Educational alternatives are plentiful in Austin, Texas, and one of the fastest-growing options is Austin Texas Charter Schools. These unique schools are public institutions with a twist, offering a great deal of freedom in terms of curriculum and educational philosophy, making them highly appealing to many parents. For families moving to Austin or relocating to Austin, charter schools offer an alternative to traditional public schools. For example, in Austin alone, there are charter schools that specialize in specific skills, such as gymnastics or technology, as well as numerous opportunities for self-directed and experiential learning. Newcomers to the area can find a range of educational options that fit their child’s needs and interests.
A good resource for information is the Texas Charter Schools Association (www.txcharterschools.org); parents can search for schools and get more information (see listing of National Educational Resources in this section). Another resource is the Austin CEO Foundation which has sections on charter public and private schools (see sidebar in Education section for more information). Visit www.ceoaustin.org for more information or call 512-291-9120.
Top 14 Austin Texas Charter Schools
There are more than 390 charter schools statewide that educate more than 120,000 students, with about 100 in Austin. For newcomers and families relocating to Austin, here’s a sampling of some of the top 14 Austin Texas Charter Schools:
American YouthWorks (AYW) Charter School
Mission/Philosophy: A fully accredited public high school the focus of the AYW Charter School is to “recover youth who have dropped out of school are at risk of dropping out or who are seeking a different way of learning.” AYW was the first charter school in the U.S. named a National Service Learning Leader School and has been recognized as a national model charter school by the U.S. Department of Education.
Austin Can! Academy Charter School
Mission/Philosophy: The focus of the Austin Can! Academy is on “at-risk 16- to 21-year-old students who have been unsuccessful in traditional educational settings” and to “empower young disadvantaged Texans and their families to break the cycle of failure, poverty, hopelessness, and economic dependency through education and training.” This is an excellent option for families moving to Austin looking for an alternative high school that emphasizes empowerment and overcoming adversity.
Austin Discovery School
Mission/Philosophy: At Austin Discovery School, “caring, sharing, helping, and empathizing are actively encouraged.” Taking the time to teach children to be caring individuals enhances academic success by increasing their comfort level, thereby enhancing their brain’s learning capacity. Newcomers and families relocating to Austin can find a nurturing environment for their children at this unique school.
Cedars International Academy
Mission/Philosophy: A public free tuition charter school that offers a small private school environment in northeast Austin Cedars International Academy features small class sizes low student/teacher ratios a warm diverse community and heavy parental involvement. Cedars offers a differentiated curriculum for students of all ability levels including accelerated academic programs to match student readiness. In addition to traditional academic subjects students receive instruction in art music Spanish gardening technology and physical education. Cedars encourages a strong community spirit by emphasizing the basic school values “The Three B’s“: Be safe Be respectful. Be Responsible.
Eden Park Academy
Mission/Philosophy: Classes at Eden Park Academy are inspired by Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. The curriculum includes integrated thematic instruction, individual learning plans, and instruction that recognizes that children are differently gifted. With smaller classrooms and an extended day program, this charter school offers personalized, innovative learning for families relocating to Austin or moving to Austin.
Harmony Schools of Excellence
(Includes Harmony Science Academy – Austin; Harmony School of Science – Austin; and Harmony Science Academy – North Austin)
Mission/Philosophy: With a motto of “rigor, relevance, and relationships,” Harmony Schools offers a competitive academic environment to encourage a lifelong love of learning. There are 14 campuses across Texas, including three in Austin, promoting local and international science, math, and computer technology fairs, competitions, and Olympiads. The Texas Education Agency has recognized these campuses as Exemplary, making them a top choice for families moving to Austin.
KIPP Austin Public Schools
Mission/Philosophy: Founded in July 2002, KIPP Austin Public Schools is a charter school district of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools. Its mission is to “empower a new generation to transform their futures and make a difference in their world.” KIPP Austin College Prep, which serves grades five through eight, and KIPP Austin Collegiate, a high school serving grades 9-12, are among the best in the area for families relocating to Austin or moving to Austin with a focus on academic excellence.
NYOS Charter School Inc.
Mission/Philosophy: NYOS Charter School Inc. operates NYOS Elementary and NYOS Secondary, which feature limited student/teacher ratios in all classes. The school uses a lifelong learning model and individualized learning plans for each student. With a focus on critical thinking and preparing students for the world of work, NYOS provides a year-round school calendar that offers personalized instruction for newcomers and families relocating to Austin.
Premier High School of Austin
Mission/Philosophy: Premier High School of Austin offers dual enrollment through a partnership with Austin Community College and participates in the Advanced Placement Grant and Texas Science Technology Engineering and Math Grant (T-STEM). This school provides academic rigor combined with real-world learning opportunities, making it an excellent choice for high school students moving to Austin.
Star Charter School
Mission/Philosophy: The Star Charter School aims to exceed the standards for public education while fostering a desire for advancement and achievement among all students and teachers. Families relocating to Austin can find a school focused on high standards and student success here.
Texas Empowerment Academy
Mission/Philosophy: The Texas Empowerment Academy provides an innovative educational alternative for students in grades K–9, especially for those who are often labeled as “at-risk” or “special education.” It has become a beacon for academic and social excellence in East Austin. Families moving to Austin seeking educational opportunities for children who have struggled in traditional settings will find a supportive environment here.
Trinity Charter School
Mission/Philosophy: Trinity Charter Schools operate four campuses across Texas, with the Austin campus serving female students in grades 4-12. The school specializes in offering a safe, therapeutic learning environment for students who require emotional or behavioral support. For families relocating to Austin with children in need of a specialized environment, this is a valuable resource.
University Charter School
Mission/Philosophy: The University Charter School (UCS) operates in elite gymnastics facilities and serves students through independent, self-paced learning environments. UCS provides challenging curriculums designed to accelerate learning, and it offers a supportive space for students working toward high school graduation and successful integration into the adult workforce. This unique approach makes it a solid option for families moving to Austin who prioritize individual growth and development.
University of Texas Elementary
Mission/Philosophy: The University of Texas Elementary School is a research-based demonstration school with a track record of success. Open to all Austin residents, the school offers a lottery-based admission system and serves grades pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. For newcomers to Austin, UT Elementary provides a top-tier educational environment for children in the heart of East Austin.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Family in Austin Charter Schools
Austin’s charter schools offer a diverse range of educational options tailored to different needs and interests, making them an excellent choice for families moving to Austin or relocating to Austin. With specialized programs, small class sizes, and innovative teaching methods, these schools provide unique learning environments that cater to every child. Newcomers can feel confident that their children will receive quality education and support, helping them thrive academically and socially in their new city. Whether you’re seeking a focus on the arts, technology, or personalized learning, Austin Charter Schools offer something for every family looking to build a bright future.
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