There are wonderful things and not so wonderful things at KHS. You can have an incredible teacher one year and the next you won't know. Wonderful home environment and community, but if you seek a consistant environment it might not be a fit.
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Posted by a parent on 05/14/09
My daughter will graduate from KHS this year. I cannot say enough positive things about our experience. Where else would she have experienced field trips to Italy, Australia, and the interior of Mexico?! My daughter was accepted into every college she applied including their honors program. I am a public
... Read more school teacher in a lake community in Austin, and feel strongly KHS provided a far superior education. The staff and teachers are marvelous. They spent time knowing my daughter's talents and then provided outlets for her to expand them. What a wonderful experience!!! Read less
Posted by a parent on 04/25/09
My daughter attended a large public elementary school before coming to Kirby. Frankly my biggest concern other than how she would cope with the substantialy increased work load, was how she would adjust to the smaller student body. I'm pleased to say that she has come through her first year there with
... Read more flying colors. She has adapted quite well to the school both workwise and student bodywise. She loves the school and I as a parent have been very pleased with the school. I definitely appreciate the excellerated curriculum she receives there and feel she is being well prepared for high school and college. Read less
Posted by a parent on 04/20/09
Good school, especially in the elementary grades through 7th. They teach a grade ahead so our children are reading quite solid books and doing math that's well ahead of the public (and many private) schools in Austin. I'd be willing to pay significantly more in tuition if it increased the teachers' happiness,
... Read more I'm that pleased with the education our kids are getting. Read less
Posted by a parent on 03/13/09
The truth lies somewhere in the middle of the reviews you see here. I personally know several parents who are perfectly content/happy with Kirby. However, most of the negative statement raised here are true. The school suffers from significant teacher churn so you end up playing Russian Roulette for
... Read more any given year. Many of the new teachers lack the classroom management skills that allow a wide range of learners to happily coexist in a single classroom (this is why the comments are so polarized, if your kid fits into this ever narrowing range, then you will be fine). To put it into perspective, the school had so many students leave this year, they had to drop one of the two first grade classes (as well, one of the first grade teachers left). Proofs in the pudding and folks are talking with their wallets and feet. Read less
Posted by a parent on 11/07/08
When I read reviews where people compare KHS to Montessori or Waldorf I immediately think 'they didn't get it.' People who equate 'excellence' to a progressive or experimental approach are invariably disappointed in KHS and leave. That's just not what KHS is about and the administration is very upfront
... Read more about this. This is a structured, traditional school for academically able children. There were no smoke and mirrors when we visited and applied. We knew what we are getting into and our family is very happy. Read less
Posted by a parent on 10/19/08
This school has the most excellent and dedicated teachers in Austin! For the third year in a row our child has had the same English, Language Arts, Spanish, Math, History and Science teacher- and each one is simply phenomenol- the AVERAGE ITBS score for students at each grade is at or above the 97th
... Read more percentile! The drama and music program is excellent- as is art instruction. There is both a female and male coach for PE and both do a super job of making physical activity interesting. Classes are small- always under 13- and fewer than 10 at the middle school level. I haven't seen another school in Austin at which children consistently work at such a high achievement level- and LIKE IT! Unfortunately, as can be seen below, there are always people who spread untrue rumors for whatever crazy reason. As we say in Texas, 'Poor thing. Bless her heart.' Read less
Posted by a parent on 10/18/08
Every year, there are at least five or six new teachers. With a faculty of 20, it makes a huge difference. KHS is trying to hire teachers who are actually certified, but still, they're usually first-year and they rarely stay. The curriculum is all over the place and inconsistent. This school is absolutely
... Read more inappropriate for gifted and talented children. It's very systematic, standardized, and implemented by persons with little credentials and zero creativity. High student turnover rate is a concern as well Generally a big thumbs down for old KHS - I recommend Griffin, Waldorf, or Austin Montessori. Read less
Posted by a parent on 10/11/08
Much to the credit of Kirby Hall School, our child has never been happier! The love, dedication and support that the teachers and staff give to our child and all the children at Kirby Hall School -- we couldn't be happier. The level of education and curriculum Kirby Hall gives our gifted child and children
... Read more has far exceeded our expectations. The curriculum is college prepatory and not for every child, however, we can not even compare it to other schools in Austin. The classroom size, the curriculum and love the children given at Kirby Hall School has far surpassed our expectations. We look forward to another amazing year! I know because I voluteered many hours at the school and attended many field trips, walked the halls during classroom hours, decorated classroom doors during the holidays, helped with holiday parties, social events, and photographs. Hats off to Kirby Hall! Read less
Posted by a parent on 09/12/08
With three children educated at Kirby Hall, I can say I know a lot about the school. The small classes, comfortable environment set the tone for a school that nurtures the child in ways other schools cannot achieve because of sheer numbers.
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*The resources listed are programs that the institution is staffed to support. Staffing for a program does not guarantee that it will be offered. This content is provided by the institution and may be incomplete. The institution may offer programs not listed here. Please contact the school directly for additional details.
Advanced Placement
AP classes are college-level classes offered at the high school level. Once a student completes an AP class and passes a final comprehensive examination conducted by the College Board, the student earns college credit for the course. AP classes are specific and not to be confused with other higher-level classes such as honors classes.
Before/After School
"Extended day" programs where the school day is extended before and after school to accommodate working parents. These programs should not be confused with common after school clubs or athletic activities.
Gifted and Talented
A school system may identify 10% to 15% or more of its student population as gifted and talented. A brief description of each area of giftedness or talent as defined by the Office of Gifted and Talented:
general intellectual ability or talent - high intelligence test score (usually two standard deviations above the mean), and high levels of vocabulary, memory, abstract work knowledge and abstract reasoning;
specific academic aptitude or talent in one area such as mathematics or language arts;
creative and productive thinking, the ability to produce new ideas;
leadership ability, the ability to direct individuals or groups to a common decision or action;
visual and performing arts, special talents in visual art, music, dance, drama, or other related studies;
psychomotor ability, such as practical, spatial, mechanical, and physical skills.
Vocation/Technical Curriculum
Vocational and/or technical courses offered within a comprehensive school, usually a senior high school.
Special Education Classes
A school or program within a school that provides services and training to students with moderate to severe mental and/or physical disabilities.
Adult Education Classes
Programs offering GED or equivalent courses for adults within regular schools, whether classes are held during evening or daytime schedules.
English as Second Language
English language classes for students whose first language is not English.
Austin schools — Kirby Hall School is located at 306 W 29th St, Austin TX 78705. 306 W 29th St is in the North University neighborhood and 78705 ZIP code in Austin, TX Kirby Hall School is a Private school that serves grade levels PK - 12.
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Test Score Ratings
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not provided by the state Department of Education, which may have their own rating systems.
