More Than a School: We're a Community Reimagining Education
Discover the story, philosophy, and people dedicated to empowering young leaders and fostering a lifelong love of learning at Austin Micro School.
Born from a Belief That Our Children Deserve Better
Austin Micro School began with a simple yet powerful conviction: in a rapidly changing world, our children need an education that not only prepares them academically but also empowers them to become adaptable, compassionate, and purposeful leaders. We saw a need to move beyond traditional models, to create a learning environment where students don't just adapt to the future—they learn to shape it.
Our Vision
Austin Micro School combines academic excellence with human-centered, hands-on learning to nurture tomorrow's leaders. Driven by curiosity and supported in a guided and self-paced model, our students grow into self-starters with a strong sense of purpose.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower young leaders for the 21st century by:
Providing a dynamic, inquiry-based curriculum that fosters critical thinking and a love for learning.
Cultivating essential life and leadership skills through our integrated Young Leaders program.
Offering flexible learning pathways that honor individual student needs and family preferences.
Creating a supportive, inclusive community where every child feels seen, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential.
Connecting learning to the real world through hands-on projects, community engagement, and our unique garden and maker spaces.
The Austin Micro Model: A Deliberate Approach to Deep Learning
Our educational model is a carefully crafted blend of proven methodologies and innovative practices, all designed to meet the core needs of each child and foster not just knowledge but confidence, independence, and purpose. Here are the pillars of our approach:
Building from the Ground Up: Our First Principles Approach
At Austin Micro School, we don't just teach subjects; we teach students how to think. We apply a First Principles approach to both teaching and learning, breaking down complex ideas into their most essential elements. Students are encouraged to question assumptions, investigate fundamental truths, and actively construct their own pathways to mastery. This cultivates deep conceptual understanding and empowers them to become agile, resourceful learners, unafraid to tackle new challenges.
Learning by Doing: Hands-On Exploration, Lasting Understanding
We believe that true understanding comes from active engagement. Our curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, guiding students from concrete exploration with beautiful, tactile materials—often Montessori-inspired—to deep, abstract comprehension. Through our L.E.A.Ds (Labs, Experiments, Activities, and Demonstrations), students connect theory to practice, making learning tangible, memorable, and deeply relevant. This active approach enhances not only understanding and retention but also joy in the discovery process.
Nurturing Leaders: More Than Academics
At Austin Micro School, empowering young leaders is at the heart of all we do. Our embedded Young Leaders program is not a separate subject but a comprehensive approach that develops essential life and leadership skills. We focus on fostering critical thinking, effective communication, social awareness, creativity, integrity, and resilience, equipping students with the mindset and skills needed to lead and thrive in an ever-changing world.
The Power of Mixed-Aged Community: Learning Together, Growing Together
Step into an Austin Micro School classroom, and you'll discover a dynamic, collaborative learning environment where students grow academically, socially, and emotionally together. Our mixed-aged classrooms are intentionally designed to foster mentorship and diverse perspectives. Younger students benefit from the guidance and modeling of older peers, observing more complex work and aspiring to new challenges. Older students, in turn, solidify their own understanding by teaching, leading, and mentoring their younger classmates. This powerful dynamic promotes empathy, patience, and confidence, creating a supportive community where every child can progress at their own pace, revisiting concepts or advancing when ready.
Individual Growth, Meaningful Measures: Our Commitment to Personalized Learning
We recognize that every child learns differently. Our approach supports individualized learning journeys, creating space for students to explore, inquire, and progress at a pace that ensures they are both supported and challenged. Assessment at AMS is more holistic than just grades—it's about celebrating real growth and demonstrating mastery. We use a variety of methods, including project presentations, skill demonstrations, student-led teaching, portfolios, and our unique "Milestones" tracking system, to capture a full picture of each student's learning journey. Our "Elements" define key skill categories, while "Arcs" visually map development over time, ensuring our assessment is meaningful, comprehensive, and truly personalized.
Structured Exploration: Our Thematic Learning Cycles
To provide a rich and interconnected learning experience, our academic year is thoughtfully divided into six, 6-week "Cycles." Each Cycle reflects a stage in the student's learning journey and highlights key themes—such as Orientation & Systems, Structures, Exploration, Identity & Perspective, Connection, and Reflection—that weave together concepts from across the curriculum. This thematic approach encourages students to make connections, see the bigger picture, and apply skills in interdisciplinary ways.
Dedicated Educators, Passionate Mentors
The heart of Austin Micro School lies in our exceptional team of educators. More than instructors, they are guides, mentors, and lifelong learners themselves, deeply committed to ongoing research and the development of innovative teaching methods. Our teachers are dedicated to providing a nurturing, intellectually stimulating, and emotionally supportive environment where every child can flourish.
They foster strong student-teacher relationships, understanding that meaningful connection is the bedrock of impactful learning. We believe in transparency and connection, and invite you to get to know the passionate individuals guiding our students.
Spaces Designed to Inspire Curiosity, Creativity, and Connection
Nestled in a beautiful natural setting in South Austin, our campus is more than just a collection of classrooms—it's an intentionally designed learning ecosystem. We blend inviting indoor spaces with vibrant outdoor areas to create an environment that is both purposeful and profoundly inspiring.
Key features of our learning environments include:
Sunlit, Adaptable Classrooms
Spaces designed for focus, collaboration, and independent exploration, filled with hands-on materials that invite discovery and deep learning.
The Garden – Our Living Laboratory
A thriving outdoor classroom where students engage in our permaculture program, learning about ecological literacy, sustainability, botany, and their role as stewards of the environment.
The Innovation & Design Lab (Maker Space)
A hub of creativity and problem-solving, equipped for students to engage in engineering, design challenges, prototyping, and systems thinking.
Outdoor Workspaces & Natural Areas
Extending learning beyond four walls, these spaces encourage movement, fresh air, and a connection with the natural world, fostering responsibility and a lifelong love of learning.
More Than a School, We're a Community Making a Difference
At Austin Micro School, we believe that a strong sense of community is essential for growth and well-being. We cultivate a close-knit environment where students, teachers, and families feel connected, supported, and valued.
Developing social responsibility is a core part of becoming a Young Leader. We encourage our students to look beyond themselves, fostering empathy and purpose through meaningful engagement with their local communities. Our programs often include community service projects and partnerships with local organizations, providing students with authentic opportunities to contribute in real and relevant ways. These experiences help build leadership skills, initiative, and a lifelong commitment to making a positive impact in the world around them.
Ready to Learn More About the AMS Journey?
We hope this gives you a clearer picture of who we are and what we believe in at Austin Micro School. If our vision and approach resonate with you, we encourage you to take the next step.