The Khabele School in Austin, Texas

“Simply...If you're preparing your children for public high school, you might want to keep your children in public school. If you're focused on preparing your children for success in college and for a happy and self-expressed life, Khabele is excellent.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have found the lag with other schools to be true as well. Passionate teachers can inspire, but many don't know how to teach. The school does do a great job with troubled kids, but at the expense of those in the middle. Lack of consequences academically were hard for my students to reconcile. We're still recovering after re-entering the real world. A growing experience. Live and learn.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am a parent of a khabele middle schooler & we love it. It's amazing to have a kid this age who actually enjoys going to school every day! The academics are fine (on par with most schools we visited), but what really makes the school is the culture they've created. The teachers & administrators are passionate about what they do & bend over backwards to connect with the kids. The kids actually want to be there, and they're nice to each other. The school really stresses (& discusses) things like leadership, responsibility, generosity, sympathy, etc. -Which is so important. Of course, problems come up like they do at every school, but the school meets issues head-on, discussing them with students & parents & brainstorming solutions, instead of sweeping them under a carpet or drawing a line in the sand. I just wish Khabele was around when I was a kid!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My student is completing his fourth year at Khabele. We left Eanes ISD because the district could not/would meet our student's gifted needs. In Khabele, he has flourished and we are indeed blessed to have this option. I was also displeased with the public school class sizes, bullying, and focus on control rather than responsibility. The culture at Khabele is just right for our student and we also are very pleased at the safe environment. After four years, we can look back with gratitude and forward with enthusiasm. Khabele is a one of a kind school and we are so fortunate to be a part of this community.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Khabele is a microcosm of the world we live in. Unlike most private schools, the mix of intellects, interests and cultures is pleasingly diverse. Meanwhile - and exceptionally - the school is built around 'community', made up of students, teachers and parents all with the common goal of falling in love with learning. Unlike most public schools where parents are the teachers' 'enemy' or where students are met with the challenge to choose between influences of one clique or another - Khabele functions as a true family committed to everyone's success. Are there misfits, trouble makers and distractions that need to be addressed? Of course! After all the centerpiece of the community are school aged kids learning how to make better choices and function with integrity. As for me, I'd rather have my child learn these valuable lessons in a safe, committed environment. Khabele offers that.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My kids couldn't be more different from each other, but the unique educational approach at The Khabele School has had a profound, positive impact on both of them. The teachers here are so energetic, caring, involved and available. Homework is relevant and not burdensome, busy work. I most enjoy watching my kids work their way independently through Project Week - the exploration of a subject of their choosing, from finding a mentor to the final report. The project can be a failure but still be a learning success!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The Khabele School is a little known gem located in central Austin. Students are given numerous opportunities to pursue Advanced Placement and/or ACC credits if applicable (Our daughter is a junior and has 5 advanced classes.). College planning, a sense of community, and a faculty that demonstrates dedication and best practices daily make this academically challenging environment enjoyable. Most importantly, progressive onsite leadership lends a consistent and supportive framework for faculty and student collaboration. This is a school where passions are uncovered, expectations are high, and students develop into self motivated learners-committed to making the world a better place. You owe it to your family to visit Khabele and form your own opinion. We have only one regret-we wished we had found it sooner!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Khabele School offers a rich and diverse culture. Students are challanged to to be compassionate, kind, and supportive of one another. I do not know of another school that supports personal growth and honors diversity like Khablele. If you want a well rounded child who feels connected to the diverse world around them and also feels a level of acceptance and comfort with their inner self send them to Khablele!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our daughter is a Khabele graduate ('09) and a freshman at the prestigious Smith College. While at St. Stephen's,one of the 'best' college prep schools in Texas,she was paralyzed with the crushing 'busy work' most people believe is crucial to college success.At Khabele,the workload was challenging but not overwhelming...giving her the chance to fall in love with learning. And,boy, did it work! At Khabele,she learned how to nurture her own self esteem and confidence and she even developed a student mentorship program, became a student teacher, and founded the theater program...all of which earned her their Freedom Award for Leadership Excellence. Using those same skills in college,she makes good grades,is a senator of her dorm and has earned a weekly column in the school paper all.We never dreamed she would attend an Ivy League school! We are forever grateful to Khabele for preparing her so well for college and for life. Thank you!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We live in Eanes ISD and after experiencing that district we enrolled our student in Khabele. Five years later, we know it was the right decision. Love Khabele's philosophy, small classes and flexible curriculum. It's a great school for highly gifted students. Eanes ISD did not meet my child's needs because the classes are large, the curriculum is set at grade level (not good for gifted students), and the emphasis is ... football. Khabele is a school that inspires children to learn and grow not only academically but in character and responsibility as well. Further, our child just scored mega-high on the SAT and I know that score reflects not only his high intellectual ability but also his love of learning and his love of school as a result of attending Khabele.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am a Khabele graduate who is still reaping the benefits of my Khabele education. Because of the Khabele School I not only improved my leadership skills and understanding of community, I was also able to excel in academic ways not allowed in many other learning environments. Khabele pushes students to work at their personal best, not a preordained best , which allowed me a deeper exploration of many of my passions. I now attend Reed College, (the school with the second highest number of Rhodes scholars from a liberal arts college, and the school with the second highest number of graduates who go on to receive PHDs). I also am a Gates Millinum Scholar, a program with a 5% acceptance rate (that s twice as difficult as it is to get into Harvard) that provides a full scholarship to college; they also flew me to LA!”
This review was posted by a student.

“this school is the bomb, Im a senior there and what other people say about it being a druggie school are stereotyping the kids into one group. my grades and my mood have improved ten fold compared to my other education at other schools like westlake and st andrews. if you want your kids to be comfortable with themselves and to find who they really are instead of blending into the crowd, send them to khabele. in my opinion, if you want your kid to not enjoy life as much as they should, send them somewhere else.”
This review was posted by a student.

“The promise of the school and the reality of the school are not in sync. They do a wonderful job of pitching the culture and values and there are a number of parents who cling to these ideals, but the day to day reality does not live up to these lofty goals. The concept is a great one, and as a smaller institution (under 50 kids), was probably attainable. Now pushing 200 students, the real issues of faculty quality control, consistent application of policies, equitable treatment of all students, etc. are not sustainable. My children were in public schools, then at Khabele, and then back to public schools. Without exception, they are behind their classmates in almost every subject. Khabele does a great job of helping troubled students regain their sense of self and restore their self-esteem. College prep? No! Kids who are centered? No! Kids with emotional needs. Consider it.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“amazing. Well rounded. Complete. Your child will love it.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“With only the last two months of 6th grade under his belt at Khabele, my son is in love with school for the first time. The well-behaved child lost in the public school system will thrive at Khabele. While the school encourages strong academics, greater emphasis is put on personal responsibility. There is zero tolerance for bullying and teasing, and the kids respond. The kids who are gentle, playful and respectful call themselves 'Khabele Kids.' Every family has a compelling story about why their children now go to Khabele.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The Khabele School is a fertile place for learning and growing. Our daughter has flourished here. As a former AISD teacher, I was very impressed with the students desire to go to school and the enjoyment obvious on their faces! To be sure, the student must do his/her part. I am very thankful for the 'community ' and recommend you check it out! Tommy Joaquin Hancock”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The Khabele School has consistently impressed and delighted us. From the mission, to the vision, to the curriculum, to the teachers, we have been very excited and pleased with the school. Most importantly, our daughter Emma wants to be the first to arrive at school in the morning and the last to leave.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Khabele offers an unparalleled combination of an academic and social environment that is full of caring, creative professionals and compassionate, bright and empathetic teenagers. The teachers are role models and guides; supportive and enthusiastic as they pass on their knowledge and life experiences in a way that is thought provoking and inspiring. The work, while not overwhelming, is challenging and rigorous. Since my son started Khabele, our family has been stress free concerning his emotional, physical, spiritual, and intellectual well being. Here, he is safe. If you are looking for an intimate academic setting for your student and you enjoy meeting great people, attending inventive, fun school wide events, thought provoking workshops, excellent communication between parents,teachers and administration, Powerschool, community service, student retreats, global travel, Princeton Review Prep, a comprehensive arts program, outdoor performances, national competitions, international guest speakers and a beautiful campus, this is the school for you!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The life lessons and learning experiences we want for our children are not bound by the classroom. The Khabele School is focused and intentional about instilling every student with a life-long love of learning, and developing not only the mind, but also self-esteem and leadership qualities. They strive constantly to build a community, not just a school, and they are firmly fixed on the future, not struggling to keep an iron grip on the past. And when problems do arise (which, of course they will), issues are discussed openly with parents and students, and solutions are reached together. It is, in short, a most refreshing change.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Khabele is the best thing that has ever happened to either of my teenagers and to my family. The atmosphere the Khabeles have created of openness, love of learning, and trust has inspired our children to work hard, stay away from drugs and alcohol, and value others' differences. Each teacher is so dynamic and passionate about his or her work and that passion affects the students dramatically. As is the case with any high school, issues bubble up, and the healthy direct approach to dealing with problems has been a great model for our kids--there's been a palpable change in the climate of our household since they've been attending Khabele. I am so grateful.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our son is on his 4th year at Khabele. This school achieves the impossible: Students actually enjoy learning and take on responsibility. The school strives for excellence in academics and social awareness. Students are taught to become responsible, empathetic citizens of the world. Contrary to another comment here, they also have among the very strictest anti-drug codes in existence.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is amazing. It's what we've been looking for for so many years. It's a supportive, safe, wholesome, progressive, intelligent, loving, innovative, creative, modern, technologically forward environment. My son has never been happier. I am delighted with this school, I can't imagine a better environment for my son. Watching him blossom is like a dream come true. He has some wonderful friends and comes home with wonderful ideas. He loves school. The teachers are so caring and so professional, the staff is so dedicated. I highly recommend this school if you are looking for a genuine, loving and truly modern school for your child.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is the most amazing and unique school in Austin, and probably in Texas or the U.S. The blend of academics and community helps teach students how to treat others with respect, dignity and honesty. There is a great emphasis on becoming a person who loves learning, which is antithetical to most public school programs. There are opportunities for diverse, multicultural learning in ways that would never occur in a large, faceless public school. Khabele is a gem that we are lucky to have found in the heart of Austin.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“As a researcher & lifelong educator , I have strong ideas about what kind of educational experience I prefer my children have. When our oldest child completed elementary school, my husband and I looked for a place that would offer a balance between academic structure and opportunities for self-directed learning. We sought a place that was diverse, inclusive, challenging, values-based, calm, focused, and engaging. We found all that at the Khabele School. Over the past four years, our children have flourished at the school and we feel fortunate to be a part of a learning community. We know our children's friends AND their families; we are in close contact with the school's teachers and administrators. We are grateful for the high level of communication and engagement. The students learn not just their academic material, but also how to lead, how to serve, and how to excel.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The public high school that our older children attended seemed to have labels like 'kicker,' 'gangsta,' 'brainiac,' 'jock,' 'geek,' or 'stoner' for most of the students, with compulsory membership in corresponding social groups; and an academic regimen that equated scholarship with memorization of data without regard for its relevance. Investigating the Khabele School as an alternative for our youngest, I trotted out my own labels, like 'new age,' 'politically correct,' and 'ingenuous,' until I visited the campus and attended classes and student body functions. I was impressed. As far as I can see, everyone likes to be there, because everyone is recognized and appreciated as a complete person, continually encouraged, supported, and celebrated as they develop in mind, body, spirit, and personal integrity. It's school policy. It's real. Go see for yourself.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I love the Khabele School. I think it's a unique place where students can learn to be themselves. The school focuses on building confidence and character. I am disappointed with the previous comment on drug culture because I firmly believe that teen drug use is more related to parenting and family issues than a school. I don't think there is a drug problem at Khabele, the staff and administration simply do not ignore the issues that plague teens and they have an open dialogue about it to help students learn to respect themselves. Students are given an immense amount of freedom and trust, and the school is based on the idea that in order to learn responsibility, you must be given the chance to have responsibility first. Khabele graduates do not fail out of their first year of college like most college freshman because they learn to be mature and responsible.”
This review was posted by a other.

“I had to pull my child out of the school because of the great drug culture and lack of discipline shown in the school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Something magical is happening here. This is a school that really cares for kids. From the talented team of Moya and Khotso Khabele through the ranks of the dedicated teachers, this is a place that shows a respect to the students that allows them to blossom.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The caring environment and the committed faculty at The Khabele School have helped our daughter find a comfortable place where she can really learn. Her enthusiasm then rubs off on the rest of the family. Her increased interest in learning has made her happier with herself, and with everyone else. Each student receives a level of attention that could never be duplicated in the public school system. The reliance on students for leadership gives each student a chance to shine. Academically the school is good, allowing each student to learn at her own pace, and training the best older students as teaching assistants. Students work closely with parents and faculty in leadership roles. Great arts opportunities, including world music, creative writing, art, and choir. Many students take aikido. Other sports include track & soccer. Parental involvement is pretty intensive, including parent training sessions”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son went to Khabele School from 8th through 12th grade. I would highly recommend this school to any child who learns faster with individualized academics and a smaller student/teacher ratio. My son graduated from the school feeling very good about himself, his accomplishments and his future.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Middle School is small and easygoing; my child will attend high school here as well. Caring teachers and happy kids.”
This review was posted by a parent.