Austin austin

Elementary School

The first day of Kindergarten, a child’s entrance into the Elementary School realm,  is a day that they may not remember but parents never forget! Children in Texas who will attend public school and are 5 years old by Sept. 1st may attend Kindergarten in Austin elementary schools. Public school age requirements are very strict; many private school programs will assess your child’s needs and consider earlier enrollment. For children who are not quite ready to make the jump to elementary school there are transitional or Pre-K Programs (specifically for 5 year old children) available in Austin and surrounding areas. In some schools the Kindergarten day is shorter than the rest of the elementary grades - check with your child’s prospective school to find out more about the daily schedule.

All programs, public and private have registration requirements that include:

  • birth certificate,
  • photo identification of the parent(s)
  • verification of address
  • current record of immunizations (vaccinations)
  • for transferring students, child’s last report card
  • private schools often require a non-refundable administrative or registration fee

Private  Schools

Private Schools in Austin offer educational opportunities with a wide range of curriculum, religious or philosophical backgrounds, and a wide variety of extracurricular activities and special interest programs. Private schools have significant tuition requirements but many offer financial aid or scholarship opportunities. Uniforms can be mandatory (at the expense of the parents) while some private schools simply require a strict/conservative dress code.

Athletics programs in private schools have grown in central Texas over the last decade and can offer your child competitive sportsmanship opportunities. TAPPS (Texas Association of Parochial and Private Schools) governs and awards the athletic and academic competition programs in private schools in Texas and aligns member schools into districts (similar to UIL in the pubic school system). Click here to see a list of Private Schools in the Austin area.

Public Schools

Families in Austin are required to purchase school supplies for their children and often contribute to other supplies for the class including snacks and paper goods. Some schools offer a pre-packaged school supply set for children to order for the next school year. This and other benchmarks of elementary school life such as school photos, t-shirt sales, and yearbooks often stand as PTA fundraisers and support special programs in your child’s school. Art, PE, and Music are often taught on a rotation in public elementary schools with after-school programs available for more in-depth participation in these and other math or science areas. Click here to see a list of Public Schools in the Austin area.

Private Schools

This list is not intended to limit your choices. In addition, we suggest that you ask friends and relatives for additional references or recommendations.

Public Schools

Click here to see a list of Blue Ribbon Schools.

See Also:

Blue Ribbon Elementary Schools

“The Blue Ribbon Schools Program (BRSP) was established in 1982 by the U.S. Department of Education to identify and recognize schools that have exemplary education programs and student achievement. Since it’s inception, 4,418 schools have been recognized nationwide. Schools are screened at the local, state, and national level for the Blue Ribbon selection. The U.S. Department of Education presents the Blue Ribbon Award to schools which have strong leadership; a clear vision; high-quality teaching; challenging curriculum; policies and practices which ensure a safe environment conductive to learning; a solid commitment to parental involvement; and evidence that the school helps all students achieve high standards.” (source)

Private schools may also qualify for blue ribbon status and they are nominated by the Council for American Private Education (CAPE).

BRSP Elementary Schools  (recognized year 2000 or greater)

AISD

DVISD

EISD

RRISD