These tennis courts are funded by local taxpayers, yet they're locked and inaccessible to the very…read morecommunity that pays for their upkeep. If a facility is built and maintained with public money, it should be open to the public and not gated off for exclusive use. Tennis already struggles with a reputation as an expensive, country-club sport out of reach for lower-income families. Courts like these, funded publicly but kept locked, only reinforce that barrier. Kids and adults who can't afford private club memberships or lessons lose one of the few FREE ways to pick up the sport. Locking public infrastructure isn't just inconvenient, it's also a quiet form of privatization. The school gets the benefit of public funding without the obligation of public access. If liability or maintenance is the concern, there are ways to address that (posted hours, sign-in sheets, City of Austin partnerships) without shutting the gates entirely. Taxpayers deserve to use what they've paid for. OPEN THE COURTS!

Absolutely disorganized and not accountable at all. Was sick the first week of school but ended up…read moregoing Friday, went to every single class and the office during that day. By monday, my entire school id and and email was deleted. Every teacher and class that I had gone to and seen that day counted me absent after having conversation with them all. They said i was unenrolled for not showing up or leaving a note, but we I had showed up Friday and Left a doctors note for the week prior on Monday. Office staff had a very rude tone on phone and didnt help with anything in any sort of way.

My 16 year old daughter started going to the Far West Mathnasium location since April 2017 (in…read morepreparation for finals). Hannah has been fantastic to work with - she's made learning Algebra and Geometry hip and fun and always works to build my daughter's confidence with math. Now on to Algebra 2, with help from Mathnasium! Thanks, Christie T.

My daughter attends mathnasium and we love the improvements she's made in math. Docking one star…read morebecause it's hard to always attend our appointed session times and I feel like it's a waste of money on those weeks where we can't get there for one or both of our time slots. It's not cheap, so that does matter. But staff is friendly and helpful. Overall a good set up.

Our experience at Paragon did not align with the individualized, child-centered education that was…read morepresented when we enrolled. While the school offers a structured and academically rigorous environment, we found that the approach was not as personalized as we had hoped for our child's specific learning needs. The Valor program, which was described as providing additional support, functioned primarily as a quiet space for students to complete homework rather than a program focused on building executive functioning skills, learning strategies, or individualized academic support. Paragon's curriculum moves at a fast pace, with significant homework and testing expectations. For some students, especially those who require a more tailored approach, this can mean parents may need to provide additional instruction and support at home in order for their child to keep pace. We also found that the staff's experience and approach to supporting a wide range of learning profiles varied, and the level of individualized support did not meet what we had hoped to find. That being said, Paragon's main strength is its activity calendar. The school provides a wide range of activities throughout the year, and we found both the teachers and students to be kind and welcoming. For families looking for a traditional, academically challenging environment with a strong focus on homework, testing, and keeping students on pace, Paragon may be a good fit. However, for families seeking a highly individualized, child-centered experience designed around diverse learning needs, I would encourage them to ask detailed questions about the specific supports available before enrolling.

The staff at Paragon make all the difference. You can see their commitment to the school and…read morepassion for the kids. We have 2 kids attending and like the diversity, high expectations, and school culture. They both love this school and enjoy events like "roller skating week", pool parties, lots of after school sport options and overnight trips. This helps them bond with both students and teachers. Paragon offers high academic standards mixed with life skills. We like the focus on a well-rounded education with academics at least 1 grade level above the standard. In elementary, they are also developing good social skills, learning responsibilities, and planning skills for future academic success. (For example, Paragon gives kids a daily planner to track their homework assignments and get parent signatures for visibility). In middle school, there are lots of team projects, hands-on opportunities, presentations, and field trips. (Projects like running a small business during lunch and breaks.) There are many resources for parents and a great community within and around the school. We recommend this school to friends also.

Had to google this to leave my review, that's how bad it is. But glad to see there are others…read more The boys are ok. The girls are exceptional. Meanwhile in this society boys get five stars for existing, while girls get a mediocre applause for being exceptional. I'm so sick of this shit. Why do the choir ladies fawn on the boys so much? It's sick. Every director or other person who is presenting always talks about how the boys are their favorite. They literally say that. To the point that you were BOOed by the audience while praising the boys as your favorite. The audience is done - are you even listening? Can we please stop coddling the boys and finally give the girls the recognition they deserve?

Terrible! I agree with "Lauryn D". The dress code is really stupid and the new assistant principal…read morehas been dress coding people in front of the whole school in a rude way. I do not like the new assistant principal. She is really rude and strict. Also last year there was a teacher who broke a kid's personal device because he was playing in class (he shouldn't have been, but the teacher overreacted). I think the school could be way better. The last thing is on the bus, you have to sit in assigned seats. Our bus driver asked us who we wanted to sit with, then purposely didn't put us with our friends. Also, one time I had my leg in the aisle and she immediately put me all alone in the front of the bus.

Wow, what can I say, I feel like we won the jackpot when we found Magellan. our daughter started in…read moreKindergarten and although she isn't very good at adapting or transitions, she immediately fell in love with her teachers and school friends.. There are no cliques and no bullying and when we have had issues we have raised them with the teachers and they have jumped on them to solve them immediately, and unlike other private schools there's no sense of entitlement from the parents or students. Also, because the school is so good at awarding scholarships not everyone is 'rich'! The school also has a great parent teacher association which offer weekly meet-ups and play dates as well as adult only events. Each class also has a WhatsApp chat group so parents can easily communicate with each other. If it sounds like one big happy family you'd be right, that's exactly what it feels like. In terms of academics my adhd child has thrived. Diagnosed at 4 we thought she would struggle but the school has been amazing at supporting her needs and accommodating her. They also offer many different seating types from a bouncy ball chair, to cushions on the floor and other such. It's very holistic and non political and offers many diverse ways of learning. They have a calming corner, encourage reading and emotional open communication as well many other ways of teaching emotional and academic intelligence. They teach in Spanish from day one and introduce Mandarin from 3rd grade, they also teach following the international Baccalaureate which is amazing. It teaches the children self confidence through weekly presentations and teaches them autonomy. Honestly this school is amazing and now it goes until 12th grade we are obsessed and so you will be too. But, sshh don't tell anyone about our secret slice of heaven.

My son has attended Magellan since the age of three years old-- he is now in second and we have…read morealready registered him for third grade. Hands down, my husband and I feel it is best decision we have made for his education. Although it can be a bit pricey, we have felt that it has been worth every dollar. He is growing up to be a well spoken, well thought, caring little human. I love that he is bilingual, but I really love his open minded views and his eagerness to learn. The teachers... the teachers have all been so amazing. They are loving, caring and really take each student's personalities and abilities into consideration as they grow from year to year. As I said, it's not the cheapest option and we do discuss yearly if we will be renewing his tuition-- and, with each year this answer comes easier and easier with an astounding "YES". We love the school, the community, the parents and look forward to many more years at Magellan!

My teen is in their second year at Griffin and we feel so grateful for this school. The staff is…read moreamazing and have been so supportive. I feel they genuinely care about my child and they are very responsive. It is also really wonderful to have a place where kids are encouraged to be themselves. The education is also top notch - challenging, but not overloading kids with homework and busywork. Class sizes are very small and teachers get to know each child.

You know how sometimes you think it would be fun to try a new hobby but then decide it's equally…read morefun and less trouble to have drinks with friends instead? Art+Wine night provides a solution to this dilemma. Show up with your favorite wine and whatever art skills you do (or don't) possess and Natalya will provide all the supplies and knowledge you need to paint something worthy of displaying in your home. The website shows the project that will be taught on each date so you can pick and choose which nights you want to sign up for. The classes are small which allows Natalya to give everyone individualized instruction. I've been to four Art+Wine nights and I see SO much improvement since my first painting! I had never used oil paint and after taking a 2 session oil class I left with a legit fruit bowl painting. Artists of all skill levels come to Art+Wine night and everyone learns something new or improves their technique. It's a great way to spend a Friday night and accomplish something while drinking!

We live in Central Austin and have sent both of our children to My Friend's House since they were…read morebabies. Our oldest is now 4 and in the "big kid" classroom and will be starting Kindergarten next year. They've responded exceptionally well to the COVID19 situation and have been handling it incredibly well. Organized, efficient, and with a sense of community. We cannot say enough great things about this daycare. It's a tight-knit group of kids, and you feel the warm, nurturing, and supportive environment the moment you walk in. Our daughter is very outgoing, happy-go-lucky and well-rounded thanks in large part to the staff and upbringing she has experienced at My Friend's House. The classroom sizes are small enough where the teachers get to know the kids well and do a great job keeping an eye on them. There are activities each month, age-appropriate curriculum to help support them and the hours are great. The school is part of the campus of the church, and it is a very welcoming environment for everyone of all faiths and beliefs. A warm, welcoming environment. They also offer extra-curricular activities that should start back up once things settle with COVID. If you have any questions about whether you'd like to send your children to My Friend's House, I would be happy to speak more about it. Feel free to reach out to me and I can share more.

My daughter (who is 20 months at the time of this review) has been at MFH since she was three…read moremonths old. The Good: - The teachers have a genuine love for the kids and really nurture them. I see it in every teacher who has watched over my daughter, and for me, that kind of genuine affection was the deciding factor when I did my (exhaustive) childcare search. - I find a non-profit childcare setting to be a more positive, personal experience as compared with the for-profit centers I toured. - The majority of the teachers have been at the center for years -- many have put their own children through MFH. They're treated well by the administration and repay it with loyalty. The only comings and goings my daughter has experienced have been due to chronic illnesses or someone moving away to be closer to family. - The typical ratios are actually a bit lower than the state mandate, and the center is diligent about maintaining them. - There's a strong sense of community. There is a fall festival, class parties for major holidays, and the kids get little events like a pony rides and fire truck visits there at the church which they really enjoy. There are school-wide work days where parents and teachers alike pitch in to spruce up the center, and it feels good to be a part of that kind of cooperation. The Not So Good: - The administration is terrible at communication. If you want to know something, you have to bug them repeatedly and proactively seek information. Twice now my daughter has been bumped up to the next age group classroom and I was lucky to get a week's notice that it was happening. Not cool. Likewise, I have had several times that I've had to get personal contact information for my child's caretakers because the administration wasn't bothering to tell them what was going on when I called in sick. - The menu could be greatly improved from a nutrition perspective. Granted, I'm a bit of a nut on that point, and technically their food program meets federal nutritional guidelines. But the canned veggies and fruits and the pervasive eggos/french toast sticks/hot dogs/quesadillas bug me. I feel that the "give 'em what they'll eat" approach has really hampered my efforts at home to expose the munchkin to a wider variety of foods. They also basically require the kids to be on the meal plan, and there's not a storage option for bringing your own food. I had to get a DOCTOR'S NOTE just to request that my daughter not be served juice. It's quite silly. Overall, I'd recommend MFH. I've been happy with my experience there despite the occasional frustrations!

My son thrives on the love and personal attention he's received since he started attending PK2 more…read morethan two years ago. Being the parents of an only child, my husband and I were unfamiliar with how little idiosyncrasies in his behavior were of some concern on a larger scale. We just thought his younger age was the reason. At the end of the spring semester, both his PK2 teacher and school director, Amber, brought it to our attention with the utmost respect and love. Upon returning for his PK3 year, his new teacher and Amber addressed it again with the same respect and care saying that he may benefit from further evaluation from his pediatrician. Speaking from personal experience, this was THE BIGGEST BLESSING we could have received for our child. We saw his pedi, followed up with more professionals, and he has improved drastically in less than a year and a half. We want what's best for our son, and it is so apparently clear the loving staff at this school sincerely wants what's best for him and every child there. I find the teachers very approachable, Amber is always around for a conversation with little ones and parents and her door remains open all day (unless she's in a very rare personal conference, like the ones we had about our son's social development), and they have been the best at improvising given the Covid19 quarantine. They are sending daily pre-recorded lessons from his teachers for my kiddo (can't get enough of his music class or storytime!), and they gave us the option to withdraw while still holding our place for semesters for which we've already registered. A rumored claim I'd like to clarify from a reliable authority on the issue is that teachers were given the option to stay home during the outbreak while maintaining employee status and their health insurance. Given all the options some workers face at this time, staying home unpaid, while keeping health insurance, is better than being unemployed. It reassures me that the administration's loyalty to the teaching staff is of utmost importance for the social and emotional wellbeing in the young students who rely upon that stability. I recommend this school to everyone with room in their hearts for God's message. The preschool alone lays such a balanced foundation of faith, love, and service to others. They have been a cornerstone in our son's social, emotional, physical, and faith-based development.

My son went to this school k-5th grade, I totally regret this decision the gym teacher Mrs. Redmond…read morevery poor attitude rude towards students and parents very disrespectful she likes to pick on students, teacher quality is very bad you don't get what you pay for, the school is very run down, there was a different principal there back then then there is now, a lot of issues at the place your better off at a different school like great hills or public school, if I could do it over again I wouldn't have put my son at this school!! Beware that reviews on this school deleted bad reviews because my previous one years ago they deleted they don't want peoples true experiences on here!

Very friendly staff. Good seats. I am seeing H.M.S Pinnacle. It's a quaint theater.It was cool that…read morethey had a pre Talk. I learned a lot about this show from director and actresses. It is relevant to today. The director directed it 80 times. It's interesting.

Actually the most ass school ever bro They took our hour…read morelong lunch for a useless fucking advisory period and they used to have this lady that would look over stall doors to catch kids vaping as an assistant principal. Half of the teachers hate their job and no one knows why they're still here bc teachers get paid nothing... don't send your kids here

At the heart of the Brentwood and Crestview neighborhoods, Brentwood Elementary is one of the best…read morekept secrets in Austin. Brentwood was built in 1951 and hasn't changed much since then. The classrooms are quaint, the teachers are friendly and communicative, and the administration is extremely pleasant to work with! We love Brentwood for their commitment to building community both in and outside of the classrooms. The emphasis on lifeskills (like integrity, honesty, courage, etc) and the Tribes curriculum have spilled over into our daily home life. I catch my kids saying, "Mom, thanks for displaying the lifeskill of friendship by making macaroni for lunch!" Sounds dorky, but it has worked for us! We also love Brentwood's diversity, both economic and racial, and the extra mile that the teachers and staff put it to build bridges across the divide. We're proud to say that our kids will attend through the 2020's (damn, we're gonna be old)....

Our current 7th grader attended Brentwood for 4th and 5th grade. We loved the community, the…read moreteachers, the music teacher, the physical education, the effort that was made to go green! Our 4 year old will be attending Kindergarten next year, and while some of our neighbors have chosen Gullett, I am truly commited to Brentwood. The diversity there is very important to my husband and I and my now 7th grader really learned a lot about other cultures. Highly recommended. Why drive to another school when it is in our neighbor and walking distance. We love Brentwood!