When it comes to education in Dripping Springs, there are many alternative schooling options available for families who are looking for something outside of Dripping Springs ISD.
These alternative schools offer unique approaches to education, from faith-based instruction to Montessori philosophy to outdoor learning. Let’s explore some of the alternative schools in Dripping Springs, including Dripping Springs Christian Academy, local homeschooling options, Dripping Springs Montessori School, Havenwood Nature School, Oaksong School, Edelwise Christian School, The Preparatory School of Dripping Springs, and Primrose School of Dripping Springs.
Here is a comprehensive list of local private high schooling and infant-kindergarten options for people seeking something outside of DSISD!
Dripping Springs Christian Academy
Dripping Springs Christian Academy is a small, classical Christian school that offers an education that aims to develop classical minds in its students. This is achieved through the Classical Trivium, Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric, which are the learning stages that students go through at DSCA. Christ-centered education is also incorporated into the curriculum, providing students with a God-ward direction and focus.
The school’s preschool program for K3 and K4 classes focuses on developing a child’s natural ability to memorize, mimic, and master facts, with a customized curriculum that includes phonics, pre-writing and pre-reading skills, hands-on experiments, Saxon Math, and critical thinking/problem-solving.
This school serves K3-12th grade. The goal of Dripping Springs Christian Academy is to provide a holistic education that places Jesus Christ at the center of every school activity, preparing students to excel academically, spiritually, and socially.
Serves kids in Prek 3s- 12th grade. Tuition is $7000-$9200/year per student and is located at 800 US-290 bldg c, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
For families who prefer to homeschool their children, there are several options available in Dripping Springs. One Day Academy is a homeschooling program that meets once a week, providing students with classroom instruction, peer interaction, and extracurricular activities. Classical Conversations is another popular homeschooling group in Dripping Springs, offering a classical education approach that emphasizes critical thinking and communication skills.
Academic Excellence for the Scholar, Athlete & Artist (AESA) Prep Academy in Austin, TX, is a k-12 college prep school that offers a completely individualized academic plan for each student. AESA believes that students cannot learn and develop important skills and values if they are not enjoying and having fun with their education and school’s community and culture. The academy’s philosophy and design create an environment that is engaging, motivating, and enjoyable. AESA provides flexible and traditional schedules to cater to the unique needs of each student, whether it’s an accelerated path for advanced scholars, an intensive training program for athletes, or fine art studio time.
Class sizes are kept small, with only 2-8 students per class, to ensure that every student is engaged and given the opportunity to participate in their learning. AESA is Cognia accredited and based on National Standards, the PSAT, the SAT, and the ACT. The academy is also NCAA approved and offers a wide range of dual credit courses through partnerships with the University of Texas at Austin and UC Berkeley. AESA provides individualized SAT/ACT prep courses, recognizing the importance of a quality score to attend top-level universities.
AESA attracts great teachers who are properly compensated with above-average salaries and benefits, have fewer students to manage, and have 23 more days off than public and some other private schools in Austin. AESA values happy teachers and students, which leads to a better and more successful learning experience.
Serving Elementary-High school. Tuition is $22,000-$23,000/year per student and is located at 13730 US-290, Austin, TX 78737
Acton Academy Dripping Springs
Acton Academy Dripping Springs is a learner-driven micro-school that offers a unique approach to education. The school provides professional tools for art, engineering, and storytelling, as well as cutting-edge adaptive technology for core skills, allowing students to set personalized goals and transparently track their progress. Everyone at Acton Academy is both a teacher and a student, and students work collaboratively like at Google or Facebook to learn real skills and apply them in projects. In addition to mastering core skills, students engage in deep Socratic discussions about heroes, history, and self-governance, honing their critical thinking skills and ability to powerfully think, write, and speak.
The school also features hands-on project-based quests that help students master tools and skills needed to solve problems in the real world. To foster a tightly bound community of individuals learning to form authentic friendships and honestly resolve interpersonal problems, the school requires written promises and covenants.
Young people celebrate their mastery of tools, skills, and character by earning badges, assembling portfolios, and taking part in public exhibitions. Acton Academy Dripping Springs offers an exciting and innovative approach to education that prepares students for a meaningful life as lifelong learners.
Serving ages 4-11 with a tuition fee of right under $13,000/year per student and is located at 1000 Hays Country Acres Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Appamada School in Dripping Springs is committed to providing a culture of inclusion where each child is valued and respected for their uniqueness. Their approach to education is centered on process-based education, which emphasizes self-discovery, autonomy, and confidence in thinking, relating, and communicating. With small class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio, individual attention is given to each student, allowing for more one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.
Their creative curricula combines inquiry-based academics and practical hands-on activities to engage students fully and deeply in learning. Graduates from Appamada School are regularly accepted to colleges and universities in the U.S. and abroad. The school’s mindful faculty works to build relationships with each child and offers compassionate support to help them achieve their academic and personal goals.
Serving Elementary-High School with tuition from $6,200-$16,500/year per student and is located at 26450 Ranch Rd 12, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Sunrise Christian Schoolhouse, located in Dripping Springs, Texas, is a faith-based educational institution that focuses on providing a classical, Christ-centered curriculum for grammar-aged students in 1st through 4th grade. The school emphasizes the importance of laying a strong foundation during the “grammar stage,” a period where young minds are highly receptive to absorbing knowledge. With intentionally small class sizes, the school aims to offer a well-rounded academic experience enriched by spiritual truths. The dedicated teachers are passionate about fostering a community of learning, focusing on one-on-one instruction, hands-on learning, and overall student engagement.
The school serves as an alternative educational option for families in the Dripping Springs area, aiming to connect Christian families and create a community dedicated to classical, Christian education. They offer a student-to-teacher ratio that allows for personalized attention, ensuring that each child thrives academically while also growing in faith and virtue. For families interested in a faith-based, quality education, Sunrise Christian Schoolhouse is more than just a school; it’s a community committed to shaping a generation ready to make a positive impact in the world.
Serving 1st-4th grade with tuition costing $8,000/student per school year and is located at 400 W Old HWY 290 Dripping Springs, Texas 78620.
Raphael Springs offers a unique Waldorf-inspired educational experience for K-8 children in the scenic Texas Hill Country near Austin. Founded in 2020 by a dedicated group of parents and educators, it emerged as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic’s challenges, aiming to maintain in-person learning aligned with Waldorf education principles. As part of the Wellspring of Divine Love Ministry, this private school focuses on nurturing children’s natural abilities, minimizing media exposure, and providing a blend of artistic and academic activities tailored to different childhood development stages for a comprehensive and enriching learning journey.
Apogee Dripping Springs is not just a high school but a transformative bridge to adulthood. Tailored for discerning parents and motivated students, this micro-school uniquely blends rigorous academics with crucial life skills, such as financial literacy and emotional intelligence. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and community engagement, preparing students for real-world challenges. Each student receives personalized mentorship alongside practical experiences through internships and community projects. At Apogee Dripping Springs, education is a transformative journey, molding students into adaptable, life-ready individuals poised to succeed in an ever-changing world. All parents who enroll their teens in ADS will automatically be enrolled in an adult mentorship program hosted by the Apogee Strong Foundation.
Serving 9-12 grades with tuition costing $13,000/year. Core Program is Monday–Thursday 8:30am–3:40pm; Friday is an optional Community/Project Day and is located at Dripping Springs 26650 Ranch Rd 12 Dripping Springs, TX 78620
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Infant-Kindergarten private schools and pre-K programs in Dripping Springs
Havenwood Nature School is a unique educational institution that provides a holistic approach to early childhood education. Their curriculum is designed to integrate academic studies with an emphasis on environmental education, which helps students develop an appreciation for the natural world. The program is open to children from six weeks old up to kindergarten. The experienced teachers at Havenwood Nature School work together to create daily learning activities that engage and excite children about learning.
The school uses academic assessments outlined in the Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP) and Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Curriculum Framework provided by the State of Texas. They also serve fresh, flavorful food that children have helped grow and see each meal as an educational opportunity.
With ample opportunities to explore nature and participate in hands-on learning activities, Havenwood Nature School nurtures the whole child and prepares them to reach their full potential. Havenwood has two campuses- main campus and west campus.
Serves kids 6 weeks-Kindergarten. Tuition is $825-$1425/month per child and is located at 1000 Hays Country Acres Rd Unit A, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Primrose School of Dripping Springs
Primrose Schools has a unique approach to teaching and learning, which focuses on nurturing a balance among mind, body, and heart. The Balanced Learning® approach combines intellectual, creative, physical, and social-emotional growth to create engaging, challenging, and varied learning experiences throughout the day. In addition, the school recognizes the importance of representation in the classroom and takes a careful and purposeful approach to everything inside the classroom to ensure children feel like a part of the classroom community.
Families are seen as partners and are encouraged to share meaningful details about their holidays, cultural celebrations, and interests, which helps children learn more about each other.
Serving infants-Kindergarten and is located at 13832 Sawyer Ranch Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
The Prepratory School of Dripping Springs
The Preparatory School of Dripping Springs has a clear mission to provide a safe and secure learning environment that supports the growth of each child as a unique individual. They prioritize recruiting and training professional staff who can create an environment in which children can thrive. The school also partners with parents to provide a community of care and ensure that each child’s individual needs are met.
The school’s approach to education is based on a focus on each child’s unique learning needs. They use state-of-the-art equipment and operate in an exceptionally safe and secure environment.
The Preparatory School also conducts yearly child assessments for Pre-K and K and as needed for younger students to ensure that each child is making progress in their learning. One of the things that sets The Preparatory School apart is their innovative approach to preschool education. They focus on being unique and customized to the needs of each child and their family. This includes everything from their curriculum and building design to their menu plans and enrichment classrooms.
The Preparatory School is dedicated to ensuring that parents are well informed about their child’s progress and what’s happening at the school. They prioritize communication with parents and believe that strong relationships are based on open communication.
Serving infants- Kindergarten and is located at 12610 Nutty Brown Rd. Austin, TX 78737
Dripping Springs Montessori School
Dripping Springs Montessori is a school founded by Daisy Han, a Montessori teacher and educator with over 12 years of experience, along with a team of educators, school leaders, parents, and early childhood experts. Their goal is to create a dream school that honors the child, the teacher, and the families. The school prioritizes maintaining a low student-to-teacher ratio of 1:6, which is in alignment with the gold standard set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and is twice as safe as what is required by Texas law.
This low ratio allows educators to lovingly and patiently guide children to follow their interests and explore their curiosities about the world around them. The school’s commitment to providing a high-quality education for children between 18 months and 6 years old is driven by the belief that every child deserves an education that encourages them to reach their full potential.
The team at Dripping Springs Montessori is dedicated to modeling innovation, integrity, and raising the bar for early childhood education.
Serves kids 18 months- 6 years old. Tuition is $1100-$2200/month per student and is located at 27008 Ranch Rd 12, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Oaksong Nature School encourages children to be intrepid and brave in all aspects of their lives. They believe that being courageous can take many forms, whether it’s playing with someone new, working on a challenging project, attempting a difficult task, or persevering in the face of obstacles.
Their learning environment is safe, nurturing, and stimulating, allowing children to grow and learn in a natural setting. Oaksong School aims to provide children with a foundation for a lifetime of learning and personal growth by fostering character, developing intellect and spirit, and encouraging natural play and creative art.
They offer a variety of programs to enrich children’s learning, including language, math, science, social studies, the arts, physical development, social and emotional growth, and special programs such as yoga, gardening, and art. Oaksong School also values literacy, offering an on-site library, The Hook Library, as a fun and exciting place for children to explore and develop a love of reading.
Serves children ages 2 months-Kindergarten and is located at 140 Russell Ln, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Pathways childcare at Dripping Springs United Methodist Church provides a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on the development of the whole child. The classes offered aim to address the cognitive, physical, social, emotional, spiritual, and creative developmental domains. The school’s movement program, Stretch-n-Grow, and P.E. for kindergarten help students learn body awareness and practice gross motor skills. The Science class introduces students to the world around them and gives them an opportunity to learn more about God’s amazing creation. The Pathways Chapel service helps students learn about the Bible and how it applies to their daily life. In addition, students engage in meaningful play and activities that allow them to practice a variety of early writing and reading skills, math concepts, problem-solving, and self-expression. The school offers 2, 3, and 5-day a week classes for children aged two through four, as well as a full-time kindergarten that follows the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) set forth by the state. Overall, Pathways childcare at Dripping Springs United Methodist Church provides a nurturing and developmentally appropriate environment for children to grow and learn.
Serves ages 2- Kindergarten (tuition is $400-$800/week per student) and is located at 28900 Ranch Rd 12, Dripping Springs, TX 78620.
Friendship Kids Preschool, led by Kim Richardson at Friendship Creekside Church, strives to create an environment where children can experience God’s love while exploring their world. The program aims to provide a unique and stimulating educational experience for children to learn through exploration and discovery. The classes are carefully planned to incorporate language development, number concepts, pre-reading, and pre-math skills into each unit. The program’s ultimate goal is to help children grow and develop academically and spiritually. The staff at Friendship Kids Preschool recognizes the importance of the trust parents place in them and feel blessed to have the opportunity to work with each child. With a nurturing and supportive environment, Friendship Kids Preschool creates a positive atmosphere for children to grow and learn while experiencing God’s love.
Serves ages 15 months-5 years with tuition rates of $325-$375/week per student and is located at 14455 FM1826 Austin, TX 78737
Over Yonder Nature School in Dripping Springs offers a unique learning experience for children in an outdoor-centered, hands-on environment. Their child-led, play-based, and experiential approach, along with individualized attention, fosters children’s innate abilities and potential, setting a strong foundation for their future. The school’s beautiful five-acre campus features a 17,000 square-foot outdoor play area, shady live oaks, nature trails, farm animals, learning gardens, and a mud kitchen. With a focus on traditional STEAM academics and purpose-built outdoor facilities, the school provides children with nature-focused education that is both fun and engaging. Balancing outdoor time with imaginative classroom learning, the school offers a comprehensive and stimulating educational approach. The addition of trails through the undeveloped portion of the campus will further enrich children’s learning experiences at Over Yonder Nature School.
Serves ages 6 weeks through Pre-k with tuition rates ranging from $880-$1500/month. It is located at 5000 Bell Springs Road.
Escuela Hispanolamericana de Texas
This Spanish immersion preschool is committed to the holistic development of each child by recognizing their emotional and social intelligence as equally important as academic excellence. The school provides a contemporary and technological environment with a vision focused on the future to ensure that the children are happy and successful. Their programs stimulate various areas such as sensory, motor, emotional, social, and academic development, among others. The school’s mission is to develop multicultural and bilingual educated leaders who possess self-esteem, respect, and academic excellence. They aim to create role models who can compete and succeed in this high-tech world while maintaining a commitment to family and moral values. Their vision is to nurture bilingual, multicultural, self-confident, respectful, happy, and creative individuals who show love and respect towards themselves and others.
Serving kids 3 months-Pre-K. Tuition is $470-$1225/month per child. Located at 12507 Fitzhugh Rd.
YGC (Your Growing Child) is a place that aims to provide a nurturing and educational environment for children to develop into responsible and considerate individuals. They focus on creating a positive, safe, and healthy space where children can interact, explore, and learn with others. YGC emphasizes low teacher-child ratios and exceptional teachers to support the emotional, social, and intellectual growth of the children. They offer classes for children from six weeks old to Pre-K, as well as before and after school care and Summer Camps for school-age children.
Open 6:30 AM-6:40 PM and Located at 100 Commons Road #3 Dripping Springs, TX 78620
All Star Academy PreK is fortunate to have a team of dedicated and experienced educators who are passionate about providing quality education to young children. Mrs. Donna Eastty, the director of the academy, has been a preschool teacher or director for an impressive 50 years. As an alumna of the University of Texas, Mrs. Donna brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. She is also a music and chapel teacher, showcasing her dedication to the holistic development of each child.
Mrs. Lori Sanders, the lead teacher for the preschool class, has taught Pre-K for 26 years and is an alumna of Texas State University. Mrs. Lori’s passion for unconditional love and making learning fun is evident in her teaching style. She implements a comprehensive curriculum that prepares every child for kindergarten.
Assisting Mrs. Lori is Mrs. Pearl Villalon, who has taught three-year-olds for the past 20 years. Mrs. Pearl is bilingual and teaches Spanish to the children, further enriching their cultural education. With an abundance of love and patience, Mrs. Pearl’s warm and giving personality creates a nurturing environment for all children.
Together, this team of educators at All Star Academy PreK creates a safe, loving, and fun learning environment that nurtures the emotional, spiritual, social, and academic growth of every child.
Serving kids in pre-k. Located at 275 Lotus Circle
Sunset Canyon Baptist Pre-K Serving kids from 12 months-Pre-K. Tuition is $325-$400/month per kid
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Here are six more notable private schools that are in the area:
Veritas Academy tuition is $3,100-$13,500/year per student
Regents tuition is $13,000-$21,000/year per student
Hill Country Christian School in San Marcos tuition is $4750/year per student
San Marcos Academy tuition is $8,000-$12,500/year per student
Faith Academy in Marble Falls tuition is $6,500-$10,000/year per student
Santa Cruz in Buda tuition is $6,000-$8,000/year per student
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