Education
Downtown offers exceptional opportunities for child care, early education, high school and beyond. From the bi-lingual Escuelita del Alma Learning Center to the open campuses of Pease and Mathews Elementary schools, to the highly recognized private Cathedral School of St. Mary and St. Martin's Lutheran School, to Austin High School, Downtown Austin is home to some of the best-recognized educational opportunities in the city. Downtown is also home to the Rio Grande campus of Austin Community College and the University of Texas, home to 53,000 students. Not far away are the campuses of Huston-Tillotson College, Concordia University and St. Edward's University.
Whether you work or live Downtown you have some of the best educational opportunities for your children and yourself.
Private Schools
Cathedral School of St. Mary
910 San Jacinto Blvd.
476-1480
3 years - 8th grade
www.saintmaryscathedral.org/school/index.htm
Cathedral School of St. Mary, the oldest school in continuous operation in Central Texas, serves students age 3 through 8th grade and emphasizes individual spiritual development along with the basic skills curricula. The school has academic emphasis on all subjects, including math, language arts, science, social studies, religion, computers, library skills, physical education, and the fine arts.
Downtown Child Development Center
1507 Lavaca
472-5898
6 weeks - 5 years
The Downtown Child Development Center of Austin is a licensed child-care facility that provides a loving learning environment where the intellectual, social, and developmental potential of each child can be realized in a positive, stimulating, and creative manner that is consistent with effective teaching practices. State employees receive a discount.
The Khabele School
801 Rio Grande.
480-8142
Grades 6 through 12
www.tksaustin.org
The Khabele School is the only private middle and high school in the heart of downtown. The school promises academic excellence, increased self-confidene, and enhanced leadership skills for every student. Khabele is an accredited college preparatory curriculum that integrates individualized projects and community service. The curriculum and teaching methodology are designed to prepare students for college entrance as well as equip them with the educational foundation to excell in all areas of life. The school serves 100 students and the facility is comprised of three remodeled Victorian buildings at 8th Street and Rio Grande.
The Martin House
500 Oakland Ave.
476-1151
2 months - 5 years
The Martin House is a Work Source 4-star accredited child care facility that has been providing quality care for over 20 years. The school provides an environment that is nurturing and develops a strong sense of self-worth. Limited class sizes promote individuality and allows for frequent one-to-one interactions.
St. David's Episcopal Church Day School
304 E. 7th St.
472-1196
17 months - 4 years
www.stdave.org/Children/dayschool-programs.htm
St. David's Episcopal Church Day School offers traditional child development and Montessori curriculum. The mission of the school is to provide each child with loving and enriching programs that meet his or her needs at each developmental level. The Day School is a place for children to learn, play, make friends and have fun in a safe and structured environment where the student/teacher ratio is low.
St. Martin's Lutheran School
606 W. 15th St.
476-4037
2 years - kindergarten
www.saintmartinsschool.org
St. Martin's Lutheran School aims to give children ages 18 months to 5 years an academic, social, and spiritual foundation. Founded in 1962, St. Martin's focuses on academic excellence and has built a reputation for graduating pupils sought by private elementary schools.
Stepping Stone School at Brackenridge
1313 Red River, Suite B-1
479-8660
6 weeks - 5 years
www.steppingstoneschool.com
Stepping Stone School provides a stable, secure, enriching community for all children. The school voluntarily follows and adheres to the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) Guidelines, going beyond state licensing regulations. Stepping Stone School at Brackenridge offers a discount to Seton employees.
Public Schools
Pease Elementary
1106 Rio Grande
414-4428
www.austinschools.org
Founded in 1876 and named after Governor Elisha M. Pease, Pease Elementary is the only all-transfer school in AISD. There are only two classes per grade, which creates a close, friendly, and old-fashioned community school feeling. Everyone from kindergartners to teachers and staff know each other. Pease prides itself on its interdisciplinary thematic instruction. Lessons or study units combine math, science, and language arts skills to teach a concept. At Pease, diversity and multi-ethnicity are valued and promoted.
Mathews Elementary
906 West Lynn
414-4406
www.austinschools.org/mathews/
When it opened in 1916, Mathews Elementary was considered to be in the country. Today, the campus is located in the historic Clarksville neighborhood and has an open campus boasting a diverse school with more than 40 languages spoken. The award-winning school offers classes from Pre-K to the 6th grade. After-school offerings include "prime time" classes such as chess, basket weaving, and music. There are also homework centers for after school tutoring, where teachers are matched with students to help them with their schoolwork.
Austin High School
1715 W. Cesar Chavez
414-2505
www.austinschools.org/austin/ahswebsite/030101/main.html
Stephen F. Austin High School was founded in 1881 as the "high school department" of the Austin Public Schools. The campus at 1715 Cesar Chavez was built in 1970 and is steeped in the tradition of a fully urban high school. Students of diverse backgrounds blend together and succeed with a strong academic base driven by a highly qualified and dedicated faculty. Austin High School has active student organizations, 300 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists since 1975, and SAT and achievement test scores that continue to lead the Austin district and compete well with neighboring schools.
American Youthworks'
216 E. 4th Street
236-6100
http://www.americanyouthworks.org/
American Youthworks' (AYW) began as one of the first Open Enrollment Charter High Schools in Texas. AYW developed an educational methodology that combines diploma or GED education with real world experience and training. Their National Service Learning award-winning model teaches young people how to serve their community. The school uses the holistic approach: for those who need a high school diploma, AYW operates as a charter high school. Those seeking job training can participate in one of their AmericCorps programs or Computer Corps which provide a living stipend and a college or technical school educational award.