The Isely School

Bryker Woods Elementary is a gem in Austin — and the only IB elementary school in the city!Our family has had a fantastic experience here. The teachers are attentive and supportive, and the school offers a good mix of extracurriculars, including arts, athletics, and a robotics team.Our daughter was behind in reading after the pandemic, and while it took a couple of school years, the teachers worked with her consistently. By 4th grade, she was back on track and is now doing well in reading, math, and science.The principal is a sharp, thoughtful educator who leads the school with a clear vision. You can tell the whole staff is aligned around a high standard of teaching and learning.We feel incredibly lucky to be part of the Bryker Woods community.

We have loved this school! This principal and assistant principal have been very supportive of our children and their needs. They have helped work as a team with the teachers to make sure they are succeeding. The teachers have all been wonderful. When there has been issues or concerns they have been resolved quickly!

Headwaters has been a life-changing experience for our daughter and our family. From the moment she came home after her first day, beaming and saying, “I found my people,” we knew this was the right place. Over three years, she blossomed—not just academically, but emotionally, socially, and creatively. The school’s culture of trust, open dialogue, and authentic learning helped her grow into herself with confidence and joy. She especially loved the vibrant classroom discussions, the freedom to explore downtown, and unforgettable experiences like the Bioneers trip and jazz band competition in Philadelphia. We’re deeply grateful to the dedicated teachers and staff, and especially to the head of the high school, who went above and beyond to support her Spanish studies while leading the school—and welcoming a new baby! Headwaters was worth every mile of our daily commute from Cedar Park. It’s a place where students are truly seen, supported, and inspired.

"Mom, I love Kirby Hall School! Can I go there for 3rd grade? Can I go there all the grades? How many grades to they have?" This is a direct quote from my son will doing his reading homework recently. This is our first year, but it's already exceeded our hopes. This is the type of school experience we as parents were wanting, that our son would love school and enjoy his "job" as a child of learning, growing and socializing. I have never seen a school environment where the kids literally run inside in excitement to begin the day at 8:10 I may add, and have such agency and confidence walking inside. It's gratifying to see how staff support and teach kids in ways that I was petrified of or suffered through myself in school. They're on stage in front of the whole school, they make presentations to their class, they have advisory to ask for help, they are learning to read music; I didn't learn a lot of this until after college! Everyone enjoys being there and supporting one another. It's a relaxing and engaging place to be. They are outside a ton in lovely shaded nature. We love the smaller class sizes, 15 is the usual cap. There is a ton of natural light from all the windows. The kids are really confident and comfortable moving around, changing subjects and talking to adults. I love the ambassador program where the kids can volunteer to be buddies for the visitors. This school teaches and grows our child in so many ways.

As a teacher at Cathedral School of Saint Mary, I am grateful to be part of a faith-filled Catholic school where students are truly known and supported. Our caring, nurturing teachers help students grow academically, socially, and spiritually in a God-loving, family-oriented community committed to living out our Catholic faith by serving God and our neighbors.