Kirby Hall School, a non‑religious private school in Austin, Texas, is commemorating its 50th anniversary. Founded in 1976 by Beverly Rase with roughly 50 inaugural students, the school has grown to educate more than 130 children from Pre‑K4 through eighth grade.
Academic environment and tuition
According to Alyssa Drury, chief marketing and communications officer at Kirby Hall, the school was created as a place where “academically curious and creative children” could ask questions and develop critical‑thinking skills in a nurturing setting. Tuition for the 2026‑27 school year is $16,450 for Pre‑K4 students and $22,555 for kindergarten through eighth grade, as listed in Community Impact’s private‑school guide.
Class size, technology and hands‑on programs
Kirby Hall maintains a 15:1 student‑to‑teacher ratio, allowing for individualized attention. The curriculum emphasizes “tech‑intentional” learning, limiting screen time for younger children and favoring hands‑on instruction. Students regularly work on projects in the school’s MakerSpace, tend to a garden, and help care for on‑site chickens and goats, reinforcing experiential learning.
Future plans
Looking ahead, the school announced a multi‑year capital campaign that will begin in early 2027. The campaign’s goal is to fund construction of a new gym and gathering space to serve the Kirby Hall community. Drury said the new facilities will provide additional venues for physical education, assemblies and community events.
Community impact
Kirby Hall’s half‑century milestone highlights the lasting demand for private‑school options that blend academic rigor with character development. The school’s commitment to small class sizes, limited technology use and hands‑on projects aligns with many families’ desire for an education that balances intellectual growth with practical skills.
As the school prepares for its capital campaign, it invites current and prospective families to participate in the celebration and support the next phase of growth for this long‑standing Austin institution.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
