Austin Classical School

Caraway is a hidden gem tucked away in the area. The other schools in the area have over double the students. You can not put a price on smaller class sizes and the environment of everyone knowing everyone. Caraway is a small and nurturing school. Academics are great but not too much pressure so the kids can still be kids (an issue friends from neighboring schools are having). They have chickens and goats that the kids help take care of. I cannot recommend enough.

in 3 days the school has made us feel unwelcome and uncomfortable. I chose this school as it was well rated and I was seeking structure from an honest school l

We have been part of AIS for over ten years and have seen the school evolve in many ways, most of them positive. One of its most enduring strengths is the small class sizes, which create a more personalized and supportive learning environment for each student.The elementary program is led by some of the most engaging educators we’ve encountered, with three teachers supporting instruction across the three languages. This structure not only strengthens language exposure but also keeps students actively engaged throughout the day.The admissions process, which includes an evaluation of both the student and their family, helps foster a strong and engaged community. This intentional approach contributes to the overall positive atmosphere of the school. A great example of this community feel is International Week, when students from preschool through 8th grade study and present on a different country. Each class explores aspects such as music, food, dress, art, and culture, and families are invited to participate, making it a meaningful and memorable experience.While the goal of students graduating in 5th or 8th grade as trilingual is admirable, in practice the amount of time dedicated to Spanish can limit opportunities for achieving true fluency for many students. This is especially notable given that the Spanish teachers are among the school’s greatest strengths and bring tremendous value to the program.As our family looks ahead to eventually graduating the school, we know it will be bittersweet. AIS does an excellent job of ensuring that students feel academically prepared transition to high school. One area to be mindful of, however, is subject-specific vocabulary, particularly in math and science, which are taught in French throughout middle school. Since local high schools do not offer instruction in French, this can present an adjustment as students transition to English-based coursework.

Paragon Prep School is truly phenomenal, and we give it our highest recommendation. One of the first things that stood out to us when visiting schools was seeing Paragon graduates—after high school and even college—return to visit their teachers. That speaks volumes about the strong relationships and sense of community the school creates.We love Paragon’s motto, “Work Hard. Play Hard. Be Kind.” It perfectly reflects both the school culture and what education should be about. Paragon is also wonderful for busy families, offering a wide variety of before- and after-school programs, enrichment classes, sports, and summer camps.Paragon’s Valor program ensures new students feel welcomed and connected from day one. The school year even begins and ends with a pool party! There are many fun traditions and celebrations, including Elvis Day, Chinese New Year, Día de los Muertos, and a full week of roller skating. Students are placed into “colleges” and enjoy earning points through school spirit, volunteering, and community service, creating friendly competition throughout the year.Engaging field trips are an integral part of the curriculum, and the school also offers international trips for families during the summer. We accompanied the sixth graders on a trip to Colonial Virginia, and it was a truly enriching experience for both the students and our family.Our middle school son is proud to be taking all honors classes, and even with the academic rigor, he is able to play three school sports while also practicing another outside of school. With Valor and study hall, students have ample time to complete homework and stay organized.We are deeply grateful for the exceptional educators and staff who have made such a lasting difference in our son’s life. A special shoutout to Mrs. Lype, Mrs. Correro, Coach Josh, Coach Nick, Mrs. Behr, Mr. Wyatt, Mr. Stubblefield, Mr. Aidan, Mr. Cory, Mr. Joey, and Mrs. Hay! Our son will undoubtedly become one of the many Paragon graduates who return to visit the teachers, staff, and administrators who helped shape his journey.