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
Each listing in this alphabetical directory gives you a snapshot of a small, secular, 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:
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
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
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
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
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
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
