It looks like my hubby may be getting a job in Austin. Since we are pretty unfamiliar with the area, we are looking for recommendations for amazing preschools and school districts. We prefer montessori or Waldorf or gentle discipline-type schools. Non-profit or co-op style are preferred too. We are in LOVE with our son's school now, so are hoping we can find one just as great in Austin!
Any other advice for cool things for kids in Austin or safe places to live (we prefer near UT), please chime in. Thank you!
I live in the suburbs of Austin. I’m in Round Rock, which has a good public school district and people feel safe here. The Austin area has a children’s museum and lots of parks and pools. It’s also not that far(by Texas standards) to drive to San Antonio, Dallas/Fort Worth, or Houston.
I’m not familiar with the UT area, but here is an very interesting list I found of preschools in the area: http://www.altedaustin.com/alternative-preschools/
I believe that the only Waldorf school in Austin (K-12) is way southwest of town, past Oak Hill. It’s quite remote, which was one reason I eliminated it from consideration for my kids years ago. Nevertheless, if a Waldorf environment is that important to you, I understand it’s a great place. There are many, many pre-school choices in Austin, quite a few of them Montessori-based. I suggest you find your new home first, then ask neighbors for recommendations. There’s a lot to be said for having friends and neighbors at the same pre-school. There are several co-ops and Montessori schools in the Hyde Park area north of campus; even if you don’t live in that neighborhood, it’s central and easy to get to. Church-based pre-schools and mothers’ day out programs are an option, too, and of course you don’t have to belong to the church to enroll your child in either program. Again, look to your new neighbors for suggestions. We love our close-in neighborhood, Barton Hills, and the nearby Zilker neighborhood is just a bit funkier. Looking ahead to elementary, middle and high schools, some people talk up Leander, Eanes and Lake Travis school districts. We have had great experiences with our kids in the Austin school district’s magnet programs (Kealing middle school and the Liberal Arts and Science Academy high school). There are also quite a few private schools, the best of which are extremely expensive.
There are SO many fun things for kids and parents to do in Austin…it really depends on your kid. Deep Eddy and Stacy Park pools, Lady Bird Lake hike and bike trails with jogger stroller or bike with your son, lawn around the Capitol complex, Bob Bullock Texas History Museum and Austin Children’s Museum on days when you want air conditioning, all sorts of free street festivals all year, the Saturday downtown farmers market, and more more more. Can you tell I’m so happy I moved to Austin and raised my family here?