Austin Discovery School

It pains me to rate ADS as below average, but in spite of effort on all fronts, the school did more harm than good for my child. We did not realize the full extent of the negative effect of his years at ADS until he began attending another school. It is my hope that things improve at ADS, but I would advise any parent considering ADS to seek feedback from families who have left the school to formulate a balanced view of its strengths and weaknesses.
—Submitted by a parent

All that on the wab page about teachers working together with parents to benefit the children is a complete farce. ADS is working for ADS to generate funding just like any other public school. As long as you don't have some idealized notion that this school is any different than any other public school, you should be fine. It probably is just as good as some public schools in Austin, but it is currently listed as academically unacceptable, so... This year they have over promised and under delivered.
—Submitted by a parent

I gree with some of the most recent postings. My son attended ADS for just one year and we've moved on, neither he nor I felt it was a good fit. Some things were minor, others not so. The lack ofcultural and racial diversity was an issue, the noise level of the classrooms affected my son's concentration, and the teachers by and large appeared unable to figure out how to positively deal with a regular boy who happens to like sports. At times it seemed like a place where the kiddos had to be overly mature for their age if they were to be happy. I felt like high achieving girls fared etter than boys. On the positive side, the aftercare program is awesome and most of the teachers are wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

My son was part of the first class at ADS and just finished sixth grade there. Overall the experience was acceptable but there were a number of areas of concern. I must say that, if it were not for my strong desire for him to go through grade school in the same setting I would have removed him from the school. One entire school year promised Friday hikes were put off almost entirely. One year I attended a parent/teacher conference and was assured that my son was well ahead of where he should be and he almost immediately thereafter failed the TAKS test. He has been made to participate in a "goth day" and was shown a graphically violent R rated movie. In the latter case it took months for the incident to receive proper attention. Time will tell if the experience at ADS has prepared my child for middle school or future challenges but I can't honestly say I would recommend the school to another parent.
—Submitted by a parent

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

ADS, as an entity, works with each child as an individual. The teachers and administration worked diligently with us to find a style that worked with my kids - much more than any regular public school would have. Because of the project based curriculum, where every activity (academic, art, music, playtime) is incorporated into the current theme (bugs, sea life, etc) there is time for the kids to have freeplay and be themselves. Courtesy, respect and generosity are part of the culture - if a kindergartner wants to play soccer with the 5th and 6th graders, they find a place for him without adult prompting. It is a good place to learn.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter just finished kindergarten at ADS. The focus on portfolio work to show a students development was great. We saw her progress throughout the entire year, and then reviewed the progress from beginning to end to see how far she has come. The teachers are very involved and care a great deal for the kids. The integrated projects go a long way to help learning (they use one focus topic for all areas of study- bug, birds, ocean, space). This provided so much continuity throughout the day and my daughter absorbed a lot of information in a fun atmosphere (lots of hands-on) My daughter is thriving at this school and we are looking forward to another year.
—Submitted by a parent

'Because we have hikes and half days on Friday---I love Austin Discovery School!' (my daughter, age 6--kindergarten). I love the school because the teachers love what they do and they are so caring and loving. They focus on nutrition (no lunchables, corn syrup, sugar or junk food allowed--for lunch, snacks, or parties) and environmental issues--zero waste lunch program. It's very diverse, and open--they community is fantastic. Their view on discipline is amazing. We love it...
—Submitted by a parent

This is one of the finest schools I have seen in a while. It is organized to help your child become a lifelong learner, not just a successful test taker.
—Submitted by a parent

great opportunities for creativity, learning and fun.

because they can incorporate all the subjects and still put an emphasis on the importance of the arts...they encourage team work and communication...they allow the children to discover new things...
—Submitted by a parent