colors, unbridled curiosity, and a menagerie of beloved class pets.
Schedule: Monday–Friday various programs with various schedules 9am–5:30pm, parties on Saturdays, and adult classes on Sundays. Follows AISD calendar for days off, with summer camps June–August.
Tuition: Monthly tuition for most programs; weekly tuition for summer camps; 10% sibling discount; see website for each program’s current tuition rates.
Contact: 512-551-3244 | figmentfrontdesk@gmail.com

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

Growing Curiosity Community School→

Location: North Central Austin
9000 Georgian Dr
Austin, TX 78753
Students served: ages 3–6 years
Current enrollment: 18 students; maximum of 20 with a student-teacher ratio of 10:1
Model/philosophy: Growing Curiosity’s mission is to provide an affordable, quality Montessori preschool program with a focus on physical and social development, anti-bias education, and an appreciation for nature.
Special features: Anti-bias education, Montessori philosophy, mixed-age learning, gardening
Schedule: 8am–5pm (with part-time 8am–3pm option) Monday–Friday
Tuition: $765/month full-time; $625/month part-time
Contact: Dr. Breana Sylvester, Director | breana@growingcuriosity.org | 512-243-6924

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

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

The Inside Outside School→

Location: near SH 130 & Cameron Road
5530 Killingsworth Lane
Pflugerville, TX 78660
(transportation provided from North Central Austin)
Students served: K through 5th grade
Current enrollment: 36
Model/philosophy: Educating for Human Greatness and Nature-based integrated thematic instruction
Special features: Democratic approach; relevant, place-based, independent and collaborative study projects that help students learn how to think rather than what to think; reading, writing, and math taught as tools of inquiry; community stewardship; focus on connecting to the natural world; 7.28-acre campus with a natural running creek, gardening, and farm animals.
Schedule: Monday–Friday 8:30am–3:30pm (drop-off begins at 8am, pick-up ends at 3:45pm); September–May
Tuition: $9,500 per year plus enrollment fee
Contact: Cristine East, Director of Admissions | cristine@insideoutsideschool.org | www.insideoutsideschool.org/contact-us.html

Invictus: An Acton Academy→

Location: At the border of Leander / Liberty Hill / Georgetown
10000 W. State Highway 29
Georgetown, TX 78628
Students served: Currently serving children ages 4–12, with plans to expand to middle and high school in the future
Current enrollment: Rolling admissions at 6 times during the year; maximum of 70
Model/philosophy: Invictus: An Acton Academy is a self-paced, student-led, accredited private school. It is part of the Acton Academy Network of over 300 independently-owned learner-driven schools that spans the globe. The school's mission is to inspire every child to find their unique calling and use it to change the world. The examination of the classic Hero's Journey and how it applies personally to every individual is the underpinning of the philosophy, as well as the belief that “learning to be,” “learning to learn,” and “learning to do” are even more important than “learning to know.”
Special features: Montessori principles, adaptive online learning platforms (for elementary and above) for math and language, project-based learning, and Socratic discussions are part of process. Invictus is located on 2.5 acres and provides lots of outdoor learning opportunities. The school is building out a Makerspace environment for exploration and creation.
Schedule: 9am–3:45pm Monday–Friday. Invictus follows an 11-month calendar that allows students to take extended breaks throughout the year while maintaining interest and retention with a shortened summer break.
Tuition: $1250 per month for 11 months (2024–2025 school year)
Contact: Sarah Max, Founder and Head of School | sarah@invictusleander.org | schedule a brief call here | schedule a tour here

Kirby Hall School→

Location: Central Austin
306 W. 29th Street
Austin, TX 78705
Students served: PreK(4)–8th grade
Current enrollment: 70
Model/philosophy: The mission of Kirby Hall School is to prepare bright young people for a life of academic success, personal fulfillment, and dedicated service while teaching them to lead with kindness, humility, and respect. Kirby Hall features small class sizes, hands-on learning, growth mindset instruction, tech-intentional approaches, regular time in the MakerSpace, Spanish language instruction in all grades, and frequent field trips, alongside a warm, nurturing, and inclusive environment.
Special features: Historic building; located within walking distance of UT Austin; small class sizes; warm, family community; high academics in a nurturing environment; ability to individualize class schedules
Schedule: 8am–4:15pm, depending on grade level, Monday–Friday; generally follows AISD schedule as relates to holidays and announcements concerning weather
Tuition: PreK4, $14,950; Kindergarten to 8th, $20,625
Contact: Emily Roberts, Director of Admissions | 512-474-1770 | eroberts@kirbyhallschool.org

Lake Travis STEM Academy→

Location: Cedar Park
3315 El Salido Parkway
Cedar Park, TX 78613
Students served: K–12
Current enrollment: 50
Model/philosophy: Lake Travis STEM Academy is an accredited private school that combines experiential learning with STEM integration. LTSA's mission is to inspire students and create an authentic curriculum to provide a balanced learning environment, nurturing children’s natural curiosity about their world with student-centered experiences.
Special features: LTSA believes in small class sizes to maximize differential instruction and to accommodate a variety of learning styles. The curriculum is STEM-centered (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and emphasizes inquiry-based learning, problem-solving, and the development of 21st-century skills. LTSA integrates STEM in all regular classes, including Humanities.
Schedule: Elementary 8:30am–2:30pm Monday–Thursday (optional afterschool electives 2:30–3:30pm on certain days); Middle and High School 8:30am–3:50pm Monday–Thursday. Fridays are Club or Elective Class Days / Asynchronous Learning Days. Extra Fees may apply.
Tuition: Annual tuition is due before the student's first day of school. Elementary tuition and fees are $15,370 per year. Middle & High School tuition and fees are $16,990 per year.
Contact: Please go to the school's website under the admissions tab to sign up for a Virtual Information Session and then schedule a campus tour. The LTSA team looks forward to meeting with you!

Living Oaks PEA→

Location: West Dripping Springs
Students served: Parent & Child Classes (child ages 0–3), PreK (ages 3–4), Mixed-Age Kindergarten (ages 4–6), Grades 1–8
Current enrollment: 80+
Model/philosophy: Living Oaks is a flourishing Waldorf initiative nestled on a serene 10-acre biodynamic farm! Living Oaks takes immense pride in offering a truly unique educational experience that blends the wisdom of Waldorf pedagogy with the wonders of nature. The campus, surrounded by the beauty of the hill country, provides the perfect backdrop for children to learn, explore, and grow harmoniously. Living Oaks offers an unmatched lunch program featuring locally sourced organic produce and meat. A commitment to sustainability not only ensures nutritious meals but also instills in students a deep appreciation for the environment and the food they enjoy.
Special features: Living Oaks is dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child, helping them bloom into confident, compassionate, and well-rounded individuals. The program includes handwork, games/movement, gardening, culinary arts, Spanish, art, music, and woodworking. The vibrant community comes together for traditional Waldorf festivals, regular family social events, moms’ and dads’ groups, and Steiner study groups.
Schedule: Monday–Thursday 8:15am–3:30pm
Tuition: $15,100 for Early Childhood and $15,700 for 1st–8th grades. Tuition includes organic locally sourced snack and lunch prepared by the onsite chef. Sibling discounts available.
Contact: Antonia Wilemon, Enrollment Coordinator | info@livingoaks.life

Long-View Micro School→

Location: Central Austin, near UT
1201 W. 24th Street
Austin, TX 78705
Students served: 2nd–8th graders who are highly motivated, eager to collaborate, and curious
Current enrollment: 80
Model/philosophy: Long-View is a micro-school that grew out of the renowned mathematics program, The Number Lab, which facilitates deep learning, strong number sense, and algebraic thinking. Long-View builds upon the philosophies of The Number Lab and expands to a “focused academic footprint” encompassing reading, writing, science, computer science, and mathematics. In Long-View’s micro-school model students receive a deep and thoughtful curriculum in these core academic areas, and then parents customize the rest of a child’s schooling in regards to arts, sports, and areas of interest after 2:30pm and on Fridays. Long-View is a great fit for families seeking an innovative educational model with a strong academic focus.
Special features: Students typically progress 2 to 3 years in mathematics over the course of an academic year; unique environment inspired by design-thinking principles; purposeful lessons targeting a growth mindset; hands-on science curriculum complemented by engineering/design challenges; computer science curriculum builds upon thinking patterns developed in mathematics program and teaches coding in Python; reading and writing program follows Reading and Writing Workshop approach and has a strong focus on nonfiction as well as independent choice in regards to books and writing endeavors.
Schedule: 9am–2:30pm
Tuition: $16,500 annually, which can be paid in installments. There is an additional $1,000 enrollment fee and a $1,000 new student technology fee.
Contact: Lisa Zapalac | 512-988-9887 | lzapalac@long-view.com

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

Mama Melli Childcare Center→

Location: Southwest Austin
10802 Kit Carson Dr.
Austin, TX 78737
Students served: ages 18 months–6 years
Current enrollment: Holistic Development Program (ages 18 months–4 years), max class size 16, currently 2 full time spots available; Forest Program (ages 3–6 years), max class size 10, no spots currently available
Model/philosophy: Both programs are play-based, nature-inspired, and child-led. It’s a space for kids to be kids, explore, get messy, and have fun! The majority of the day is spent outside, weather permitting. And with low ratios and a smaller environment, the teachers are able to create loving relationships with each child and their family.
Special features: Located on a 30-acre farm with goats and chickens, full time and year round, play-based, nature-inspired, child-led, low teacher to child ratios and small class sizes, healthy gluten-free snacks, weekly yoga class, weekly music class, family socials every other month
Schedule: 7am–6pm Monday–Friday, year round. Closed 1 week for spring break, 1 week for summer break, and 2 weeks for winter break
Tuition: $1,400 per month for full time; part-time options available; paid easily online
Contact: Melissa Peck, Owner and Director | 512-300-0987 | info@mamamellichildcare.com

Nature Pod Homeschool→

Location: Way South Austin
308 Hermosa Dr.
Manchaca, Texas 78652
Students served: PreK–5th grade
Current enrollment: 18 total students; 1:6 teacher-student ratio
Model/philosophy: This nature-based learning environment is situated on a 5-acre homestead with cozy indoor classrooms as well as ample outdoor learning space to include nature trails, playground, gardens, outdoor classroom, and farm animals. The use of mixed-age groups supports students in learning at their own pace as well as developing diverse social skills. Nature Pod delivers a blend of nature-based, play-based, and project-based curriculum that is guided by state standards (TEKS) and aimed to challenge young minds while keeping learning fun and engaging.
Special features: Nature Pod offers a shortened 4-day school week to support home/school life balance. There is also a Fun Friday option that can be added to the school week or be utilized as a stand-alone 1 day-per-week program. This is a small, close-knit community that gathers frequently, hosts weekly after-school playdates, and has lots of opportunity for (non-required) parent involvement. Their students learn American Sign Language as a foreign language and receive support from deaf interns throughout the school year.
Schedule: 9am–3pm Monday–Thursday with optional Friday enrichment; annual calendar is loosely based off of AISD with the school year running approximately mid-August to late May.
Tuition: Monday–Thursday $850 per month; Friday enrichment program $150 per month for enrolled students, $250 per month for standalone participants.
Contact: Victoria Shope, Founder | naturepodhomeschool@gmail.com | 512-922-1969