Nestled in the city of Lakeway, Texas, The Magnolia School aims to inspire a lifetime love of learning in every child. This nurturing and innovative environment, led by Ellen Carter, Head of School; Glenn Carter, Training Director; and Meghan Tapp, Admissions Director, offers private Pre-K through Middle School education. They emphasize exploration, empowerment, and tailored learning, all backed by research and proven results.
"We are passionate about giving kids a fun and positive school experience," said Ellen. The school began in Austin, where they saw families struggling to find the right fit for their children, which led Ellen and her team to create The Magnolia School.
The Magnolia School focuses on tailoring the right methodology for each child, rather than following a general plan for a large group. Their approach to teaching is unique, particularly with the use of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). They ensure learning is exciting for their students and adjust their methods if students aren't motivated. "We really wanted to create a school where the individual’s learning path dictated their instruction," explained Meghan.
Effective teaching is emphasized, with the belief that if a student can't perform a task independently after instruction, then the teaching wasn't effective. "We make sure the kids are excited to learn, if they aren’t we rearrange to make it motivating for them," said Ellen. Combining science and education, they focus on problem-solving and individualized learning paths.
The school has numerous success stories that highlight its impact. Ellen recalled on instance, "We had a preschooler join us this spring coming from another school where she struggled to settle in and was reluctant to go. Her parents decided to start with just 2 mornings a week and by the end of week 2 she was begging to come everyday. Glenn added, "My favorite stories are when students completely change their academic profile. For example, we had one second-grade boy join our school because he was struggling to learn to read. After successful instruction, he became a vivacious reader with an insatiable appetite for fantasy."
The small class sizes and collaborative approach give teachers a deep understanding of each child's needs, which is especially beneficial for supporting children with special education needs—a priority at The Magnolia School.
Looking ahead, The Magnolia School is excited to expand its extracurricular activities to further enrich student experiences. In the fall, the school plans to offer two fine arts classes, including acting, dance, and drama, after school. Additionally, they are working on adding a chess club and have plans to participate in spelling bees and math competitions with other local schools. Reflecting on their community engagement, Meghan said, "We feel so blessed to be a part of the West Austin community. We believe that providing an alternative approach to education will greatly benefit the community by allowing each child to access academic success and develop a love of learning that will follow them throughout their lifetime, hopefully bringing innovation and creative thinkers to our community and build a fantastic future."
See what makes The Magnolia School special. Schedule a tour at TheMagnoliaSchoolATX.com, email info@theMagnoliaSchoolATX.com, or call (512) 284-8122. Discover the unique, nurturing environment at 3500 Ranch Rd 620 S Bldg G, Bee Cave, TX 78738.