Austin Discovery School

"My family has really enjoyed our first year as part of the ADS community. My kiddo has made authentic friends, been nurtured by his teachers, learned so much, and had a ton of fun adventures. We're looking forward to next year!"

"Now I'd be lying if I said that the middle school is all amazing, I will admit. But I can tell you, it's hard to find an affordable safe school like ADS anywhere else. The teachers are good hearted people with good intentions and love and passion for their students. The students are people of good moral character although it is a small school. You don't come to ADS for the academics. You come to experience the joy of having a safe place to grow with kind people on your team. And even so, the academics are great. We have excellent social emotional learning and a project based learning system that is fun for kids to do. ADS has motivated me to love being at school. And truly that is the goal of every school."

"Sending our daughter to this school was the biggest mistake we have ever made. This school might be ok for a typically developing child, but is the worst nightmare for any special needs or special education student. They go out of their way to deny services, than once your child does have services they do not follow the IEP's. The teachers are out of date on essential training (like restraint training.) They also move gen ed substitutes or special education aids into special education teaching positions- without additional training. There is actually a question as to whether all their special education teachers have valid certificates and licences to teach special education. They are also very out of compliance for many procedural safe guards. Our daughter has digressed in behavior and even started showing dangerous behaviors she doesn't exhibit anywhere else but school. I could not in good conscious recommend this school to anyone- but definitely do not go to this school if your child has any disability."

"The respect for life and the environment our son has learned here would be enough to recommend ADS. We really appreciate the community and the gentle, nurturing environment provided by the school. I can't imagine our kids going anywhere else and thriving as much as they have at ADS."

"ADS is fabulous. We have been so pleased with this creative and supportive academic community. Our children are thriving with more exercise and outdoor time than the typical school; with the focus on social emotional wellbeing that creates a warm friendly student body and with an individual approach to teaching that does not use state testing as the guide but a wholistic approach to all subject levels including math and reading. Love this school and all they represent!"