Austin Discovery School

I am a native ADS parent, having been with the school since its first year. I have seen this school evolve, watched teachers and families come and go, felt joy and sorrow over various school decisions, questioned my sanity after realizing how much money I spend on gas to manage the commute to BFE. It isn't perfect--no school is. But at the end of the day, it is still the best public school option for young children in the city of Austin. Forget the Great Schools rating, which is based on test scores. Forget your own anxiety about your kids "keeping up" academically--worry about that later when you have teenagers. My kid who started in first grade at ADS is at the top of his class now in middle school. Don't underestimate your abilities as a PARENT to influence your child's learning. Meanwhile, let them be children while you go to work. Let them cultivate a reason to want to LIVE by playing and being out in nature on this beautiful campus. Encourage the school to give them MORE freedom, not less. These teachers and administrators feel enough pressure from the state regarding their academic programs without additional pressure from parents. Early childhood is sacred and fleeting.
--Submitted by a parent

I have mixed feelings about ADS and most people I know who have sent their child there have had mixed feelings, many of whom have withdrawn their child. The philosophy of the school is one that I embrace but seems challenging for the school to implement. Academically I do not feel that my child is prepared to compete within the public school setting. I do feel that my child is able to be more creative and have more unstructured time than if he attended a public school though at times the lack of structure and lack of high academic expectations seems to be a major drawback. It often feels like the children can put anything down on paper and a party will be thrown irregardless of its' quality or the effort the child put into the project. I think this school works best for children who are highly self motivated and come from family situations that are uncomplicated. The school is also lacking in cultural and racial diversity which I find discouraging.
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school and have always been very proud to be a part of it. The emphasis on "Discovering" through learning, instead of just passing the test, supports our child in ways that the public school system wagged the finger and discouraged our child. ADS is unique, alternative, diverse and multi-cultural to just name a few positives. The down side in this beautiful system of learning is clearly that the management/admin is often not eye-to-eye with the parents or teachers needs. There is a few instances where I've felt they are all bed fellows interested in backing each other rather than the good of the school. * Maybe hiring outside your click would do the school some good* The teachers however are ROCK STARS and amazing in their efforts and commitment.
--Submitted by a parent

I am in my 2nd year with ADS,and I find the staff to be exceptionally dedicated and invested in their work.I feel good knowing that my child doesn't have to pledge allegiance to the flag/Texas or walk the straight and narrow path to get her education.It's also a school that values respect for each other AND their differences.If a parent thinks they are somehow not "hip" enough.that may be their own personal issue.I've never seen anyone express anything but good will toward each other.ADS is a very positive learning environment,in my opinion.
--Submitted by a parent

I am sorry to say our experience with ADS was similar to some of the other reviewers here in that we felt very unwelcome. We are not a completely traditional family, but if you aren't all about organic food or alternative lifestyles or boycotting Cheerios because the palm oil used in their production is killing the rainforests (this is a real example) it can feel as if you are outcast. The academics are about what you would find at other public schools from what we experienced. This school seems to be a Mecca for hipsters and hippies. That is not a bad thing, but it is certainly NOT the definition of "diverse".
--Submitted by a parent

Academically, public school has failed my gifted child. ADS also disappoints, but in a different way. Bad stuff: Classes have 2 teachers (good), but one seemed to hate kids. There is a strong emphasis on parental involvement (good) but each time I volunteered I felt very unwelcome. Teacher notes on her writing assignments were full of misspellings and bad grammar. Other work seemed to emphasize self-esteem rather than correct answers- that or the teacher was lazy. Communication is TERRIBLE. Fliers came home about events without dates, or I'd show up for something that had randomly been canceled. There are so many alternative kids that if yours doesn't have dreadlocks, or wear hemp shoes, or brings pudding in her lunch box- well she just won't fit in. My kid is very social and easily makes friends. She's a compassionate kid- it was hard to see her worry about what others think. Good stuff: The specials teachers are all AMAZING. The kids garden and go hiking. The festivals are unique and meaningful. The kids do projects for charity. Problems are worked out by the kids, not the teachers. If you want a socially diverse environment, go for ADS- just don't expect much academically.
--Submitted by a parent

My grandson is not a "traditional" student and sitting in rows of desks listening to teachers who believe they and the sole possessors of knowledge would bore him. ADS allows him to explore his interests while giving him a great education. This school is very Rogerian - where the emphasis on the student not statistical outcomes. Love this school!!

If you are looking for a place where staff goes braless, has tattoos, wears spandex, and at the ding of a chime children freeze and make the peace sign, this is the palace for you. Don t be fooled by peace and understanding. If you do not conform, the environment is manipulative on the part of the staff and shunning by the students. Like many schools that experience some success and become condescending, such is the case with ADS. They are dismissive of what the parents know about their children. There are more layers of bureaucracy than in a public school three times its size. They use the tribes program does not provide purported value for students. Its application at ADS is strictly classroom management. Many of the teachers either over control or have no control. Unfortunately for my children, they experienced both extremes. The mission statement says that they provide individualized curriculum. If your child is advanced or below, prepare to do battle just like every other public school. The cognitively guided instruction that they boast of, obviously looks good on paper.
--Submitted by a parent

this school is awesome! just the right amount of homework. the staff is very kind and helpful to every student, especially those in need. helps kids feel good about themselves with the no grade policy. just encouragement. keeps kids healthy with gardening and hikes. send your kid to this school!!!!!!!!

ADS is an awesome school. The kids not only receive an excellent academic education, but social/emotional as well. The overall culture encourages creativity, originality, and acceptance. we LOVE IT OUR SCHOOL.
--Submitted by a parent