Schools > Private > Kirby Hall School

Kirby Hall School in Austin, Texas

Kirby Hall School Detail

(512) 474-1770
306 W 29th St
Austin, TX 78705
Levels: PK-12
District: Private


Kirby Hall School Census Data

Census InfoValueYear
White, non-Hispanic:79.79% (2008)
Black, non-Hispanic:2.13% (2008)
Hispanic:6.38% (2008)
Asian/Pacific Islander:10.64% (2008)
Native American or Native Alaskan:1.06% (2008)
Student Teacher Ratio:7.43% (2008)

Kirby Hall School Ratings Summary

Average Quality Rating3
Average Principals Rating2
Average Teachers Rating3
Average Activities Rating2
Average Parents Rating3
Average Safety Rating3

Kirby Hall School Reviews

I was disappointed by Kirby Hall because I didn't feel that it was challenging enough, frankly. I also am concerned about stability, in particular with faculty. I expected a more academically stringent, interactive learning based type of environment and that wasn't our experience with Kirby.
This review was posted by a parent.

Kirby Hall was simply not challenging enough for my gifted son. I feel that a school purporting itself to be for academically able students should restrict admission and retention only for such students. Our experience at Kirby Hall showed that individual attention translated to teachers spending extra time helping slower students catch up and providing worksheets for students who finished their work. This is not acceptable. Worksheets don't grow dendrites and certainly don't qualify as individual attention. The majority of the teachers are kind and well-intentioned. I prefer educators who are experienced professional educators, and with that aspect, the faculty at Kirby Hall is hit or miss. The administrators were non-communicative, in our experience.
This review was posted by a parent.

'High standards of behavior' - hardly! Poor sportsmanship in academic competitions, even with fellow KHS students. 'Challenging academics' - no, canned curriculum - ours knew after 3 wks KHS could not match the academics of their former school. Our children made top grades at Kirby Hall, but the school certainly did not meet our standards.
This review was posted by a parent.

My children didn't find Kirby Hall particularly challenging or rigorous, so I must disagree with that strident contention of the administrators and teachers writing reviews for their school. However, my children love their teachers. There has been turnover at Kirby Hall - and there is turnover at any school. It was higher this year for some reason. The curriculum mandated by Kirby Hall is standard - not bad, but certainly not the most effective or most innovative approaches. I think Kirby Hall would benefit from a change in administration. As a professional education and university instructor, I definitely think the school could improve, but my main priority is the happiness of my children and my kids are happy there.
This review was posted by a parent.

Dear Parent who writes critical letters about Kirby Hall, We know that parents are ambitious for their children and we respect that. But when a parent wants a child to be put in a higher class that is too difficult for the child, as proved by testing, we know it is to the child s best interest to stay in the grade in which he belongs. We hope you will understand that he can not be at the top of every class when the other children are bright too. Parents usually appreciate their children being surrounded by other bright children. We understand you and your disappointment in our school. Written on behalf of Kirby Hall s nurturing and academically excellent faculty. We send our best wishes to you.
This review was posted by a administrator.

The 3rd-6th grade teacher team is absolutely stellar and the core faculty has remained together for over five years. As a university educational researcher I have observed hundreds of classrooms- and the quality and level of Kirby Hall instruction exceeds anything I have seen at any other school. Teachers instill a solid work ethic in their students while still making learning fun (ever heard of 5th graders enjoying and laughing while reading Don Quixote? Well, they do at Kirby Hall!) The teaching staff is selected carefully and the turnover rate is actually low- I would estimate it at about 15%- which is exceptional (keep in mind that 50% of public school teachers quit teaching within 5 years after receiving their certification).
This review was posted by a parent.

My daughter attended KHS for 8 years. This is a wonderful school. Mrs. Rase founded and continues to manage the school with a hands on child first approach. My daughter participated in the music curiculum for all 8 years and never once practiced a PSIA curriculumn. Look at the schools exemplary SAT scores and the children's happy faces-what else do you need to know.
This review was posted by a other.

Administration focused on test scores. Teachers are well-intentioned but prohibited from deviating from the rote, worksheet based curriculum. This allows any warm body in the teacher role, necessary given the turnover. The number of first year teachers is alarming. Enrichment has been systematically eliminated. The spring music curriculum was lifted directly from the PSIA materials. Don't be fooled by the PSIA wins, kids are learning PSIA instead of critical thinking (note the lack of wins in categories requiring innovative thought). Parent involvement is expressly discouraged, except fundraising. Also, ask yourself: Why, in a school for gifted kids, are so many receiving tutoring (at $50/hr) from the same teachers that failed them in the classroom?
This review was posted by a parent.

What a joke! My kids were bored out of their minds with the canned, homeschool curriculum that Kirby uses. With Kirby's copious fill-in-the-blank kind of homework assignments, my children lost their spark and became automatons every evening cranking out their nightly assignments. This school believes only in 'teacher lectures, child sits' learning. There are few hands on activities and seemingly no creative teaching moments since the teachers seem only allowed to teach from the rigidly prescribed script. We were not impressed and feel the school did not deliver on their promises of a individualized and challenging learning environment for our gifted children. Do not think you can complain either. No PTA. Little communication. No boat rockers allowed!
This review was posted by a parent.

Kirby Hall School offers complete challenge to students to prepare bright and kind young people for a life of academic success, personal fulfillment and satisfaction, and service to their community. A gifted faculty with genuine affection for children and teenagers helps each student meet his or her greatest potential by setting high standards for academic achievement and honorable behavior, while recognizing and rewarding individual strengths and being sure that all students are taught to respect and support their fellow schoolmates. Kirby Hall pursues its goals through a traditional course of study and small classes, where individual attention is possible and is given daily to each student. We believe that children achieve and grow in a more wholesome way when they are well-nurtured, happy and having fun. The environment reflects the values of kindness, humility and mutual respect. Kirby Hall students ultimately go forward in their lives knowing both how to succeed.
This review was posted by a parent.

Kirby Hall's academic standards are high and students are admitted based on their ability to keep up with the college-prep focus. Unfortunately some children can not keep up. Kirby Hall School far exceeds our expectations and what an amazing impact Kirby Hall School has made in our lives. My child has never been happier!
This review was posted by a parent.

Impressive exterior doesn't match the inside... I suggest that parents visit when school is in session rather than merely checking out the website, if they are searching for schools anywhere. I expect more from a private school. I expect extra curricular activities of some sort. I expect academic challenge and not just busy work. I expect individual attention, not just worksheets. Kirby Hall did not live up to my expectations as a parent with a background in education and substantial experience as a professional and certified educator. There are so many better school options in Austin, both public and private. I had no problem with the administrators, but there was just no benefit to a Kirby Hall education.
This review was posted by a parent.

I have children here and work here. The academics are of the highest quality. Whenever one of our students who happens to be the least academinc at Kirby Hall leaves our school for any reason, they always become the top wherever they go. It is loving, nurturing and Kirby Hall loves and welcomes parent involvement. Check out the teachers credentials on the website. They are outstanding. Our children are outstanding and so is our school.
This review was posted by a parent.

Kirby is a mess. The administration runs off parents and teachers. The homework is developmentally inappropriate. There is no individualized curriculum. It's the 'Kirby Hall Way' or the doorway. We moved our daughter out and put her in public school. After her 2nd day, she said 'please don't ever send me back to Kirby'. That was enough for me.
This review was posted by a parent.

Learn from our mistake! After researching Kirby Hall for months, including on-site visits, we anticipated a nurturing environment respecting the needs of individual students and focusing on stringent, challenging academics. The 'Kirby Hall Way,' a phrase used ad nauseum, is outdated & unsuitable for 'academically able' students of 21st century.
This review was posted by a parent.

This was our first year at the school and we where very pleased. My children found the work load to be very easy and not overbearing at all. If your child is organized and on top of their school work and is ready for a truly good education this is the place they need to be. The fact that if my child finds the work to easy then they can move up to the next level to better challenge themselves is awesome. I wish we had moved over years ago. We were disappointed at the turn over of students and staff.
This review was posted by a parent.

Administration has made Kirby an unacceptable school. Very high turnover of teachers and students. Parents are scared to ask questions or make suggestions. You have to walk on eggshells while you are there. The academics still remain good and at a high standard. The teachers are good, but have no power. I do not recommend this school to anyone.
This review was posted by a parent.

Unhappy parents, unhappy students, unhappy teachers. The academics, for the most part, are pretty good, but not enough to endure the constant 'drama' any longer. We're looking elsewhere.
This review was posted by a parent.

This 30-year-old program has atrophied into a dysfunctional state. The program slowly declined through the years, with only a few applicants annually for grades 6 and above. So the administration recruits, accepts, and retains students who are not motivated nor functioning at one grade level above in subjects, which is supposed to be an academic requirement. In turn, the teachers are unable to address the diverse skill sets in the classes, even though the classes are small by public standards. Most teachers only offer additional worksheets to the above average students, which is not appropriate 'individualized attention' the school promises. Also, adequate student supervision is an ongoing problem.
This review was posted by a parent.

This school could be better. It used to have a stellar reputation but the lack of leadership has had an effect on student and teacher turnover. There are some pleasant things about the school but not enough to keep us past the next year.
This review was posted by a parent.

Not enough variety of courses for middle and high school students to develop their passions or explore their interests.
This review was posted by a parent.

The homework load continues to wear down the spirit of the kids. MY son does not enjoy reading on his own any longer and dreads going to school each day. There is little time to do anything other than homework each night and administration won't budge on the issue. The lack of a headmaster makes voicing concerns quite difficult. There are better options for your child than KHS.
This review was posted by a parent.

The caring, professional teachers are the only redeeming qualities of this academic institution. If you can tolerate the front office, you can be assured your child will receive top quality instruction and personalized attention. I can't say enough great things about the teachers and what their roles are in making this school what it is. If the administrative staff was on par with the teachers, Kirby Hall would be top notch all the way around.
This review was posted by a parent.

With its rigorous academics, top notch teachers, loving, homelike environment, Kirby Hall has met or exceeded our expectations for the two years our child has been in the school. Our child's standardized test scores have soared since attending Kirby Hall. Even though the homework load is heavy, our child refuses to consider attending another school. This has to be the strongest academic program in central Texas! Send your child here for an excellent, traditional education taught by teachers who really care
This review was posted by a parent.

Poor administration. Not a good school, not even an average school.
This review was posted by a parent.

My wife and I chose Kirby Hall because we felt it was the most academically challenging and traditionally structured school in this area. The lack of extracurricular activities is a concern. I feel that a school for bright and able children should restrict admission to those who fulfill that criteria. The teachers are caring and provide a great learning environment. Overall, a good private school.
This review was posted by a parent.

The school is great for an elementary school, but their lack of focus/interest on athletics was not for our son. They are expanding, though, so hopefully they will have more sports. Good academics, though.
This review was posted by a parent.

We've had children at Kirby Hall for 9 years. With a few minor exceptions, we have been extremely pleased with the school. They offer a very supportive environment with accelerated academics (roughly 1 year ahead of grade level). Parents are very involved, and the administration is flexible and truly interested in what's best for the children. Extracurricular activities sponsored directly by the school are fairly limited, but they are working to improve this. Kirby Hall participates in the PSIA events (similar to UIL), and has won several State level 1st place trophies in recent years.
This review was posted by a parent.

What drew us to Kirby Hall was the curriculum and the class size. This school is definitely geared to the student who can handle more challenging work (which is why we came). The curriculum is rigorous (which has really kept my child interested). But homework for a 2nd grader lasts 1 hr to 1.25 hrs Mon-Thurs. I think that what they expect their students to accomplish with this higher-than-age-level knowledge is sometimes inappropriate for their age and developmental level. There are 3 women who handle 'running' the school. I'm not really sure who is in charge or what 'regulations' they decide to run the school by.
This review was posted by a parent.

Great prep school if you like very structured, traditional schooling. The teachers are enthusiastic and top notch.
This review was posted by a parent.

Kirby Hall's emphasis on academic excellence in a small, personal, loving environment consistently produces well educated, happy students. I have 2 children there right now and will have 2 more there as they get old enough to attend Kindergarten. There are not enough good words to say about the academic environment at Kirby Hall. We can highly recommend this school.
This review was posted by a parent.

My child has attended KHS for 6 years. From pre-k thru highschool the faculty are beyond stellor! The building is a historic, warm and welcoming atmosphere. Recent upgrades include refurnished floors, sidewalks, paint, and carpet. Kirby Hall is the choice for bright students. The administrative team is top notch (Director of Pre-K thru Highschool Principal). The administrative assistant is amazing too. Ask the students, parents, and children KHS is superb! I consider the level of parent involvement high. The music and drama program are wonderful. Finally, the opportunity for swimming, golf, soccer and other extracurricular activities allow for the development of the whole child.
This review was posted by a parent.

After a very thorough search of all area schools, my wife and I have entrusted our most precious child to the highest standards, and challanging curriculum that is available at Kirby Hall School. Our two years at Kirby Hall have been very rewarding, and we have observed our second grader flourish in all areas. The comprehension in math, science and spanish has sky-rocketed , and I believe a quote from her may well put everything in perspective; ' I feel like I have only been alive for 1 week'. This was her assessment after her first week at Kirby Hall. To date she prefers school days to weekends. So, if you desire for your child to have the finest, challanging education, where all the students are achieving at grade levels far beyond what the public system expects for their age, then perhaps Kirby Hall is for your precious children as well.
This review was posted by a parent.

This is the school for the bright student! The administration and teachers really know every child and parent and work hard to ensure that the children receive the best possible education that is individual, interesting, and challenging without being overwhelming. Both of my children are eager to go to school on Monday morning, which is more than I can say about most Monday mornings! Most important to me, the class size canot be beat. The teachers are smart and nice (several have become real friends to me!) and why send your children to a private school that has the same student-teacher ratio as the public schools when you can have a ratio of no more than 12-1 and no more than 24 kids per grade? The individual attention is superb, the teachers are loving but firm, the parents are a real support group, and the setting is truly beautiful. I was a true public school fan with a really good public school in the area, but we tried it, it didn't work, and moving to Kirby Hall when my son was entering 2nd and my daughter entering K was the best move we ever made for their future. Even good public schools may not be the best setting for some.
This review was posted by a parent.

Withdrawing by previous endorsement of this school. Teacher churn is too extreme to guarantee a good experience year-after-year. A school that does not support its teachers can not support its students.
This review was posted by a parent.

I can only speak about the high school as my daughter transferred to Kirby Hall in 9th grade. She is a gifted student and we wanted her to attend a college-prep, adacemically challenging high school. She always had top ITBS scores, and that has continued. As a freshman she had very high SAT score on Biology. She began AP courses in 10th grade, and will have about 6 AP courses completed when she graduates (and nearly all the students score very high on the AP exams). There aren't many extracurricular activities - but that's not why I send my daughter to school. There are plenty of opportunities outside of school in Austin. And Kirby Hall does encourage students to organize their own activities if they choose. We have been very happy with the new friends our daughter has made as well. We recommend Kirby Hall.
This review was posted by a parent.

There are wonderful things and not so wonderful things at KHS. You can have an incredible teacher one year and the next you won't know. Wonderful home environment and community, but if you seek a consistant environment it might not be a fit.
This review was posted by a parent.

My daughter will graduate from KHS this year. I cannot say enough positive things about our experience. Where else would she have experienced field trips to Italy, Australia, and the interior of Mexico?! My daughter was accepted into every college she applied including their honors program. I am a public school teacher in a lake community in Austin, and feel strongly KHS provided a far superior education. The staff and teachers are marvelous. They spent time knowing my daughter's talents and then provided outlets for her to expand them. What a wonderful experience!!!
This review was posted by a parent.

My daughter attended a large public elementary school before coming to Kirby. Frankly my biggest concern other than how she would cope with the substantialy increased work load, was how she would adjust to the smaller student body. I'm pleased to say that she has come through her first year there with flying colors. She has adapted quite well to the school both workwise and student bodywise. She loves the school and I as a parent have been very pleased with the school. I definitely appreciate the excellerated curriculum she receives there and feel she is being well prepared for high school and college.
This review was posted by a parent.

Good school, especially in the elementary grades through 7th. They teach a grade ahead so our children are reading quite solid books and doing math that's well ahead of the public (and many private) schools in Austin. I'd be willing to pay significantly more in tuition if it increased the teachers' happiness, I'm that pleased with the education our kids are getting.
This review was posted by a parent.

The truth lies somewhere in the middle of the reviews you see here. I personally know several parents who are perfectly content/happy with Kirby. However, most of the negative statement raised here are true. The school suffers from significant teacher churn so you end up playing Russian Roulette for any given year. Many of the new teachers lack the classroom management skills that allow a wide range of learners to happily coexist in a single classroom (this is why the comments are so polarized, if your kid fits into this ever narrowing range, then you will be fine). To put it into perspective, the school had so many students leave this year, they had to drop one of the two first grade classes (as well, one of the first grade teachers left). Proofs in the pudding and folks are talking with their wallets and feet.
This review was posted by a parent.

This school has the most excellent and dedicated teachers in Austin! For the third year in a row our child has had the same English, Language Arts, Spanish, Math, History and Science teacher- and each one is simply phenomenol- the AVERAGE ITBS score for students at each grade is at or above the 97th percentile! The drama and music program is excellent- as is art instruction. There is both a female and male coach for PE and both do a super job of making physical activity interesting. Classes are small- always under 13- and fewer than 10 at the middle school level. I haven't seen another school in Austin at which children consistently work at such a high achievement level- and LIKE IT! Unfortunately, as can be seen below, there are always people who spread untrue rumors for whatever crazy reason. As we say in Texas, 'Poor thing. Bless her heart.'
This review was posted by a parent.

Every year, there are at least five or six new teachers. With a faculty of 20, it makes a huge difference. KHS is trying to hire teachers who are actually certified, but still, they're usually first-year and they rarely stay. The curriculum is all over the place and inconsistent. This school is absolutely inappropriate for gifted and talented children. It's very systematic, standardized, and implemented by persons with little credentials and zero creativity. High student turnover rate is a concern as well Generally a big thumbs down for old KHS - I recommend Griffin, Waldorf, or Austin Montessori.
This review was posted by a parent.

Much to the credit of Kirby Hall School, our child has never been happier! The love, dedication and support that the teachers and staff give to our child and all the children at Kirby Hall School -- we couldn't be happier. The level of education and curriculum Kirby Hall gives our gifted child and children has far exceeded our expectations. The curriculum is college prepatory and not for every child, however, we can not even compare it to other schools in Austin. The classroom size, the curriculum and love the children given at Kirby Hall School has far surpassed our expectations. We look forward to another amazing year! I know because I voluteered many hours at the school and attended many field trips, walked the halls during classroom hours, decorated classroom doors during the holidays, helped with holiday parties, social events, and photographs. Hats off to Kirby Hall!
This review was posted by a parent.

With three children educated at Kirby Hall, I can say I know a lot about the school. The small classes, comfortable environment set the tone for a school that nurtures the child in ways other schools cannot achieve because of sheer numbers.
This review was posted by a parent.

I think it is obvious that KHS is not one size fits all. We could not be happier that we are in another school. After four years, it was a difficult decision to move my children away from friends but it has been worth the stress. I was not happy with the canned teaching approach at KHS and wanted more individualized instruction. That is why I was originally drawn to the small classroom size. I am focused on school being fun and challenging. I now know that having more students in a class does not prevent the teacher from personalizing the experience. My concerns were based on curriculum, high faculty turnover, and a basic lack of facilities and extracurricular activities. We have found better, much better! DD
This review was posted by a parent.

High teacher turnover rate when we were living in Austin, and the curriculum is not interactive in the slightest. My gifted child was bored to death at Kirby Hall. I agree that the interior of the classrooms is very cramped, which is a concern for those with small children.
This review was posted by a parent.

I too am confused. Are your children going to the same school as my daughter? She entered Kinder last fall reading at a 2nd grade level. Since attending Kirby, she has advanced to 4th-grade reading. Saxon Math has been a wonderful, well-structured program for her. the the phonic-based instruction has worked well (I belive it is Riggs-Spalding). The program is formal and traditional. It is a small school, but we find that it offers a variety of extracurricular activities: taekwando, chess club, rowing club, ultimate frisbee, piano, drama, yoga. This is not a complete list, and there is discussion of a new biology club. Ultimately, what drew me to Kirby for my child was the warm and inviting atmosphere that I felt when I visited. I wish those who are leaving good luck finding better.
This review was posted by a parent.

I could never recommend KHS for the following reasons. The facilities are lacking space for busy healthy active children to play. The building is crowded, and despite the small class size the classrooms are small and cramped. In our 4 years there was a large turnover in teaching faculty. I would expect more longevity if the teaching staff was happy. There are many factors to consider when educating children and in my opinion KHS isn't a good choice.
This review was posted by a parent.

I concur -- the Kirby Hall teacher team is absolutely stellar! The quality and level of Kirby Hall instruction and education by far exceeds anything ever seen at any other school. Idle tit for tat and 'parental personlity conflict' has nothing to do with or has any influence about the quality of the education that Kirby Hall School gives our children.
This review was posted by a parent.

Reading these negative reviews of Kirby Hall leaves me extremely confused. Are we talking about the same school? True, Kirby Hall isn't for everyone, but then what school is. The small size of the school leads to limited extracurricular and social opportunities, but it also fosters a close and loving environment. The small size of the classes leads to close, lasting friendships. The claim that the students are unhappy is simply ludicrous. The students who find Kirby to be a good fit are incredibly happy and at home at Kirby Hall. The same goes for the teachers. Kirby Hall is not perfect, but it does the best it can.
This review was posted by a former student.

I am a university professor and parent and I do not feel that Kirby Hall is the best option in Austin for students who are academically able, gifted children, for the following reasons - The first is the curriculum. Based upon our experience with the school, teachers offered no opportunities for interactive learning, which is vital for gifted children. The second is that students requiring remediation are in classrooms with advanced students, resulting in the class slowing down so the students who are behind can catch up. The third is the comparatively high faculty turnover rate, a stability concern. Also, I would like to see a PTA formed, a significant change in curriculum and delivery of instruction, and classes strictly for and centered around academically able and gifted students, with meaningful assignments. Historic landmark building in close proximity to downtown and UT .
This review was posted by a parent.

My academically gifted kids were bored at this school. I didn't see a spark of inspiration or yearning for knowledge like they used to have while they were going to KHS. My gifted kids require an extremely educationally challenging and academically stimulating school and KHS just wasn't the best choice for our child in that regard, in order to sustain and encourage further love of learning and meet our giften childrens' educational needs. The KHS approach wasn't appropriate for our gifted kids, in short.
This review was posted by a parent.