We are an accredited, private K-12 STEM school built on evidence-based learning models
We employ several pedagogical approaches and ideological frameworks to create an authentic, student-centered curriculum:
Small Class Sizes
Small class sizes allow for more individualized learning and opportunities for participation
Experiential (Hands-on) Learning
Experiential learning drives student growth through meaningful experiences
21st Century Skills
21st century skills include those necessary for success in a changing world: critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration
Phenomenon-Based Learning
Disparate subjects are connected to real-world problems inspired by a yearly phenomenon
Project-Based Learning
Skills and concepts are applied to address constraints in the context of memorable projects
Standards-Based Grading
Standards-based grading incentivizes individual improvement and content mastery
Current Events
Current events inspire real-time curriculum modifications to enhance its relevance
We are accredited through Cognia, who provide research-based standards and actionable data to drive continuous improvement
We are a part of the Experiential Science Education Research Collaborative (XSci) at CU Boulder, a leader in STEM education
Senior Class Statistics*
Graduation Rate 100%
College Placement Rate 85%
Among college-bound seniors:
Scholarship Offers 91%
Among scholarship offers:
Full Tuition Offers 20%
*All senior classes through 2024
Welcome to Lake Travis STEM Academy!
A video short storyboarded, scripted and edited by our high school students:
Take a Closer Look…
See our curriculum and methodology applied:
Mission and Philosophy
Our mission...
...is to inspire our students and create an authentic curriculum to provide a balanced learning environment, nurturing children's natural curiosity about their world with student-centered experiences.
Authentic
Curriculum
Authentic curriculum addresses skills relevant to success outside the classroom, including real-world problems and tools along with field experiences and collaborative projects.
Student-Centered
Experiences
Student-centered experiences involve decision making from students. Student input is valued and open-ended projects allow students to relate content to their own interests.
A word from the founder...
Imagine the search for a school as an equation. As you look, add up the strengths of each school: academics + philosophy + quality of teachers + campus facilities + school values…the variables go on and on. Find the balance that is right for your family, and you have given your children a gift that prepares them for life.
One of the most important decisions you'll ever make is where to enroll your child for quality learning. As you do your research and evaluate your options I hope you will consider Lake Travis STEM Academy.
Our challenging academic curriculum in a caring and character building environment turns out well-informed, well-prepared students who have a decided advantage as they face the increasing challenges of middle school, high school and college.
I encourage you to peruse through our website and it is my hope that our mission, philosophy and methodology will encourage you to start the process to enroll your child(ren) into Lake Travis STEM Academy.
Warmest Regards,
Kori McLain
Director /Founder
Fees and Tuition
Current Fees & Tuition
Download our fee schedule for 2024-25 school year. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Assistance
Financing
Monthly payment options and semester payment options are available through a third party company. Please ask for details if interested.
Sibling discounts are available - please ask for details.
Scholarships and financial aid available, if qualified
After-School Care Programs
Early Morning Care is available - please ask for details.
After School Care programs are available - please ask for details.
Ready to see us in action?
Virtual information sessions and on-campus tours are available through the Admissions portal
Our enrollment process is simple and self-guided:
Testimonials and Partners
Testimonials...
"My husband and I have a combined 20+ years of classroom teaching in the public education system. As such, we have experienced first-hand the challenges and pitfalls of a highly political, public institution created and modeled after the 19th century factory system. Its archaic structure inherently values quantity over quality; breadth over depth; assessment over comprehension ...
...LTSA under the guidance and leadership of Ms. McLain has accomplished in two years what most schools have failed to do over decades: create a progressive educational institution which considers individuality and provides wholistic, comprehensive instruction via quality hands-on learning experiences in a smaller setting. Its unique schedule recognizes that family involvement in education is key to a child’s success and that with more time on learning and less time transitioning, what takes public schools 35+ hours to complete can be accomplished much more efficiently in less than 20."
Dawnmarie P. & Kenneth B.
"Lake Travis Stem Academy is a great fit for our family. Our children are encouraged to explore science, and to present what they’ve learned to their classmates. Through well planned unit studies, or hubs, our children have learned a great deal about the world around them. For example, while learning about rocks, minerals and soil erosion, they were working on projects to model the layers of the earth, experimenting with erosion, reading Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth, touring caves and aquifers, and preparing presentations to share with their class on what they had learned..."
"...My children love their teachers and classmates. They can’t wait to get to school! After school, they are anxious to fill me in on what they’ve learned that day. It’s easy to see that the teachers are doing what they love and the children sense this every day."
Tonya & Ross S.
"What makes LTSA so innovative is its combination of experiential learning with STEM integration across all subjects. The LTSA model is research-based and includes powerful project-based learning strategies with the narrative construction of knowledge (heavy on reflective learning) and the opportunities for students and staff to grow together through authentic exploration. That’s what learning is all about!"
Bradley McLain, Ph.D
Co-Director of Xsci
Center For STEM Learning,
University of Colorado, Boulder
"Thank you so much for visiting Cisco today. Your group really kept us on our toes, they are one sharp bunch! All of my Cisco, TACC (Dawn and Je'aime), and Rapid7 (Aaron) volunteers enjoyed the conversations and questions your students had."
Jennie K.
Cybersecurity Researcher
Cisco Systems
"...I loved each group; they are well ahead of other students in their age groups and even many adults"...
"if they presented to a group of adult entrepreneurs, we could all completely relate, but most importantly learn."
Katherine R.
Entrepreneur
Co-Founder of yomobi.com
Our Accreditations, Partners and Collaborators...
Location
We serve families from Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Leander and Lakeway
Located on the outskirts of northwest Austin near 620 and Anderson Mill