Oak Ridge Academy

"We’ve been at Oak Ridge since the beginning and it’s been exactly the kind of school we’ve been dreaming about for our kids since they were babies. They’re learning things that interest them, not just things to memorize for tests. We’ve had the flexibility to adjust attendance as needed for different therapies and family obligations without the worry of our kids getting penalized for their absences. Kids here are encouraged to be their unique selves. They get to dress in clothes that make them feel comfortable and express their individuality. They’re allowed to bring toys and comfort items. They bring lunches that aren’t monitored by the adults. They are allowed to eat anywhere on campus that is within the safety bounds. Basically, this school trusts each kid to know what their body needs best, and I think that helps every single one of them to go beyond what they might’ve been able to at a public school. You know Maslow’s hierarchy of needs? And how people can’t progress to the higher levels until the lower levels are met? The lower levels get met here. I see the learners at this school THRIVING. The guides (this is what the teachers are called) are kind, caring, and they know our kids. The ratio is small enough that you know your child is getting individualized attention and guidance in the lessons they choose to learn. The community here is small and tight knit, which really helps this school feel like more than a school. I’ve made some wonderful friends here with the other parents and the guides. I really don’t picture us going anywhere else for our kids’ education."

"As a tenured professor of psychology and a clinical psychologist with 20 years experience helping families impacted by addiction and mental health, I decided to pull my oldest kid from the public school system when they were not thriving despite 504/IEP accommodations. Moving to a micro-school was a huge shift in my parenting plan and philosophy, and it was a scary leap. Stephanie and the other guides helped me and my kid transition with compassion, kindness, acceptance, and transparency. I never thought that changing schools could make such a profound impact on my kid’s mental health, confidence, AND academic development. Our family is forever grateful for finding Oak Ridge."

"This school is everything you want it to be. Literally. The children plan their own projects, do their own research, and give their own dissertations. With parental input at such microlevels, you would think this would create conflict, but all I see when I am there are happy, unstressed children, who enjoy being at their school. The management is always available for discussion and is very hard working. Parental involvement is very much encouraged and appreciated. If you want your child to do as they are told, send them to public school. If you want them to learn how to teach themselves, Oak Ridge Academy is for you."

"Life changing for us!!! We always had a goal of homeschooling our kids but it was such a struggle. We lived on beautiful acreage in Leander but our kids were isolated and trying to give them lessons left us all frustrated. We applied and got invited to join the Oak Ridge community and our two kids have been thriving in amazing ways! We moved to a neighborhood that we love but nature still gets to be a big part of their lives because of the 5 acres of woods that Oakridge calls home. They are no longer isolated! They have a close knit group of fellow learners, friends and even other kid’s parents that they know and interact with! And learning is no longer frustrating because they follow their interests and learn at their pace. They also get to learn by doing. Last session they were tasked with creating their own business starting with concept and following through to profit! If you’re looking for an amazing alternative to the government school system this is the one!"

"They expelled my son last year when we refused to make him wear a mask when he wasn't sick. They think CDC recommendations are more trustworthy than the state of Texas' recommendations. Stephanie was robotic and unmoved by our pleas for an exception and none of the other parents spoke up either. She is from California and it shows. If you want California values for your kids this is the place for you. My son was devastated that they did this to him because of the beautiful surroundings they have. We were able to find another microschool for him in Leander that aligns with our values."