According to U.S. Department of Education statistics, private schools have slowly
become a more popular alternative – even in
the face of recession and curbed spending.
Recent figures from a National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) survey
found that while enrollment dipped less than
1 percent nationally, it’s still higher than it
was five years ago.
The Council for American Private Education estimates that nearly 6 million students
attend the country’s 33,000+ private schools
– about 11 percent of all American elementary and high school students. These private
schools run the gamut – from elite preparatory academies that cost more than $20,000
annually to less pricey parochial schools
where tuition is often offset by generous
donations.
Given the city’s accolades as an educated
community with lots of brainpower, it’s
not surprising that there are more than 300
private schools in Austin and in surrounding
Central Texas communities, with enrollment
that ranges from pre-K through 12th grade.
The total enrollment for all private schools
in the area is more than 11,000, and student
tuition ranges from $300 per month to
$18,000 per school year.
The following is a list of the 25 largest
private schools in the Austin area –
including the most recent enrollment figures
(as of March 2013), grades served, address,
contact information and website, where
available. We’ve also included a general
sample of other private schools in the area
to give you an idea of the depth and variety
the Austin area offers for private education.
For a more comprehensive listing of other
area private schools and more detailed
information about each school – including
tuition, admissions requirements, maps,
reviews, and the ability to search by price,
location, and more – please refer to the
Local Private School Resources list.
AUSTIN AREA PRIVATE
SCHOOLS
Austin International School
4001 Adelphi Lane, Austin 78727
512-331-7806
www.austininternationalschool.org
Provides students with an ability to thrive
in diversity and develop efficient strategies
to be effective global citizens and leaders
for the future. The strong curriculum is
delivered seamlessly in English, Spanish
and French, while incorporating innovative
instruction and high standards across all
academic areas. Grades PreK-5th grade
Austin Montessori School
Main campus: 5006 Sunset Trail
Austin 78745; 512-892-0253
Great Northern campus:
6817 & 6819 Great Northern Blvd.
Austin 78757; 512-892-0253
Adolescent community:
5677 Oak Blvd.; Austin 78735
www.austinmontessori.org
Established in 1967, Austin Montessori School provides an integrated,
inclusive, highly personalized educational
environment for children from 18 months to
15 years old. Individual classes are specially
designed to meet the developmental needs
of the age range they serve. Austin Montessori School is the oldest and largest Austin
area school recognized by Association
Montessori International (AMI). Ages 18
months- 15 years
Austin Waldorf School
8700 South View Road, Austin 78737
512-288-5942; www.austinwaldorf.org
The world’s fastest growing independent
school, Austin Waldorf School is committed
to excellence in teaching as well as the cultivation of a healthy social life in the school’s
community. Waldorf graduates meet new
challenges withcreativity, empathy, and
adaptability. These | CONTINUED PAGE 66 >
Photo courtesy of Austin International School Photos courtesy of Brentwood Christian School
