Paragon Prep School is truly phenomenal, and we give it our highest recommendation! One of the first things that caught our attention when visiting schools was seeing how Paragon graduates--after high school and even college--return to visit their teachers. That speaks volumes about the lasting relationships and sense of community the school creates. We love Paragon's motto: "Work Hard. Play Hard. Be Kind." It perfectly reflects what life--and education--should be about. The school is also wonderful for busy families, offering a wide variety of before- and after-school programs, enrichment classes, sports, and summer camps. Paragon's Valor program ensures that new students immediately feel welcomed and connected. The school year even begins and ends with a pool party! There are countless fun traditions and celebrations, including Elvis Day, Chinese New Year, Día de los Muertos, and even a full week of roller skating. Students are placed into "colleges" and love earning points through school spirit, volunteering, and community service--culminating in friendly competitions to see which college wins at the end of the year. Engaging field trips are an integral part of the curriculum, and the school also offers international trips for families during the summer. We accompanied the sixth graders on a trip to Colonial Virginia, and it was a truly marvelous and enriching experience for the students and for us! Our middle school son is proud to be taking all honors classes, and even with the academic rigor, he is able to play three school sports while also practicing another sport outside of school. With Valor and study hall, students have ample time to complete homework and stay organized. We would also like to give a heartfelt shoutout to the incredible educators and staff: Mrs. Lype and Mrs. Correro for being outstanding math teachers; Coach Josh and Coach Nick for being terrific coaches; Mrs. Behr for being an inspiring World Cultures teacher and for teaching invaluable organizational skills; Mr. Wyatt for being relatable and humorous; Mr. Stubblefield for encouraging students to pursue their passions through English; Mr. Aidan for being a wonderful Valor teacher and Rutgers coach; Mr. Cory for planning impactful field trips and summer camps; Mr. Joey for being such an influential Dean of Students; and Mrs. Hay for being a truly one-of-a-kind Head of School who expands learning through meaningful travel experiences. Our son will undoubtedly become one of the many Paragon graduates who return to visit the teachers, staff, and administrators who have made such a lasting difference in his life. read more

Our son joined Paragon Prep mid-year as a 6th grader, and the experience has exceeded every expectation. In just a few short months, we've seen incredible growth--not only academically, but in his confidence, work ethic, and as an athlete. Most importantly, the joy of learning that had been lost at his previous school has been fully restored. He genuinely loves his teachers. Mr. Woffenden reignited his love for science, Ms. Lype has been exceptional both in supporting our son and communicating with us through the transition, and Ms. Behr brings world cultures to life through thoughtful, engaging discussions. Coach Matt helped him find a true home through the Geo Bee Team, and Coach Josh has already taught him so much about basketball. We also love the rich literature he's reading in Ms. Woodruff's class--and the fact that he's excited about reading again. His specials teachers--Ms. Wade, Coach Rachel, Mr. Buras, and Ms. Qi--round out an extraordinary team. Finally, Ms. Hay's leadership as Head of School is nothing short of exceptional. She leads with intelligence, clarity, and calm, and truly sets the tone for the entire community. We could not be happier with Paragon Prep and are deeply grateful for the role it has played in helping our son thrive. read more

Paragon was a great experience for both of my kids, who are very different learners. The faculty and staff are professional and go out of their way to be helpful and engaged with the kids and parents. I can't say enough good things about it. read more

Our son has just started middle school at Paragon. We have already seen such a vast improvement in his attitude towards school and enjoyment of his days. The core teachers are engaging and the lessons they are doing are impressive. My son's feedback from the first few weeks: 1. It's not chaotic 2. The kids are well behaved and kind 3. The teachers teach fun lessons. (He's a highly intelligent introvert who is very curious and interested in learning- his elementary school was loud, bright, and full with 920 students. Paragon is a much better learning environment for him!) The specials are solid at Paragon, too. Mr. C the Spanish teacher & Ms. Wade the Art teacher have captured my son's heart. If you meet Mr. C - you see IMMEDIATELY his love and passion for language and kids. He is genuine, kind, and has a personality that sucks you right in! Per stories I hear - it sounds like Ms. Wade has spotted the "new" kids lunch table and bestowed upon them a special treat of eating lunch in her room on occasion... making them feel really special and seen. Paragon is doing some really magical things.... Definitely worth checking out if you are looking for a place to send your kids. read more

We have two kids at Paragon Prep, and we couldn't be happier. They're very different learners, but both of them are thriving. It's a place that really balances things well: it's fun, supportive, and loving, but also pushes kids to challenge themselves and grow. Our kids feel happy and confident going to school each day. The teachers really get our kids. They take the time to understand how each child learns and what motivates them, and that makes such a difference. We've seen both of our kids become more curious, independent, and excited about learning. Paragon has been such a great fit for our family. It's a school that truly cares--not just about academics, but about helping kids become kind, capable humans. read more

I tried to enroll my daughter and I went to the school in March, they told me they will have an available spot for her in May, they never called me back and when I called they said it will be in June we don't know exactly when but JUNE, they told me I had to pay the application on line($175) because if not I wouldn't be on the waiting list ( which I supposed to be already) I paid and they never contacted me I was calling and calling and they always said we will call you back, that is unprofessional and isn't nice from you, you should just said you don't have under control the places you have available. I am glad I don't enroll my child there because for me it seems you just look for money. read more

We found Paragon mid-year, in the second year of Covid after a frustrating experience with another school. Paragon was a breath of fresh air for our kiddo and us. The teachers and staff are top-notch, care deeply about the students, and establish a culture with high academic expectations and all of the support the kids need to meet them. They involve the families without the pressure we've seen at other schools to continue donating money or participate in forced social events. The other families that I've met have all been easy to talk to, and down to Earth. I cannot recommend Paragon enough. read more

Paragon was the perfect home for our 8th grader. We found it during COVID and never looked back. Besides an excellent academic program, the level of genuine care, compassion, and patience the teachers exhibited with our son (who was struggling with teenage hormones and unmitigated ADHD) was a shining example of how we all hope our kids could be treated. They never stopped demanding of him, but always gently and with a smile, until he found his glide path. We are incredibly thankful to the fantastic staff at Paragon! read more

We have had a great experience at Paragon. The teachers and staff are strong across all subject areas. Our son was always into math but at Paragon he is super engaged in all his classes, including Language Arts and Social Studies. Highly recommend. read more

We're currently sending our third child to Paragon. It's truly an amazing institution. The staff is invested in every child challenging them while helping ensure they are successful in their learning endeavors. The classes are small creating an intimate hands on experience. We love the Paragon Community! read more

Paragon was a great school for both of my kids, who attended from 4th-8th grade (the younger one graduated in 2022, the older in 2019). The faculty are top-notch and do a great job of blending challenging students and supporting them effectively. My kids were both very prepared to attend an academically rigorous high school. The school also managed Covid incredibly well, transitioning quickly to online learning and then getting kids safely back into the classroom as soon as they could. Highly recommended. read more

Paragon has been very good for our daughter. What I like about Paragon is the rigorous academics combined with fun and support. It is a nice balance. read more

Do you want your child to be challenged? Live up to their full potential? Develop great relationships with teachers who will really appreciate their strengths and work to shore up their weaknesses? Make very good friends within a "family" atmosphere? Be able to play a sport even though she's not the most athletic kid around? Then Paragon is your school. We have two children at Paragon now and will put the youngest one in when he's old enough. The middle school years are crucial for so many things... social and physical changes, developing academic motivation, learning study skills that will take them through high school, college and beyond. We really feel Paragon excels in helping our kids develop in all of these areas. Instead of being in huge classes/ grades with tons of kids who are "jockeying" for social position and forming cliques, our kids have enjoyed small classes with 15-20 kids. Our daughter has 29 kids in her entire grade and knows every one of them well; she considers them like her brothers and sisters at this point, with all the good and bad siblings entail! Our son has told us that the best thing about Paragon is that already, just 10 weeks into his first year, Paragon "feels like family." Homework load is HEAVY. Middle school is a great time to make their own academic mistakes (forgotten homework, blown test, etc.) Paragon's philosophy is allow the child to make the mistakes NOW (rather than in high school where the stakes are higher) and support the child as they learn how to "right the ship." Paragon's motto is Work Hard, Play Hard... and they do. There will be long nights of challenging homework that encourages critical thinking and necessitates time management skills. Expect a minor breakdown at some point. But also watch as your child does what s/he didn't think she was capable of doing... succeeding at something very difficult. Over and over. Play Hard comes in the form of class trips that encourage bonding, competitions between "colleges" (Paragon's version of Hogwart's Houses) as they collect candy or socks for the homeless, Field Days, geography bees and Fall Fests. An unexpected benefit: Coach Bobby believes that everyone who wants to play a sport in middle school should do so... no one gets cut. My daughter, who admittedly is not very athletic, will have played on the basketball team for all three years, improving her play every year. If she was competing with 50 other kids for 10 spots on the team, she'd never have the opportunity. Middle school students are young enough that they should be trying new sports, being active and pushing their growing bodies in new ways. Paragon allows that to happen and our little bookworm is busting her butt this week to try to make the varsity "black" team. Very motivating! I can't say enough about the level of commitment Headmaster Dave McGrath has to the students and their families. When we did have an issue with a single teacher, we felt he heard our issues, wasn't defensive and handled it in a firm, fair, constructive manner. Co-founder and math teacher Mark Hathaway is wonderful as well and always has a smile on his face. They love quirky kids and work to help those kids channel those quirks into very positive, constructive outlets. My daughter will tell you that, although she wasn't happy Mom and Dad were putting her into private school when she wanted to go to our neighborhood public school, Paragon is "the best thing that ever happened to me." It's hard to top that kind of praise. read more

My review is for the primary grades. My daughter has attended 3-5 (currently in 5th) and I can not say enough about the teachers and the school! For 3rd & 4th, my daughter had Mr. Wann for science and Mrs. Pierson for Language Arts. These teachers set high expectations with behavior in class as well as classwork. The homework was manageable but on a higher level. Mrs. Pierson helped develop our daughter's love for writing and always was so encouraging. Mr. Wann is very passionate about science and it shows! I think they actually did a lab almost every week. The amount of learning that goes on in there has to be unmatched at that age in Austin. Both great teachers! My daughter had Mrs. Luther for Math and Social Studies in 4th and she is incredible! I felt the year before my daughter did ok in Math but her passion for it really didn't come out until she had Mrs. Luther! Our daughter also loved the social study projects and discussions she did in Mrs. Luther's class too! We love Mrs. Luther! This year my daughter has Mr.Cash in 5th and although he has very high expectations, he does so in a loving way and my daughter loves him too! There is a lot of memorization and tests but after stepping back and allowing our daughter to take over her learning, I've realized he is teaching her things she normally would not get until later in life. He has taught her different study strategies and she is learning what works best for her. Mr. Cash is big on life lessons too. He is amazing as well! I don't know how next year can be any better! Huge Paragon supporters!! read more

We transferred our daughter in here 2 months ago from another school in the area, and are happy with our decision. She has been pushing herself to her potential, and has really been learning how to work faster. We were initially worried, because my daughter, although bright, had some learning challenges when younger, so we were concerned that she would not be able to cope with the homework load. However, her teachers are very accessible, understanding of different children's abilities, but continue to push them hard. My daughter just made the honor role, and I am convinced that this experience will prepare her for the rigors of high school. read more

This school is such a wonderful gift to our community. It allow children to be very challenged academically, while encouraging sports activities, active play, mindfulness, and kindness. The teachers are amazing, and go above and beyond for each child. The class sizes are small, and each child really gets the attention they need. The art program is exceptional, and in all my experiences with other schools is the best I've ever seen. My children have been very happy there, and I would recommend the school to others who have children who have a curiosity of life and love learning. read more

I wish every student could experience the academic rigor, supportive community and fun that Paragon Prep has to offer. The administration is incredible, in that every detail, for both parents and students, has been thoughtfully considered. The academics are challenging and dynamic, with the work hard; play hard culture permeating throughout. Paragon's advising process on how to approach the work load, and use a planner is phenomenal. If you are considering a private school education in Austin, Tx, you will be hard pressed to find a better alternative. read more

We have four children at Paragon and have gone through both the elementary and middle school programs. We love the high standards/rigor, quality teachers, focus on each child's academic and personal growth, as well as staff and faculty who truly care about each student. Paragon also provides plenty of fun learning experiences through team/college competitions, field trips, class projects, cultural events, etc. read more

Paragon has provided my children the educational start they needed!

I highly recommend Paragon Prep to all middle school students (we went to public elementary school through 4th grade so I can only speak to 5th-8th). Their motto, "work hard, play hard" says it all. They challenge each student to do their best - academically, socially, emotionally and in sports. The teachers get to know each student as individuals and take an interest in their academic success. They use teaching methods that make learning fun and interesting so kids don't get bored. The administration listens to the ideas and concerns of parents and takes action when needed. We have a happy 6th grader who loves to go to school each day and two very successful high school students at Anderson. They were very well prepared for every aspect of high school thanks to the work they did and the TLC and rigor they got while at Paragon. read more

Paragon is a phenomenal school that excels in academics, childhood & human development, and physical exercise. I couldn't ask for a better place to have my two children. They are focused on all the right things, including strong character development. They are thoughtful in their execution of unique programs such as mindfulness, art, and team-building. They have exceptional academics, happy teachers who are talented AND fun, while keeping kids physically active and mentally engaged. What an accomplishment!! read more

This is our third year at Paragon. We have a second grader and a third grader. We heard about Paragon from several colleagues who sent their children to Paragon. Their overall message was, Paragon successfully prepares students for high school and beyond. We were looking for a school that focused on solid academics while developing the whole child. We found that school in Paragon. At Paragon, there is no fluff or wasted time in the curriculum. Even within the spirited school traditions and college competitions, there is a design for personal growth and collaboration with peers. More importantly, we value the caliber of faculty at Paragon. With the smaller class size and level of experience of each educator, students are able to have true inspiring relationships with their teachers. We feel that this is what sparks a lifelong love of learning. We are grateful to have Paragon as our children's school. read more

As a parent of a gifted child who has been at paragon from 3rd-5th grade and a former gifted/talented educator I strongly feel that Paragon is THE best private school for bright and gifted kids in the Austin area. The reasons: 1)Academic Rigor - course material is often taught a grade level above the public schools. 2)Study and Organizational Skills - from learning how to set up an essay to organizing assignments Paragon gives the structure and framework to help kids succeed in high school and beyond. 3) Social/emotional Support - from great extracurriculars such as Band and sport teams that encourage kids of all levels to come out to "colleges" - small groups where kids compete academically, athletically and in community service activities, to teachers that truly value my child, Paragon goes to great lengths to create a safe nurturing "family" where bright kids can thrive. This is truly a special school. read more

My review is for the middle school years (6th-8th grade). I have sent 2 daughters to Paragon Prep for middle school and I could not be happier with my decision. My oldest daughter completed Paragon in 8th grade and went on to a public high school where she was several steps ahead academically than her peers. My other daughter is currently in 8th grade and I anticipate the same with her. The school staff and the education they received has been and continues to be amazing. The teachers really care about the kids and work with them to make sure they succeed. I really can't say enough about how great this school has been for our children. Our 3rd daughter will definitely be enrolled when her middle school years are here! read more

(Note: This is the same review I left on a couple of school sites) I have a 9 year old daughter enrolled in grade 3 at Paragon. This is her first year of attendance. Prior to this year she spent a total of four years at two other private school in Austin. She will leave Paragon after graduating from the 8th grade (the highest grade they teach). Here's why: 1) Phenomenal academics - every subject is taught by a specialist, every child is challenged to reach their individual potential, and scores and grades reflect real learning rather than fuzzy, feel good jibber jabber; 2) Fun - they have gym twice a day! They have crazy hat day, Elvis day, Dia de los Muertos, etc, etc. They take field trips to interesting places. The school "bell" is actually rock music that is chosen by the kids. It's just fun.; 3) Character Building - the kids are taught to be disciplined, upstanding citizens that are responsible for themselves and the environment in which they learn. They aren't coddled or patronized. They are given respect and they are expected to carry themselves accordingly. 4) Money - you pay your tuition and fees and that's it. Nobody is contantly bugging you for more money. This is a very, VERY, professionally run school. I cannot recommend this school more highly. Oh...and my daughter LOVES it. read more