About Austin Micro School
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.
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, self-paced model, our students grow into self-starters with a strong sense of purpose.
Our Mission
- Provide a dynamic, inquiry-based curriculum that fosters critical thinking and a love for learning.
- Cultivate essential life and leadership skills through our integrated Young Leaders program.
- Offer flexible learning pathways that honor individual student needs and family preferences.
- Create a supportive, inclusive community where every child feels seen, valued, and inspired.
- Connect learning to the real world through hands-on projects, community engagement, and our garden and maker spaces.
The Austin Micro Model
A Deliberate Approach to Deep Learning
A carefully crafted blend of proven methodologies and innovative practices, designed to meet the core needs of each child and foster knowledge, confidence, independence, and purpose.
Building from the Ground Up: Our First Principles Approach
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 question assumptions, investigate fundamental truths, and actively construct their own pathways to mastery — cultivating deep conceptual understanding and agile, resourceful learners.
Learning by Doing: Hands-On Exploration, Lasting Understanding
True understanding comes from active engagement. Our curriculum guides 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 joyful.
Nurturing Leaders: More Than Academics
Empowering young leaders is at the heart of all we do. Our embedded Young Leaders program develops critical thinking, effective communication, social awareness, creativity, integrity, and resilience — equipping students to lead and thrive in an ever-changing world.
The Power of Mixed-Age Community
Our mixed-age classrooms are intentionally designed to foster mentorship and diverse perspectives. Younger students benefit from the guidance of older peers; older students solidify their understanding by teaching and leading. This dynamic promotes empathy, patience, and confidence — and lets every child progress at their own pace.
Individual Growth, Meaningful Measures
Assessment at AMS is more holistic than grades — it's about celebrating real growth and demonstrating mastery. We use project presentations, skill demonstrations, student-led teaching, portfolios, and our unique Milestones tracking system. Our Elements define key skill categories, while Arcs visually map development over time.
Structured Exploration: Thematic Learning Cycles
Our academic year is divided into six 6-week Cycles, each highlighting key themes — Orientation & Systems, Structures, Exploration, Identity & Perspective, Connection, and Reflection — that weave together concepts from across the curriculum and encourage interdisciplinary thinking.
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, committed to providing a nurturing, intellectually stimulating, and emotionally supportive environment where every child can flourish.
Our campus
Spaces Designed to Inspire Curiosity, Creativity, and Connection
Nestled in a beautiful natural setting in South Austin, our campus is an intentionally designed learning ecosystem blending inviting indoor spaces with vibrant outdoor areas.
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 ecological literacy, sustainability, botany, and environmental stewardship.
The Innovation & Design Lab
A hub of creativity and problem-solving, equipped for engineering, design challenges, prototyping, and systems thinking.
Outdoor Workspaces & Natural Areas
Extending learning beyond four walls — encouraging movement, fresh air, and a connection with the natural world.
More Than a School, We're a Community Making a Difference
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 — our programs include community service projects and partnerships with local organizations, giving students authentic opportunities to contribute in real and relevant ways.
Ready to Learn More About the AMS Journey?
If our vision and approach resonate with you, we encourage you to take the next step.