Bigger, perhaps. Or highly specialized or religiously oriented. Or a charter school. Each a beautiful learning community in its own way.
Some lovely, effective, learner-centered schools are omitted from the Alternative School Directory because of their larger size, religious orientation, public funding, or other criteria. We do recommend them to families when they’re likely to be a good fit. Click on the school names to learn more.
Austin International School
Offering French, Spanish, and English immersion education to pre-K–8th grade children, Austin International School’s unique trilingual program sets high academic and social standards in a secular and truly multicultural community. (North Austin)
Austin Waldorf School
Recognizing that each human being is a unique individual who passes through distinct life stages, AWS addresses the spiritual, emotional, physical, and social needs of each stage, serving K–12 students on a 19-acre campus. (Southwest Austin)
Blaze School
Blaze School offers a dynamic educational experience on a sprawling 96-acre campus in the heart of the Hill Country. Rooted in Christian and American values, Blaze’s rigorous program provides a nurturing environment with individualized attention. Their academic philosophy blends traditional education with innovative hands-on approaches, bringing relevance to learning. Committed to academic rigor and character development, Blaze fosters a love for learning and personal growth, preparing scholars to make a positive difference in the world. (between Bee Cave & Dripping Springs)
City School
Serving PreK–8th grade students, City School offers a unique combination of Charlotte Mason educational philosophy, sliding scale tuition, and diverse, Christian community. Since 2002, its mission has been to provide a feast of education that forms children academically, spiritually, and relationally to follow Christ and serve others. With small class sizes, a rich curriculum, and nurturing community, City School provides a haven in which students can grow in their knowledge of God and His world. (Southeast Austin)
Lake Travis Christian Academy
Lake Travis Christian Academy: An Acton Academy believes that every person has a God-given talent and the ability to change the world. Here, learners use the latest technology in a self-paced learning environment designed to foster ethics, responsibility, goal-setting, and teamwork. As a Christian-based private school, all staff sign a statement of faith, but learners and families from all backgrounds are welcome. (Lake Travis / Spicewood)
The Magellan International School
An International Baccalaureate World School, Magellan serves students from pre-K through 8th grade and opened its new high school program in the fall of 2024, offering the IB Diploma. Magellan provides an inquiry-based curriculum and differentiated learning with Spanish immersion and Mandarin instruction in a multicultural community. (Northwest Austin)
Magnolia Montessori for All
Magnolia Montessori for All is a free public charter school currently offering children age 3 through grade 6 high-quality Montessori education. In 2025, it is opening Magnolia Middle, serving children through 8th grade! The program supports a diverse group of children, fostering their independence and ability to work in community with others. Magnolia Middle will be a small community designed to allow children to strengthen foundational skills, build social connections, and explore personal passions. (Northeast Austin)
Odyssey School
Helping bright students with learning differences, including ADD, ADHD, and dyslexia, achieve academic success, Odyssey features portfolio-based assessment and service learning. Serving 5th through 12th grades. (Central Austin)
Rawson Saunders School
A full-curriculum school specifically for children with dyslexia, Rawson Saunders provides individualized, multisensory, research-driven instruction in small classes. Serving 1st through 12th grades. (West Central Austin)
St. Francis School
An independent, interdenominational school serving children pre-K through 8th grade, St. Francis is committed to meeting the individual needs of students from many diverse backgrounds with a range of learning abilities. (North Central Austin)
Studio Preparatory
Studio Preparatory™ is a 3-day homeschool program with an ecumenical staff serving families of all faiths and ethnicities. They use project-based learning, Socratic questioning, and learner-driven approaches, partnering with parents to customize education. Their curriculum is designed to encourage and support a multicultural/multi-ethnic environment where every student feels honored and diverse perspectives are the norm. The staff prioritizes care and connection over rules, believing strongly in children's ability to learn and grow.(Central Austin, near ACC Highland Campus)
Waterloo School Austin
Waterloo provides 9th–12th grade students a unique schedule—two courses at a time, in trimesters, with Fridays flexible for personalized experiences—to support deep, personalized learning and real-world local engagement. Project-based courses are designed to invite individualized, interdisciplinary study. Waterloo features dual-credit courses, internships, and mentorships as students mature into adulthood. (South Central Austin)
