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, 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
ABH Community School
4001 Speedway, Austin 78751
512-299-5487; www.ahbcs.org
ABH Community School is a unique
K- 8 school located in Central Austin that
offers an alternative learning structure.
This part-time school offers a school-week
of 15-20 hours by providing a low 11: 1
student:teacher ratio and by customizing
the learning technique to each student’s
needs. After school programs are available
to allow a convenient schedule for working
parents. Gifted students tend to thrive
with ABH’s flexible learning style, and
many students graduating from ABH go
on to attend some of the best high schools
throughout Austin. Ages: 5-14
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 rigorous curriculum is
delivered seamlessly in English, Spanish
and French while incorporating innovative
instruction and high standards across all
academic areas. Grades PreK-6th 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 students exhibit the courage to
take intellectual risks and the moral and social
compass to live as global citizens. Grades PK- 12
Brentwood Christian School
11908 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin 78753
512-835-5983; www.brentwoodchristian.org
Founded in 1963, Brentwood Christian
School has grown to be one of the largest
private schools in Austin offering a Christ-centered education through a rich experience
from college preparatory academics to Fine
Arts and sports. K-12th grades
The Capitol School of Austin
2011 W. Koenig Lane, Austin 78756
512-467-7006; www.capitolschool.com
The Capitol School of Austin is the area’s
only private school dedicated to serving
children with learning differences that are
primarily language based. The school’s dedicated staff of speech pathologists and highly
qualified master’s level teachers specializing
in speech pathology assures that each child
will receive individual attention aimed at his
or her unique needs. Grades: PreK- 4
Cathedral School of St. Mary
910 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin 78701
512-476-1480; www.smcschoolaustin.org
The elementary/middle school of Saint
Mary Cathedral Catholic church, the
Cathedral School of Saint Mary “enriches
students spiritually, academically and
socially by fostering a diverse community through, with and in the teachings
of Jesus Christ. | CONTINUED PAGE 60 >
