We have two high-achieving kids who attend Kirby Hall School. They are not only challenged academically, but they have thrived in this nurturing and family-like atmosphere that Kirby offers. What we love most is how KHS makes learning fun! They truly enjoy going to school and gaining knowledge each day. The fabulous teachers at Kirby are underrated and really bring out the best in our kids. They also know each childs strengths and weaknesses, and they work with them on an individual basis so that these kids grow into wonderful, kind and smart adults! We are so happy to call Kirby home.

At Kirby Hall School the teachers and staff understand how to engage and teach bright students at each students individual pace. Students are challenged to think critically, ask questions and dive deep into subject matter. My son is in his third year now at Kirby Hall School and is happy as can be. He appreciates the fact that his classmates are also focused on learning, teachers and students are kind to one another and most importantly.......Kirby Hall is a fun place to be!I appreciate Kirby Hall because the teachers are outstanding and go the extra mile to deliver excellent instruction. My child is finally being challenged in Math and Science (unlike public school). Spanish is taught in a very effective manner and the students acquisition of language is rapid. The school environment is loving and nurturing. Administrators and teachers are responsive to parents.Kirby Hall students all love learning and doing their best...this type of attitude is contagious!

I attended Kirby Hall School for high school. The education was top notch. As a college prep school I entered college above my peers in terms of writing, math, and science. The school also provided experiences abroad I would not have had otherwise. The friends I made are still my friends now, and my experience there still shaping me today. I loved going to school here, it is a great fit for someone looking for a challenging academic environment but a friendly and stimulating social environment as well.

My Grandson began attending Kindergarten last year at KHS. Ann had told us they created the school just for people like my Grandson. After having him attend for a year, I certainly agree with her. We are signing him up for the first grade next year. Also It is unbelievable that the school is so close to his house and very convenient. Sometimes being a Grandparent I have had the time to stop by and join the magic there. I hope for the sake of your children, you take the time to visit them too.

My daughter is a second grader at Kirby Hall School-this is her third year at the school. My husband and I have been very happy with the school in many ways, and I believe many other parents feel in the same way. The instruction is solid. They have wonderful teachers who know how to facilitate the development of young learners academic skills. The test results show that they easily perform at least two (often three or more!) grade levels above their actual grade levels on average. The reading and math instruction is very strong, but science and social studies are really inspiring too. My daughter wants to become a scientist in the future, and she begs us to take her to see Ancient Egypt exhibitions at museums: clearly her young mind has been inspired. Additionally, Spanish language is taught from Kindergarten, PE has a lot of heath inspiring fun activities (including Yoga), and music/drama is also an important part of the curriculum. It is through and through a solid curriculum for raising well-rounded students. The graduates of the school are doing very well. My son goes to St. Stephens and he told us that students from Kirby Hall are ten times smarter! In fact, our neighbors daughter who went to Kirby Hall and then St. Stephens was a top student at St. Stephens, and currently studying Engineering at Stanford graduate school. I hear that students who stay at Kirby until they graduate high-school are doing great. For example, I heard a student got a full-ride to the University of Chicago.We have been also happy with the non-academic aspects of the school. The student body is diverse: while the majority is white, there are many other ethnic group students, and they do not make ethnic group pockets. My daughter is a half-Asian, and she is proud of her heritage, and others respect it. She is very good friends with all girls in her class and in fact, all boys too (only 12 kids in her class). The school feels like a friendly community. I feel very at ease with other parents too, because they know us and my kid very well. The teachers have been very responsive to individual non-academic issues, from conflicts with friends, to being slow finishing homework. If you are thinking of a private school, I highly recommend Kirby Hall.

My children have attended various private and public schools around Austin. As such we have a fair amount of experience in this area. We have been very happy with Kirby Hall. The classes are small, teachers give personal attention, environment is nurturing. The school is academically rigorous and we are confident that our child is getting a very good education and is far above what is taught in many public schools.

Kirby Hall School attracts smart children and most dedicated teachers. It provides an outstanding learning environment with highest academic and personal expectations. It grooms happy, well adjusted, life long learners. Our four children have attended different schools in Austin and now we have to attest that Kirby is - hands down - the place to be and be truly prepared for college.

Me and my brother went to this school for 3 years. I was there from 3rd to 5th grade, and these were the happiest years of my life. I made friends who I will love for the rest of my life, and memories to keep with me forever. The school was always so cozy, the stairs always creaked, and there was a homey smell that I still remember, 2 years later. This might be cheesy, but Kirby is the place I consider home. The teachers were so kind, my classmates were like my family, and the school was like a home. There are so many memories that seemed so small back then, but make me feel so nostalgic now. I miss after-school care, the Pitt Stop, the Volleyball team, my friends, all the teachers, and all of Kirby Hall. This is a school that will stay with you forever. We couldnt have asked for a better school! I recommend this school to kids of any age, you wont regret sending your kids here. The whole school is like one big family! We miss you and love you Kirby!!-Hannah and the Shvets family

Kirby Hall, the school my sons attend (and where I teach), is known for being academically rigorous. My sixth grader is expected to comprehend concepts and produce work of the quality, level, and volume that was expected of me in high school – and I attended good schools! The students here are enthusiastic about learning and perform beautifully. I never cease to be amazed at the grace with which they approach challenges and how they really strive to achieve at an ever-higher level.I feel as if we hit the jackpot in terms of a place for our kids to be in school. Nearly every teacher either of my boys has had has been outstanding, both personally and professionally. Most of them are veteran teachers, having devoted their entire careers to helping prepare young people for the future. When I send my boys off to class, I know that they will be in loving, caring, supportive hands, and that the school’s goal is the same as mine: to help them develop the tools – both academic and personal – that they need to grow into successful, well-rounded human beings.One part of the culture of Kirby Hall that has always impressed me is the absence of social divisions based on age, grade, gender, or any other trait. Kindergartners regularly collaborate with older elementary students, and it seems never to have occurred to a middle schooler to act superior to a younger student. Before school, at lunch, and on the playground, social interaction crosses all boundaries, and the older students are conscious and respectful of the limitations of the littler ones: the intensity of the recess basketball game is adjusted accordingly if a smaller child joins in, or the children will work together to select a book or game appropriate for all the participants. What fantastic practice for the “real world” of which they will someday be a part!Although we originally chose Kirby Hall for our children, I was overjoyed several years ago to be offered a chance to teach here! I love every minute I’m in my second grade classroom with my twelve (yes, you read that right – twelve!) amazing students. I have the freedom and flexibility to tailor my teaching methods, levels, and materials very specifically to each individual student, while at the same time enjoying the support of excellent curricula and a helpful administration. Having had previous teaching experience in a number of large public schools, I truly appreciate the value of that combination of freedom and support.We are a remarkable little community, and my family and I are so privileged to be a part of it!

As my 7 year old daughter told me today, Learners today, leaders tomorrow. This is one of the many great themes of Kirby Hall that the school embodies and the students absorb. I have been completely pleased with my daughters learning, her teachers, and the Kirby Hall staff. She has gone from being intimidated by spelling and math, to now math is her favorite class. Well, I got that out of her once, the rest of the time she says that all the classes are her favorite class. She is super excited to go to school every day, which supports my favorite quote about education, its not about filling a bucket, its about lighting a fire. Way to go Kirby Hall and Ms. McInerney and Ms. Parks!

My daughter is in 10th grade at Kirby Hall School, and we love it. Initially, I was concerned about the small size of the high school, but it has been a good thing, because it keeps the focus on academics and strong friendships instead of social drama.The Kirby Hall graduates attend some of the top universities, which isn’t surprising given that all courses are taught at honors and AP levels. The college counselor also is very experienced with the college application process and works with the students throughout their high school careers. The teachers are very bright and enthusiastic and start preparing the students for the SAT and AP exams in 9th grade.Kirby Hall also has connections with UT; the chemistry class does a lab every week, and the teacher (a neurobiology graduate from UT) can borrow lab materials from UT at no cost. Instead of world history, my daughter is taking a UT conference course in Middle Eastern studies to prepare her for her chosen career.It’s worth touring the school just to see the building, a historic UT dorm now owned by Kirby Hall. If your student wants to take all AP classes, this school should definitely be on your list.

Love KHS it is a perfect school for my daughter and a great balance of academic challenge and fun. She loves her school.

Kirby Hall is a wonderful school. The class sizes are small, allowing teachers to teach advanced curriculum and to spend individual time with students. My children (2nd and 4th grade) have learned so much here. The school community is like a second family for us. My children feel safe and secure here as they are challenged academically.

We moved from NYC to Austin a couple of years ago, and were worried about what we were going to do about schools. Even though we live in a top public school district, I wasnt sure it was going to be the right fit for my son. After talking to a Westlake academic consultant, as well as the admissions director at another top upper level private school, both mentioned that their best students were coming out of Kirby Hall School. It turns out they dont advertise much, because of the simple fact that they dont have to. I called them and was immediately impressed. The principal, Helen, and the admissions director, Ann, are wonderful. They impressed me so much with their knowledge and curriculum that I pulled my son out of the school he had just started losing all of our deposits, (hed been there a week) to move him to Kirby Hall. It was worth it. He immediately blossomed, becoming a happier, more social child; everybody noticed the transformation. But not only is Kirby Hall School warm, and welcoming, allowing students to grow into themselves, its also an academic powerhouse. I dont know how they do it, something about the place is magical. My son started in PreK and by the end of that year was working in a 2nd grade math book. Kirby Hall School is beautiful, and whimsical, and perfect for smart, curious children. They make learning fun, so it becomes part of their play. I wouldnt send my children anywhere else, and am so thankful to have found them here in Austin.

Both of our daughters attend Kirby Hall School and we have found it to be an amazing school in every way. The teachers and staff at the school are wonderful and have helped our girls grow and develop in more ways than I expected. It has been amazing to watch them develop intellectually, socially, artistically and personally while at KHS and it is great to hear them talk about it as well. I think it really says something for a school when the children love it as much as the adults and you can really feel that at KHS.I would, and do, recommend Kirby Hall School to anyone who asks me about where we send our daughters to school. If you are looking at schools in Austin it would be a real miss to not have KHS on your tour list.