Austin Waldorf School
Austin Waldorf School is a private, non-profit PreK-12 school in Austin, Texas, serving approximately 405 students with Rudolf Steiner-based Waldorf pedagogy across a 33-acre campus. The only fully accredited PreK-12 Waldorf program in Texas, it offers holistic education, arts integration, and a 100% college acceptance rate.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1980
- HeadquartersAustin, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Austin Waldorf School does
Austin Waldorf School is a private, independent, non-profit PreK-12 school located on a 33-acre campus at 8700 South View Road in Austin, Texas. Founded in 1980 by Helen Steele following years of advocacy beginning in 1973, the school serves approximately 405 students across five divisions: Early Childhood, Lower Grades (Grades 1-5), Upper Grades (Grades 6-8), and High School (Grades 9-12). It is the only fully accredited PreK-12 Waldorf program in Texas, holding accreditation through the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA), the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America (WECAN), and the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS). Governance is through a Board of Trustees, with Dr. Michelle Purgart serving as Head of School and Jeffrey Solomon as Chief Strategic Finance and Operations Officer.
The school delivers Waldorf education grounded in Rudolf Steiner's pedagogical principles, characterized by the Class Teacher model (a single teacher remains with their students from Grades 1-8), Main Lesson Blocks (90-minute immersive daily lessons on a single subject for three to four weeks), and a deliberate "slow technology" approach that minimizes screen exposure in early years. Curriculum integrates academics with arts (music, theater, visual arts, handwork, woodworking, blacksmithing, eurythmy, weaving), Spanish and German language instruction beginning in early grades, orchestra from Grade 3, and competitive athletics through the Roadrunners program. High school offerings include college counseling led by Ryan Phillips, international exchanges with Waldorf schools in German and Spanish-speaking countries, and a four-year work-experience internship sequence covering farming, small business, human services, and independent exploration.
Revenue is generated primarily through annual tuition (ranging from $18,297 for half-day kindergarten to $28,015 for high school for 2026-2027), student fees ($450-$1,380), and athletic fees ($175-$275 per sport). As a 501(c)(3) (Tax ID: 74-2176835), the school supplements tuition with donations via the Austin Waldorf Fund, endowment, planned giving, and the "Foundations of the Future" capital campaign. The school accepts Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) starting 2026-2027, admits F-1 international students with a $2,500/semester international fee, and plans to launch an on-campus boarding program in 2027-2028 at $15,000/year (homestay option at $1,200/month). Administrative technology includes Canvas LMS, RenWeb/PowerSchool for admissions, FACTS Tuition Management, and SSS for financial aid processing.
Austin Waldorf School firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Austin Waldorf School
- Legal name
- Austin Waldorf School
- Website
- https://austinwaldorf.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1980
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Austin Waldorf School is a private, non-profit PreK-12 school in Austin, Texas, serving approximately 405 students with Rudolf Steiner-based Waldorf pedagogy across a 33-acre campus. The only fully accredited PreK-12 Waldorf program in Texas, it offers holistic education, arts integration, and a 100% college acceptance rate.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Austin Waldorf School industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Independent Private K-12 Education
- NAICS
- Elementary and Secondary Schools (611110)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Waldorf/Steiner K–12 Schools (EDAJABAE)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Waldorf/Steiner Preschools (EDACABAE)
Keywords
Where Austin Waldorf School is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Austin
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Austin Waldorf School business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Tuition: Annual tuition for PK-12 education, with different rates for kindergarten (half-day and full-day), grades 1-5, grades 6-8, and high school. Covers classroom instruction, registration, camping trips, field trips, class play productions, and in-school festivals.
- Boarding Program: On-campus boarding house for domestic and international high school students launching 2027-2028. Room and board at $15,000/school year or homestay at $1,200/month. Separate international fee of $2,500/semester.
- Student Fees: Additional fees supporting classroom materials and experiences, ranging from $450 (kindergarten) to $1,380 (grade 12). Includes athletic fees ($175-$275 per sport), international fees, and one-time catch-up class trip fees for new students.
- Donations and Development: Austin Waldorf Fund (annual giving), endowment/planned giving, and capital campaign donations. Tax-deductible contributions (Tax ID: 74-2176835). Monthly giving options available. Corporate matching programs supported.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Half-Day Kindergarten |
| Subscription | Annual | Full-Day Kindergarten |
| Subscription | Annual | Grades 1-5 |
| Subscription | Annual | Grades 6-8 (Middle School) |
| Subscription | Annual | High School (Grades 9-12) |
| Subscription | Annual | Boarding House |
| Subscription | Monthly | Homestay |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Austin Waldorf School product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Austin Waldorf School delivers a private, independent PreK-12 Waldorf education on a 30+ acre campus in Austin, Texas. Its core offering is a holistic, arts-integrated curriculum structured across Early Childhood, Lower Grades (1-5), Upper Grades (6-8), and High School (9-12), supported by athletics, college counseling, international exchange, and a boarding program launching in 2027-2028. The school is the only fully accredited PreK-12 Waldorf program in Texas.
Product overview
Austin Waldorf School is a private, independent PreK-12 Waldorf school offering a holistic educational program structured into five main divisions: Early Childhood (Preschool & Kindergarten), Lower Grades (1-5), Upper Grades (6-8), and High School (9-12). The school employs a unique Class Teacher model where teachers remain with their students through multiple grades, combined with Main Lesson blocks for immersive learning. Auxiliary programs include college counseling, international exchange, work experience internships, competitive athletics (Roadrunners), and comprehensive arts education. A boarding program is planned for launch in 2027-2028. The school operates on a 33-acre campus and maintains accreditation through AWSNA, ISAS, and WECAN.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Early Childhood Program (Preschool & Kindergarten) A Waldorf-inspired early childhood program serving children ages 3.5 to 6, including preschool and mixed-age kindergarten. Features play-based learning, nature connection, daily rhythms, arts and crafts, cooking, gardening, and eurythmy movement.
- Lower Grades Program (Grades 1-5) Elementary school program (Grades 1-5) following the Waldorf Class Teacher model where each teacher remains with their class through multiple grades. Features Main Lesson blocks, world languages (Spanish and German), orchestra instruction starting Grade 3, handwork, and a comprehensive academic curriculum.
- Upper Grades Program (Grades 6-8) Middle school program (Grades 6-8) offering increased academic challenges aligned with adolescent development. Includes advanced sciences (physics, geology, astronomy), world languages, Cyber Civics digital citizenship curriculum, orchestra, band, and competitive athletics.
- High School Program (Grades 9-12) Four-year high school program (Grades 9-12) with Main Lesson blocks and skills classes. Includes college counseling, international exchange programs, work experience internships, practical arts (blacksmithing, weaving, stained glass), and 100% college acceptance rate.
- Boarding Program On-campus boarding program for domestic and international high school students, launching 2027-2028. Includes dormitory or private room accommodations, shared community spaces including a pool, and on-site host parent supervision. Boarding house: $15,000 per school year; Homestay: $1,200 per month.
- College Counseling Comprehensive college counseling program that formally begins in junior year with weekly guidance classes on college admissions and gap year planning. Includes campus visits, test prep resources, and individual family meetings. Directed by Ryan Phillips.
- International Exchange Program Foreign exchange program connecting high school students with Waldorf schools in Spanish-speaking countries (Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Guatemala, Spain) and German-speaking countries (Switzerland, Germany). Exchanges typically last 6 weeks to 3 months, usually during sophomore year spring semester.
- Work Experience Program High school internship program with grade-specific placements: Grade 9 Farming and Food Systems, Grade 10 From Raw to Refined (makers/small business), Grade 11 Human Services, Grade 12 Independent Exploration. Each year includes a 40-hour unpaid internship.
- Athletics Program (Roadrunners) Competitive athletics program including middle school and high school sports. Sports include basketball, volleyball, track and field, flag football, ultimate frisbee, archery, acrobatics, team handball, and more. Athletic fees: $175 per sport (middle school) and $275 per sport (high school).
- Summer Camp (Camp Roadrunner) Summer camp program including Summergarden Camp and themed weeks like Animal Adventure Week. Open to various age groups with activities such as arts, outdoor play, and nature exploration.
- Juniper Tree School Store School store founded in December 1992 by devoted parents, offering curated books, toys, and handmade goods. Includes both a physical store and online presence at junipertreestore.com.
Quantifiable outcome
- 100% college acceptance rate
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Austin Waldorf School
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Austin Waldorf School technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration4 records
Feature3 records
Austin Waldorf School partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- WECAN (Waldorf Education Certification and Accreditation Network)coreAccreditation and certification body for Waldorf education. Austin Waldorf School holds full accreditation through WECAN.
- AWSNA (Association of Waldorf Schools of North America)coreNon-profit membership organization of independent Waldorf schools. Austin Waldorf is a full member of AWSNA, founded 1968 to support and strengthen Waldorf education.
- ISAS (Independent Schools Association of the Southwest)coreRegional accreditation body for independent schools in the Southwest. Austin Waldorf School holds accreditation through ISAS.
- Waldorf Schools in German-speaking countriesminorExchange partner schools in German-speaking countries including Berne, Freiburg, Darmstadt, Überlingen, Stuttgart, Schwäbisch Hall, and Munich. Students participate in 6-week to 3-month exchanges, staying with partner families.
- Waldorf Schools in Spanish-speaking countriesminorExchange partner schools in Spanish-speaking countries including Buenos Aires, Lima, Chia, Cali, Fraijanes, and Lugo. Students attend partner school and live with host families during exchange periods.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves14 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Austin Waldorf School competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Denver Waldorf School: Denver Waldorf School is an AWSNA-accredited PreK-12 Waldorf school serving the Denver metro; directly comparable on pedagogy, regional independent-school market, and tuition tier to Austin Waldorf.
- Shining Mountain Waldorf School: Shining Mountain Waldorf School (Boulder, CO) is an AWSNA-accredited PreK-12 Waldorf school of similar mid-size scale (~300 students), making it a tight peer for enrollment, tuition, and outcomes benchmarking versus Austin Waldorf.
- Rudolf Steiner School: Rudolf Steiner School in New York City is one of the founding U.S. Waldorf schools (est. 1928) and a directly comparable PreK-12 Waldorf peer for benchmarking curriculum, faculty culture, and tuition pricing at scale.
- Waldorf School of the Peninsula: Waldorf School of the Peninsula (Los Altos Hills, CA) is a large AWSNA-accredited PreK-12 Waldorf school in a tech-dense metro — directly comparable on pedagogy and serves as a useful proxy for how Austin Waldorf competes against STEM-forward incumbent schools.
- Green Meadow Waldorf School: Green Meadow Waldorf School in Chestnut Ridge, NY is one of the largest AWSNA-accredited PreK-12 Waldorf schools in the U.S. and a leading benchmark for curriculum, faculty training, and outcomes comparable to Austin Waldorf's full PreK-12 offering.
- The Austin International School: The Austin International School is a private PreK-5 bilingual (French/English) school in Austin; comparable on private independent K-12 positioning in the Austin market and on its international exchange orientation overlapping with AWS's foreign-language and exchange programs.
- Hill Country Waldorf School: Hill Country Waldorf School (Boerne, TX) is another AWSNA-affiliated Waldorf school in Texas serving PreK-8; directly comparable on pedagogy, accreditation body, and regional Texas market, though AWS is the only one offering a full PreK-12 pathway.
- Houston Waldorf School: Houston Waldorf School is a Waldorf K-12 in Houston, Texas — the most directly comparable peer because it operates the same Rudolf Steiner pedagogy in the same state, serving families seeking an alternative to conventional education in a major Texas metro.
Broad incumbents
- Regents School of Austin: Regents School of Austin is a K-12 classical Christian independent school in Austin competing for similar tuition-paying, philosophy-driven families who might otherwise choose a Waldorf education.
- St. Andrew's Episcopal School: St. Andrew's Episcopal School is a large, well-established PreK-12 independent school in Austin competing for the same tuition-paying family pool as Austin Waldorf but offering a college-prep rather than Waldorf curriculum.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Austin Waldorf School social profiles
Digital presenceAustin Waldorf School compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Austin Waldorf School financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Austin Waldorf School leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Austin Waldorf School funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Austin Waldorf School M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Austin Waldorf School
What does Austin Waldorf School do?
Austin Waldorf School delivers a private, independent PreK-12 Waldorf education on a 30+ acre campus in Austin, Texas. Its core offering is a holistic, arts-integrated curriculum structured across Early Childhood, Lower Grades (1-5), Upper Grades (6-8), and High School (9-12), supported by athletics, college counseling, international exchange, and a boarding program launching in 2027-2028. The school is the only fully accredited PreK-12 Waldorf program in Texas.
Is Austin Waldorf School a public or private company?
Austin Waldorf School is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Austin Waldorf School founded?
Austin Waldorf School was founded in 1980. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Austin Waldorf School based?
Austin Waldorf School is headquartered in Austin, United States, in the North America region.
How does Austin Waldorf School make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Tuition is the primary driver. The others are boarding Program, student Fees and donations and Development.
Who are Austin Waldorf School's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Denver Waldorf School, Shining Mountain Waldorf School, Rudolf Steiner School, Waldorf School of the Peninsula, Green Meadow Waldorf School, The Austin International School, Hill Country Waldorf School and Houston Waldorf School. Broad incumbents are Regents School of Austin and St. Andrew's Episcopal School.
Does Austin Waldorf School have an API?
No public API is recorded for Austin Waldorf School.
What industry is Austin Waldorf School in?
Austin Waldorf School's product category is Independent Private K-12 Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAJABAE, Waldorf/Steiner K–12 Schools, with a secondary code of EDACABAE, Waldorf/Steiner Preschools. Its NAICS code is 611110 and its SIC code is 8200.