Education and Schools in Austin

Education has always been a priority for the people of Austin. With numerous national accolades and a strong sense of community, the schooling infrastructure in Austin is robust, so it's no wonder the city is a popular destination for families.

Newcomers to Austin will need to consider several factors when making decisions about their children’s schooling. These factors include the type of school, the curriculum, the standard of teaching, and the institution's proximity to their home and place of work.

As is the case in the rest of the USA, schools in Austin are divided into three levels: elementary school (pre-school to Grade 5), middle school (Grades 6 to 8), and high school (Grades 9 to 12).

Public schools in Austin

The standard of public schooling in Austin varies quite dramatically, and parents will need to spend considerable time exploring their options before committing to a school and deciding where to live in Austin.

There are 19 public school districts serving the residents of the Austin metro area. Within these school districts, there are numerous options, ranging from traditional public schools to magnet and charter schools.

Students who are legal residents of Austin can attend a public school at little to no cost. Most public schools in Austin admit students based on catchment areas, so parents must consider this when deciding which areas and suburbs to live in.

Charter schools

Charter schools in Austin enter into a contract with the school's district, which outlines how the schools are to be managed, the assessment methods and the goals. These schools still receive some public funding, but they aren’t strictly required to follow the state’s curriculum and are allowed some room to manoeuvre when it comes to curriculum design. There are fewer admission restrictions, and these schools often accept students who live outside their catchment areas. 

Magnet schools

A magnet school is a type of public school that offers specialised curricula based on the student's strengths. Typically, these schools focus on subjects such as languages, performing arts or STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths). 

Unlike regular public schools, admission requirements at magnet schools aren’t restricted to schooling zones. They allow students from a wider geographic area to attend as long as they meet the entry requirements. Although these schools are primarily state-funded, they do receive additional funding from external sources, which affords them greater autonomy when it comes to developing their curricula.

Useful links

• Austin Independent School District

Private schools in Austin

There are over 100 private schools in Austin, many of which have religious affiliations. Private schools are generally known for offering a higher standard of education, better facilities, and superior extracurricular activities than most public schools. Class sizes are typically also smaller, meaning each student gets more one-on-one attention.

The downside to private education is the costs. Parents need to consider the often astronomical tuition fees when drawing up a budget. In addition to school fees, they’ll also need to factor in additional expenses such as uniforms, textbooks, extracurriculars, and field trips.

Useful links

• Texas Private Schools Association

International schools in Austin

Expats moving to Austin or Americans wanting their children to have a broader and globally recognised education may send them to an international school. There are a handful of these in Austin, most of which offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) qualification and several additional languages. 

Most international schools in Austin are privately funded, and as such, parents who opt to pursue this option will be required to pay the high tuition fees. While fees at these schools are proportionally higher than in public and private schools, international schools offer globally mobile families an opportunity to easily transition as well as the opportunity to meet other families who share similar experiences. 

Special educational needs in Austin

Students with special educational needs will have access to a wide range of supports in Austin. Texas endeavours to provide quality education to all children, including those with special needs, at no cost to their parents. Where possible, the education department will try to accommodate the child within a regular school framework.

This usually involves meeting with parents, teachers, the school district, and specialists like psychologists to create an Individualised Education Plan (IEP). The IEP identifies the child's problem areas, ensures that the student is given adequate support, sets realistic targets, and monitors the student's progress. 

In cases where it is deemed unproductive to have the child in a standard classroom setting, students can attend a specialist school. These schools are often better equipped to help those with more severe learning disabilities or behavioural issues to reach their full potential.

Useful links

• Austin Independent School District – Special Education
• Texas Education Agency – Special Education

Tutors in Austin

Being based in a city that prioritises education, parents will find ample additional support for their child’s learning. Whether a student is having trouble keeping up in class or requires extra help preparing for university exams, private tutors can give them the extra edge. Thankfully, there is no shortage of good tutors in Austin.

The best starting point in finding a suitable tutor would be to inquire at a child’s school. There are several established tutoring companies operating in Austin. Some big names include HOFT Institute – House of Tutors, Mathnasium and Frog Tutoring. 

Parents should do thorough research before parting with their cash as some agencies focus on particular subject areas while others offer a broader range of services, including private lessons, small-group classes and online tutoring.

Useful links

• HOFT Institute – House of Tutors 
• Mathnasium
• Frog Tutoring