We absolutely love Kirby Hall. It has been a great fit for our child, who transferred from a strong public school that wasn't able to meet his needs academically. He came in passionate about math, art, and sports and in the time he's been at Kirby, he's grown to love history, Spanish, and drama. He's developed deeper skills as a writer and his passion for reading and discussing diverse books has expanded tremendously. His classmates are academically curious and creative: they have the opportunity to write, perform, and build for the stage each semester. Their grade-level performance yesterday was incredibly funny and sweet, definitely exceeded my expectations! Overall, Kirby Hall is academically rigorous and welcoming, the teachers and staff are kind, accessible, and open, and the athletics are inclusive, positive, competitive, and well-run by the excellent PE teacher. The teachers and staff know each child so well and work hard to bring out the best in each-- and they chat easily with parents in the hall after school. The education has inquiry-based components, and they take multiple field trips each semester. The academic offerings for upper grades are constantly evolving as they are building a thoughtful and unique middle school. Most faculty have advanced degrees. I can't imagine a better education. I'd recommend Kirby Hall to anyone looking for a well-rounded, rigorous, inspiring education for their child. read more

"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 the type of school experience we as parents were hopeful for, 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. It's only our first year and we can't believe the difference. read more

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This is our third year at Kirby Hall, and we are very happy. We came for the small classes and academics. We have stayed not only for those things but also for the culture of kindness, the great communication with teachers and administration, and the sense of community. Every teacher has been patient, empathetic, and caring. The same is true for the head of school and everyone in the administration. I highly recommend as a parent. read more

We transferred in mid-year in 1st grade. Wow. Our kiddo begrudgingly attended his first two schools and one pre-K, so it is truly a testament to Kirby Hall that he is excited to arrive (he runs in from the car every morning). The built environment is unparalleled, the academics are rigorous without being overly-ambitious, and the community is warm and welcoming. I wish we would have started here in PK4 but suppose our first few experiences were necessary to appreciate how unique and wonderful Kirby Hall School is. read more

Kirby Hall School is a wonderful, special place. Our children have received excellent academic instruction and creative arts education from wonderful, committed faculty and staff. read more

Our son joined Kirby in third grade. He was a very good student but falling through the cracks at his old school because he wasn't a squeaky wheel. He also was anxious every day at his old school because of the social dynamics---kids teasing, etc. The transformation at Kirby was almost immediate. He went from dreading school to looking forward to it. Now we're entering sixth grade at Kirby. We couldn't be happier. Super supportive faculty and administration. High academic standards plus real community and a spirit of kindness. read more

Precious school. Kids are encouraged to be kind to others in addition to having a more personal education, due to the excellent teacher/student ratio. read more

Our son started Kirby Hall this past school year in 3rd grade after spending his first 3 years of school in our local public school. While we loved our public school, he was not being challenged and was getting bored and started disliking school. We are not private school snobs. Both my wife and I are public school products and our oldest daughter is finishing 7th grade at a public school ... but this was just not a good fit for our son. When we started looking at other options, a friend told us about Kirby Hall. We are so glad we looked into this school! Fast-forward a full school year and our son is thriving. Not only is he being challenged in the classroom, but he is enjoying learning and school. Everyday he comes home and makes some sort of comment about how awesome his teacher is or tells us about a cool thing he learned in class. This is a kid who used to come home grumpy most days while stating that he hadn't learned anything. He even takes it upon himself to do his homework without us prodding him! Not only are the academics top notch, but they kids get plenty of outside time throughout the day (this seems like a shrinking occurrence in public schools). My son's peers are bright and eager to learn. The teachers are creative and passionate about their craft. The location is as central as you can get, too! read more

Many people call this place "The Hogwarts of Austin" and it's 100% accurate. Kirby Hall is housed in a beautiful 1920's brick building and reminds me of old private schools found in the northeast. It is charming and quaint. The halls are filled with bright, curious children and highly qualified teachers that are confident and relaxed. Everyone treats each other with respect and kindness (adults and children alike). The Head of School is extremely passionate and involved but she doesn't micromanage and gives her teachers the freedom to teach what they love. Kirby Hall is academically challenging and perfect for children that love to learn. After a few disappointing experiences at public schools and another private school in Austin, we're so grateful to have found Kirby Hall. Our son (5) and daughter (12) both love it. read more

Background: We have experienced both public and private schools at the elementary and middle school levels. We have 2 kids - one in 6th and one in Primer. Kirby Hall School provides individualized academic experiences due to its small class size coupled with incredibly overqualified, committed and passionate teaching staff. The teachers have the chance to really get to know your kid - what they are good at and where they need help. And they are committed to continuously challenging your kid to fulfill their potential. The overall environment could not be more welcoming and inclusive. Unlike many of our previous schools, we felt at home almost immediately. And the staff know every child and every child knows they have someone to go to when things aren't going well. The head of school loves these kids like they are her own. And she loves the school as well. And it comes thru in everything they do. KHS is unique in Austin. There are plenty of other good schools - but none of them offers the same level of education and experience offered by Kirby Hall School. read more

We love Kirby Hall school. I read the review by Ron prior to enrolling our child and then spoke to other parents actually at the school. Ron's experience seems to be in the minority. Our child is now in her third year there and everything has been great, both academically and socially. Since we are still in the middle school grades I cannot attest to the experience of HS and more advanced classes. However, I do know that my child, when compared to other kids the same age, is covering much more advanced materials and reading at a much higher level than her public school cohorts. And she came from a really good public school, Casis, but definitely had to up her game a bit to meet Kirby Hall Standards. In middle school she is covering some of the same material one of her siblings is covering in first year HS. Some of the other complaints Ron listed have not been seen by us. We've only been there 3 years but in that time have only seen one teacher turnover. And two teachers leave on maternity but then come back. The non teacher staff is incredibly supportive, on top of each and every child, we are never left with lingering questions or concerns and problems are dealt with immediately. Some of the other complaints, like the bible thumping sermon at graduation has also not been seen. We are not religious and before enrolling my child I wanted to make sure that my child would be taught various topics, like science and health, in a secular manner. I also wanted to make sure the school would be accommodating to other cultures as well as non discriminatory for all people in our society, people of color, LGBT, etc. I wanted my child to be in an inclusive environment. I have been more than satisfied in how this is handled by the school. There are children and families from all over with many backgrounds. Maybe in 09 when Ron's review was written that was the case, but I have not seen it in recent years. The 'begging for money' part...well welcome to the world of private schools. This is the 4th private school for our family and I can tell you, it is the same everywhere, running a school is expensive and they all need the money. And comparatively, the tuition for Kirby is less than most in the area. And the part about the kids being on drugs, antisocial, spoiled rich kids, WOW! I haven't seen ANY of that. Kirby tries very hard to foster a community spirit, and it's small enough that everyone knows everyone. Again, the HS part might be different but it is also so small that when one says drug use was universal, ughhh, I don't even know where to start, I have heard that said about EVERY school since the 60s, and I'm tired of it. And then there is the line about his daughter's best friend who 'slept with every boy in HS'. That might actually only mean 3. It's also a really slanderous thing to say and has nothing to do with the school in particular, only with one troubled teen. A girl who should not be singled out for public review! It's the clincher point of Ron's review that made me think that he is very bitter about something and not letting it go. I think when most people consider looking at a school like Kirby they are looking for younger children, maybe through middle school. PLEASE do not let that awful review by Ron intimidate you. Most of the HS students that are there are students that have been there for years and have chosen to i in a comfortable environment. I cannot attest personally to the academics of the HS level because we are not there yet. But for grade and middle school, I have found that the learning level is high, as are the expectations of each student. If you are thinking of going, spend a day there, talk to the other parents, you will get a much better picture of how things really go. read more

The administration is dishonest. I was looking for a good school for my child to attend, and I was interested in Kirby Hall. However, I was examining the administration and faculty, and I decided to verify educational backgrounds. According to the University of Texas, Amanda Sasha Roberts did not graduate from UT like the Kirby site claims. Amanda Sasha Roberts is a teacher and a child development specialist at the school. I contacted Kirby Hall for an explanation, and the director Helen Roberts replied back that everything was fine and UT simply made a mistake. However, Helen Roberts is the mother of Amanda Sasha Roberts, and therefore I question her honesty. I believe that the students, parents, and faculty of Kirby Hall are being lied to, and I don't believe it's fair for the qualified individuals who work at Kirby Hall (the ones who actually completed their degrees). I also don't believe it's fair for the qualified individuals who applied to work at Kirby Hall, but were undoubtedly denied because Helen Roberts is protecting her daughter. read more

Similar story to Ryan P. here--our son was at a public school which we actually liked a fair bit--but we knew that in his class of 24 kids, even with a good teacher, he wasn't being particularly challenged. My wife noted that while he'd occasionally come home from summer camp gushing about something he'd learned there, this never happened at actual school. We arranged for him to have a visit day at Kirby Hall, not knowing what his reaction might be, but he was immediately revved up by the intimacy of the place and the real educational engagement he was observing within its walls. All of his, and our, misgivings about leaving his friends at public school were overwhelmed by the opportunities we saw at Kirby. I'm glad (and relieved!) to report that we've had no cause to regret that decision. It is a sweet and eccentric little community and we have felt welcomed in every aspect of it. He's enthused about his studies, and about the new pack of pals he's found there. The work can be challenging--there have indeed been nights when he felt overwhelmed by homework--but over the course of the year he's learned to manage it handily, and we have felt that teachers and administrators are sensitive to parental concerns. They do put the kids' needs first. The smallness of the school can be a mixed blessing. Certainly there are moments when we recall the advantages of a larger student body. But Kirby makes the most of their resources, and while it won't be the right fit for every kid, it is a very special little community and a great place to grow. read more

Both of our daughters attend Kirby Hall School and we have found it to be an amazing school in every way. The teachers and staff at the school are wonderful and have helped our girls grow and develop in more ways than I expected. It has been amazing to watch them develop intellectually, socially, artistically and personally while at KHS and it is great to hear them talk about it as well. I think it really says something for a school when the children love it as much as the adults and you can really feel that at KHS. I would, and do, recommend Kirby Hall School to anyone who asks me about where we send our daughters to school. If you are looking at schools in Austin it would be a real miss to not have KHS on your tour list. read more

I love the combination of a Classical approach to education, a curriculum that has been proven in some of the world's best private schools, as well as a focus on accommodating the need to challenge the academically gifted child. We love the small class sizes as well as a healthy inclusion of outdoor playtime into the school day. The fact that Kirby Hall is in such a beautiful setting close to downtown (and work) is a big plus! Kirby is a beautiful school, with devoted teachers and staff. read more

I attended Kirby Hall school for seven years and graduated from there. It was a terrific education. I got into the University of Texas, which was my school of choice, as a national merit scholar. After my excellent Kirby Hall education, I was able to place out of most of my pre-requisites: Chemistry, English, History, Math. As an alum, my favorite thing about the school is how they have kept tuition down. It's not a private school for rich kids. It's a school that a middle class family can afford. Austin is well served by this institution. I get occasional mailings from the school and every year, it seems, they win the state-wide Private School Interscholastic Association Academic Tournament, which, by that measure at least, makes it the best school in Texas. Add that to the fact that the school is financially within reach for many. This is a great place to send your children to learn. read more

We enrolled my son in the pre-school program at KHS this year and I could not be happier with the school in every way. His teacher is amazing, kind and very tuned into what he needs and how he learns. The class sizes are small (there are 3 children in Primer and 12 in Kinder.) He has learned to read and do beginning math problems in the class. I'm a bit baffled by the other review posted here as I have experienced nothing of the sort at this school. The love and support my son has received at Kirby Hall would be hard to rival anywhere else. read more

This is my daughters first year at KHS, in Pre-K. I couldn't be happier! I wasn't too sure how she would react to school for the first time, but the second we walked in to apply she was extremely comfortable and instantly got along with the other kids. The staff didn't make the process of applying tedious at all, it was really quite pleasant. My daughter both arrives, and leaves from school with a smile on her face as big as the sun, and that's what really matters to me. I must also say that everyday, she comes home knowing something new and excited to tell me all about it. The class sizes are small, and all of the kids get along as one big group. Kirby Hall School was definitely the perfect choice. read more

Kirby Hall is a great school. It is unfortunate that a few disguntled parents are on a campaign to smear this Austin Icon. The teachers are stellor. The senior lounge refered to hosted 2 national merrit seniors, both receiving multiple offers to stellor colleges! If you want a family like atmosphere for your bright and gifted student (very rigorous curriculumn) then KHS may be the right place for you. It is hard to accept if your children can't keep up and you are asked to leave-perhaps that explains the cross feelings of ill will. I agree whole heartedly walk around with out a guide and decide for yourself. Look at ITBS, PSIA, and SAT Scores someone is doing something very right!!!!! read more

My daughter is a second grader at Kirby Hall School-this is her third year at the school. My husband and I have been very happy with the school in many ways, and I believe many other parents feel in the same way. The instruction is solid. They have wonderful teachers who know how to facilitate the development of young learners' academic skills. The test results show that they easily perform at least two (often three or more!) grade levels above their actual grade levels on average. The reading and math instruction is very strong, but science and social studies are really inspiring too. My daughter wants to become a scientist in the future, and she begs us to take her to see Ancient Egypt exhibitions at museums: clearly her young mind has been inspired. Additionally, Spanish language is taught from Kindergarten, PE has a lot of heath inspiring fun activities (including Yoga), and music/drama is also an important part of the curriculum. It is through and through a solid curriculum for raising well-rounded students. The graduates of the school are doing very well. My son goes to St. Stephens and he told us that students from Kirby Hall are "ten times smarter"! In fact, our neighbor's daughter who went to Kirby Hall and then St. Stephens was a top student at St. Stephens, and currently studying Engineering at Stanford graduate school. I hear that students who stay at Kirby until they graduate high-school are doing great. For example, I heard a student got a full-ride to the University of Chicago. We have been also happy with the non-academic aspects of the school. The student body is diverse: while the majority is white, there are many other ethnic group students, and they do not make ethnic group pockets. My daughter is a half-Asian, and she is proud of her heritage, and others respect it. She is very good friends with all girls in her class and in fact, all boys too (only 12 kids in her class). The school feels like a friendly community. I feel very at ease with other parents too, because they know us and my kid very well. The teachers have been very responsive to individual non-academic issues, from conflicts with friends, to being slow finishing homework. If you are thinking of a private school, I highly recommend Kirby Hall. read more

Kirby Hall School is a wonderful school offering academically rigorous studies at the elementary level, exceptional daily spanish instruction and a strong writing program. The teachers care very much about the students and work hard to help every student be successful. My child has thrived at this school, since leaving his neighborhood public school. At the public school, I was constantly trying to advocate for my child to receive advanced lessons or more rigorous studies. The teachers did not have time to create a separate lesson plan for the gifted kids in the class. Although some AISD schools offer 'GT' classes, they often do not meet the needs of kids who like to go deep in a subject and who also learn at a very fast pace. KHS has been the perfect fit for my child. The whole focus of this school is meeting the learning needs of the individual student. The staff is very caring. We think Kirby Hall is a GREAT school at a GREAT price. read more

This review comes from a very objective parent and perspective from several school experiences around the world. Kirby Hall is very involved with each student. The intent to provide the best academic experience is very clear and the lack of apology for unimpressive sports facilities is honest. This school is about nourishing the academic, spiritual, and emotional needs of each child. My children have been in Kirby Kinder-Third and the experience has been amazing. Not only do they test in the top 2% of all students in ITBS testing, but they thrive in the warm family environment. Kids are allowed to be kids at Kirby, but moral standards are also strictly enforced. School uniforms are required as are expectations that they students and parents will support the community goals. I could not have asked for a better foundation for our children. The confidence and education supported by this school is everything we wanted. We were prepared to accept 60 minutes of homework and less facilities to achieve this incredible base in the early years of education. I have a good idea who the vitriolic reviews are and hopefully they won't stand in the way of anyones positive experience. read more

Kirby Hall High School is a gem. One really must visit to truly appreciate, but I will try to convey the magnificence in brief: Brilliant professors, small classes, amazing students, gorgeous site, perfect location for true Central Austin parents, excellent college preparation, and an education that truly open doors. read more

I am disgusted by the comments of Rita M which are completely false and misleading. Kirby Hall School is the fifth private school my children have attended and we are most impressed with the excellent education offered and the nurturing ,caring ways of the faculty and administration.KHS offers an excellent challenging education at a most reasonable tuition. I am proud to be a Kirby Hall parent. read more

Great School with the best teachers! If your looking for small private education go see KHS!

Our son started at Kirby Hall in Kindergarten and is now in 4th grade. Kirby Hall has been a terrific experience for him. Is it perfect? Nope. Is it for everyone? Nope. What school is? But Kirby Hall has always delivered what it has promised...small class size, individual instruction and loving, dedicated teachers in a home like environment. The academics are incredibly strong across the board and my son has gained such self confidence. Sending him to Kirby Hall was the right decision and if weI had to do it all over again we would do the same thing. read more

Both my children received an excellent education at Kirby Hall in a very welcoming, homelike atmosphere. I believe everyone at the school knew each child's name, whether or not they had them in class. There was a wonderful lack of materialistic and superficial values. Absolutely no one cared who had money and who did not or what anyone's racial or ethnic background might be. The love of learning for its own sake is the driving force there. There were no cliques and there was no bullying, and there was just a basic reasonableness that seems impossible to achieve in the public schools. The classes were pitched at a high level and the children invariably rose to that level. read more

My son has attended Kirby Hall for the last 6 years. He as well as both of his parents have found his experiences there to be extremely valuable. He loves his school and so do we. Every small private schools have their challenges and it is almost always fueled by the lack of funding. It's too bad that there are disgruntled parents or ex-students, but it's inevitable. Kirby Hall has won 1st place in the Private School Interscholastic Association's (PSIA) competitions year after year after year. My sons level of education is well above standard. It truly is a good school. read more

Ron M. really disturbed me with his review. I am the mother of three KH kids and a teacher myself. Out of my son's graduation class of 13, there were 3 National Merit Finalists and several National Merit scholars. All the students went on to excel in top colleges (Brown, Dartmouth, etc.)(My kids were accepted at Carnegie-Mellon, SCAD and Vanderbilt, UT and A&M) Another misconception is that these are 'spoiled rich kids.' I knew many families that did without in order to give their kids a Kirby Hall education, and Mrs. Rase works diligently to include scholarship recipients. In addition, there is usually a rich and accepting mix of races and cultures. These kids are not necessarily the ones that fit into a mold. KH attracts the bright, curious and striving. In addition, I feel that the teachers my kids had there were among the finest I have ever met; they knew the information in such depth that they could make it interesting and exciting, esp. in history, English and linguistics. They taught at KH because they wanted to make a difference. Kirby Hall taught my kids critical thinking skills; and they were forced to develop social coping mechanisms by the small number of students in their grade. (you can run away to other friends when there are many to choose from. With the 'few' you must learn to cope.) Teachers sometimes have problems accepting that money spent and material purchased do not necessarily translate into quality education; It is the relationship between a caring and gifted teacher and a bright, excited student that is the most important factor in education success. Besides, its nearness to University of Texas means that those resources are often available to them. read more

I started Kirby in 10th grade after a horrible experience at another Austin private school. I graduated in 2001. I now have a masters degree and I did not have trouble getting into college. First of all, Kirby is not expensive. I pay more than double in Houston for my son's tuition. I think the kindergarten and elementary programs at KHS are amazing. I don't really know much about the school now, but I can give an account of my experience. When I was at the school there were numerous teachers there who also taught classes at UT and ACC. They used the same books and modified the schedules for a full year as opposed to a college semester. I had to buy textbooks at the UT co-op numerous times. Science consisted of biology, marine biology, chemistry and physics. We took trips to the UT graduate research facility in Port Aransas more than once. Math was Algebra, trig, Pre calc, calculus. I did have to take pre calc through UT distance because Kirby was not teaching it, but it worked out fine. I was allowed to register for 3 science courses in one year just because I wanted to. The registration was very similar to college registration in the sense that if they aren't offering the class you need you are screwed and have to make due. I thought this was a good prep for college, because thats how it goes. At least thats how it was for me during college. As in every high school, people sleep together and there is drug use....thats where parenting comes in. I don't think it is the school's job to monitor those activities. I'm just going to address some concerns from other reviews. One poster said, "The high school science class was in a tiny little storage room off one end of the cafeteria.....daughter's sole science experiment consisted of collecting 100 different plants, identifying them and gluing them into a scrapbook." Response: Umm...the UT research facility and RV Katy in Port Aransas were used for my class on numerous occasions. In my other classes we went to the UT campus astronomy lab. We extracted DNA from plants like onions in the "tiny storage room off the cafeteria". Even after taking science classes in a state university lab, I really don't believe that the Kirby lab is lacking. I think its actually an old kitchen so they have great gas lines for the bunsen burners and when there are only 10 students its not crowded. Next comment "Remember, a LOT of these middle and high school KH students are kids who can't fit in a public school environment. They have emotional problems up the wazoo. Our daughter's best friend was on 80 mg. of Prozac, had major depression, and had sex with every boy in the KH high school. Everybody called her "the psycho." Response: This sounds like a parenting issue to me. Moving on "Drug use was universal. Remember, these are spoiled, immature little rich kids with all kinds of emotional issues, and with plenty of money to spend on whatever they think will make them happy at the moment." Response: I went there and I never did drugs, although a lot my friends did and they were very respectful of my stance on the subject. I think this is also a parenting issue. Basically, my advice as a parent and former student of Kirby would be this: if you have a GREAT public school available send your kids there so that they will have everything, however, if you want your child in private school you need to interview the school and do numerous tours. I don't think that Kirby is suited for every student and I think that parents should do their research when choosing a school. Kirby was excellent for me and if I still lived in Austin I would have my son registered there for kindergarten. read more

We moved from NYC to Austin a couple of years ago, and were worried about what we were going to do about schools. Even though we live in a top public school district, I wasn't sure it was going to be the right fit for my son. After talking to a Westlake academic consultant, as well as the admissions director at another top upper level private school, both mentioned that their best students were coming out of Kirby Hall School. It turns out they don't advertise much, because of the simple fact that they don't have to. I called them and was immediately impressed. The principal, Helen, and the admissions director, Ann, are wonderful. They impressed me so much with their knowledge and curriculum that I pulled my son out of the school he had just started losing all of our deposits, (he'd been there a week) to move him to Kirby Hall. It was worth it. He immediately blossomed, becoming a happier, more social child; everybody noticed the transformation. But not only is Kirby Hall School warm, and welcoming, allowing students to grow into themselves, it's also an academic powerhouse. I don't know how they do it, something about the place is magical. My son started in PreK and by the end of that year was working in a 2nd grade math book. Kirby Hall School is beautiful, and whimsical, and perfect for smart, curious children. They make learning fun, so it becomes part of their play. I wouldn't send my children anywhere else, and am so thankful to have found them here in Austin. read more

i have 3 kids at kirby hall. all in grades up to 5th. the school is great. no nonsense with kids. kids are all pushed to produce good work. they do great reading and writing. spanish from 1st grade. honestly, I grew up in dallas and went to public school. my 4th grader does far more complex spanish than I did in 10th grade. teachers are wonderful and they have been doing it a long time. Sure people can complain about this and that but if you want a great education for your kids then this is it. I looked at almost every private elementary school in austin. nothing compares to Kirby. Middle school thins out a little for class size but the math, history and english are second to none. Love the small classes. My kids love the school. read more

Our son attended KHS from grades 4-12, attended UT-Austin in the Liberal Arts Honors Program and is graduating this spring with highest honors in two degrees, one in history and one in rhetoric and writing. He has been accepted to Columbia Law School on a full three-year scholarship. The faculty at KHS must know something about teaching. There are problems in all educational settings. KHS is imperfect and not for everyone. However, with this being said, KHS was a special place where our son had a chance to truly connect with his teachers. He participated in many plays, musicals, field trips, PSIA competitions, etc. With the small class size, he made deep friendships that have continued and we expect some will be lifelong. We would not trade the experience our son had at KHS and are grateful that the tuition was within our reach, a middle class, two-income family that made education a priority. We didn't expect all the bells and whistles that high tuition or the funds that support public schools can buy. Before coming to KHS, our son was in another private school which was not meeting his learning needs. What we came to realize is that one size does not fit all and that it is best not to make a religion of education. There's no single answer. There are fine public school experiences and dismal ones (mine). Our friends and family members could not send their children to KHS but they are all doing well in their own situations. As parents, we must be attuned to our children and do the very best we can for them, loving them unconditionally regardless of their academic achievements. We must do the work of creating an environment that encourages love of learning, reading, exploring, experimenting (turn off the TV and get rid of the ipad), as well as ethical and moral behaviors, inculcating love and compassion for our fellow human beings. In our son's graduation announcement, we acknowledged friends, family, teachers and mentors, who have collectively helped our son on his journey. It is in the sharing that we are all enriched. Wherever you and your children are on the journey, may it be as beautiful. read more

I was a student for some of high school at Kirby Hall and I had a great experience. I was there from 2006-2009 and upon graduation got into every school I applied to, ended up going to UT on a full ride and now am on to Cornell Vet School. My boyfriend also went to Kirby Hall, got straight A's as well, went to UT on a full ride and now is going to Columbia law school on a full ride as well. We are both students who got the most out of Kirby and it has put us into two of the best colleges in our fields (Cornell is the #1 vet school, Columbia #3 law school). The small class size allowed us to do college level writing such as 25 page essays that are unheard of in other high schools, use UT's libraries and attend college lectures, and tailor the education to suit our needs. While science at the school was lacking, the professors I had both taught at ACC and UT and were able to bring us to campus laboratories to practice chemistry and genetics projects with technology that wouldn't be available else where. I also was able to travel to Italy, Mexico, and Australia with the school, with all of this provided by scholarship from members of the school community. I honestly don't understand the review below, I was in high school at that time, excelled immensely in science at UT to the point of being hired by the assistant dean to TA his physics class and really know that a huge amount of my individual and educational development came from Kirby Hall. Not all kids can make it, but the ones that do come out with a drive and education that makes them succeed. Kirby hall is a unique place where you can shape your education how you want it and develop socially outside of the standard social scenes offered by most schools. The school is small, so for your child to succeed here they need to already be independent, smart, and driven, and if they are, Kirby will be a great launching pad for what they want to do. read more