Bee Cave welcomed a new educational option this fall when Trellis Academy opened its doors to a first cohort of pre‑K through fourth‑grade students. The non‑denominational Christian school, founded by local engineer and mother Courtney Murdoch, aims to provide a more efficient, child‑centered learning environment for families seeking a faith‑based alternative.
Founder’s vision for a child‑led classroom
Murdoch, who has three children enrolled at the academy, explained that she wanted “school to be more efficient” so that children could spend more time simply being children. “I’m trying to get the actual school part down to less time, so that they have more time to be a child—more child‑led critical thinking, curiosity, creativity; all of those things that everybody wants out of a childhood, but we kind of have slowly not given our kids anymore,” she said. Murdoch added that modern schooling often overloads students with activities, testing, and long periods of sitting still, leaving little room for exploration.
Small classes and a focus on personal attention
The academy advertises an 8‑to‑1 student‑to‑teacher ratio, a figure Murdoch says will be maintained as the school expands. “We believe that small class sizes allow teachers to know each child personally and adapt instruction to their unique gifts and needs,” she noted. This approach aligns with the school’s broader mission to nurture faith, character, and academic excellence without the pressure of large‑scale standardized testing.
Plans for growth
While Trellis Academy currently serves grades pre‑K through fourth, Murdoch disclosed plans to add additional grades each year, with the goal of eventually offering education through sixth grade. The incremental expansion is designed to preserve the intimate learning environment while meeting the growing demand for Christian school‑choice in the Bee Cave and greater Lake Travis area.
Community response
Local families have responded positively to the new option, citing the school’s emphasis on faith, small groups, and a curriculum that balances academic rigor with creative exploration. “We were looking for a place where our children could learn biblical principles alongside core subjects, and Trellis Academy fits that need perfectly,” said one parent who enrolled their child in the inaugural class.
What sets Trellis Academy apart
Beyond its student‑teacher ratio, the school distinguishes itself by integrating prayer and biblical worldview into daily lessons, while still adhering to Texas state academic standards. Murdoch, drawing on her engineering background, also highlighted the school’s use of technology to streamline administrative tasks, freeing up more instructional time.
As the academy settles into its Bee Cave campus, it joins a growing list of private, faith‑based schools offering alternatives to traditional public education. For parents seeking a setting that prioritizes both spiritual formation and academic growth, Trellis Academy presents a compelling choice.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
