Balance
The perfect balance of academic rigor with social and emotional development, steeped in inspired learning.
Holistic Private School · South Austin · Pre-K – 8th
Inspiring lifelong learners®
Where academic rigor meets wonder. Small mixed-age classes, real projects, art in every day, and a whole lot of sky — on nearly two acres in South Austin.
8:1Student–teacher ratio
3–14Ages · Pre-K to 8th grade
5Gem classes, one journey
~2Acres of outdoor learning
5.0★Google rating from families
Welcome to Whole Life
Being truly known is a kind of learning.
At Whole Life Learning Center, we know the power of inspiration — and we know every child has it. Success here isn't defined by test scores. It's watching children grow into whole people who work diligently, feel deeply, think expansively, do justly and collaborate generously.
In small, mixed-age classes, every learner is seen, heard and challenged — by mentors who know them by name, by strength and by spark.
Founded on Love & RespectIndependent · Nonsectarian · South Austin
★★★★★5.0
Rated by Whole Lifefamilies on Google
Holistic Foundation
Not a buzzword — our foundation. Cross-curricular, project-based, thematic learning that's creative, kinesthetic and collaborative.
Rooted in Nature
Daily outdoor learning and play, natural classroom elements and a campus that invites exploration, wonder and curiosity.
Heart-Centered
Social-emotional learning woven into every day — because healthy relationships are where real learning begins.
Academics, with heart
Yes, we teach math. We also teach what to do when math makes you want to cry.
Rigorous reading, writing, math and science — taught by mentors who coach resilience, curiosity and confidence right alongside the content.
What success looks like
We're raising whole people, not test takers.
Five qualities we nurture in every Whole Life Learner — from their first day in Ruby to graduation from Opal.
work
diligently
Grit, focus and pride in doing things well.
feel
deeply
Emotional intelligence, empathy and self-awareness.
think
expansively
Curiosity, creativity and big-picture problem solving.
do
justly
Fairness, compassion and responsibility to others.
collaborate
generously
Teamwork, kindness and real community.
Programs · Pre-K – 8th Grade
A gem of a journey, ages 3–14.
Every class is named for a gem — because every child is one. Five-day programs in small, mixed-age groups that grow with your learner.
Ruby Class
Ages 3–5 · Five days a week
A holistic learning environment infused with natural elements. Multi-sensory, hands-on activities nurture physical, mental and social-emotional growth — with art, music, song, story and nature woven through every single day.
- Multi-sensory, hands-on play
- Daily outdoor exploration
- Art, music, song & story
- Early literacy & number sense
- Social-emotional foundations
- Gentle, rhythmic daily routine
Elementary
Jade (K–1) · Sapphire (2–3) · Amethyst (4–5)
For ages 5–11, a five-day program that integrates academic and emotional learning through holistic, project-based approaches. Learners build strong foundations in reading, writing and math while connecting every subject through exciting thematic units.
- Project-based thematic units
- Reading, writing & math mastery
- Science through the natural world
- Arts integrated, not "extra"
- Mixed-age mentoring
- Student voice & choice
Opal Class
Ages 11–14 · Grades 6–8
A blend of academic and holistic learning for young leaders finding their voice. Project-based learning, individualized activities and holistic development focused on academic, emotional and spiritual growth — preparing confident, conscientious teens for high school and beyond.
- Individualized academic pathways
- Leadership & community projects
- Student-planned events & enrichment
- Ceramics, art & creative making
- Critical thinking & debate
- High school readiness
A Day at Whole Life
Rhythm, wonder & real work.
A sample day for our learners. Each class has its own rhythm — but every day holds time for focus, nature, making and connection.
🌅
Arrival
Warm welcomes, morning circle and setting intentions for the day.
📚
Core Academics
Focused reading, writing and math in small groups.
🌳
Outdoors & Lunch
Fresh air, free play, games and time together.
🔬
Projects
Thematic, hands-on projects that connect every subject.
🎨
Arts & Enrichment
Art, music, ceramics and learner-chosen enrichment.
🏡
Pick-up & Aftercare
Staggered pick-up 3–4 p.m.; aftercare until 5:30.
Campus Life
Muddy boots. Big ideas.
A peek inside a Whole Life week. Tap any photo to explore.
Arts & Making
Hands in the clay, heads in the clouds.
Art, music and making aren't extras at Whole Life — they're how children think. From the pottery wheel to the paintbrush, learners create with real tools, real mentors and real patience.
🏺 Ceramics & wheel🎨 Painting🎵 Music & song📖 Storytelling♟️ Chess🌱 Nature studies
See Campus Life
Our Campus
~2 acresof room to roam in South Austin
Situated on just under two acres off Old San Antonio Road, our campus gives kids what screens can't — open sky, shady oaks, room to run and a natural world to explore every day.
🌳Outdoor classrooms
🌻Gardens to tend
⚽Open play fields
🏺Ceramics studio
🛖Shaded pavilion
🎨Art & making spaces
Admissions
Joining Whole Life is simple.
We accept applications on a rolling basis for Pre-K through 8th grade. Here's how families get started.
Visit Day
Your child spends time in class so we can get to know each other.
Enroll
Complete enrollment and welcome to the Whole Life family!
Rolling admissionApply anytime
Spaces are limited by our small class sizes — early inquiries are encouraged.
Tuition & FeesAsk for current rates
Our admissions team will share current tuition, fees and payment options on your tour.
School Day8:30 – 5:30
Drop-off 8:30–9:00, pick-up 3:00–4:00 by class, aftercare until 5:30. Calendar generally follows AISD.
Come see for yourself
The best way to feel it is to visit.
Tours are personal, unhurried and full of questions — yours and your child's.
From Our Families
Rated 5.0 by the people who know us best.
The transition has been really easy due to the staff and students' way of being.★★★★★ Whole Life parent · Private School Review
Mother's CircleChildcare provided
Family Community
It takes a village. Welcome to ours.
Whole Life isn't just a school for kids — it's a community for families. Parents gather, connect and grow together all year long — join 2.6K neighbors following along on Facebook.
🤍
Mother's CircleSaturday mornings on main campus · childcare provided · alumni moms welcome
🤠
Fall FestNeighbors, families & friends on campus — rope a steer, ride the bull & more
🎉
Student-Led EventsLearners plan and host celebrations for families
☀️
Summer CampsNature, art and friendship all summer long
Our Team
Mentors who know your child.
With an 8:1 student–teacher ratio, our mentors have the time to truly see each learner — their strengths, struggles and sparks.
MC
Michael CarberryFounderRead bio →
SE
Sarah ElledgeWhole Life TeamRead bio →
BT
Bining TaylorDirector of Admissions & OperationsRead bio →
Passionate about holistic education? We're always looking for mentors who love kids and learning.
Careers at Whole LifeSummer Camps
Summer at Whole Life is pure magic.
Nature, creativity and friendship carry right on through the summer — with clay, paint, games, outdoor adventures and new friends. Spots go fast.
🏺 Clay & art🌿 Nature days⚽ Games🎭 Creative play
Ask About Summer Camp
What ages and grades do you serve? +
Learners ages 3–14, from Pre-K (Ruby Class) through 8th grade (Opal Class), in small mixed-age classes: Ruby (3–5), Jade (K–1), Sapphire (2–3), Amethyst (4–5) and Opal (middle school).
Is Whole Life Montessori? Waldorf? +
Our holistic model draws from the best of Waldorf, Montessori and democratic education — woven together with project-based, multicultural and arts-integrated learning. It's uniquely Whole Life.
How small are classes? +
Very. With roughly an 8:1 student–teacher ratio, every child is known, seen and supported by mentors who know them well.
What are the school hours? Is there aftercare? +
Drop-off is 8:30–9:00 a.m., Monday–Friday. Pick-up is staggered between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. by class, and aftercare is available until 5:30 p.m.
Do kids still learn "real" academics? +
Absolutely. Yes, we teach math (and reading, writing, science and more) with rigor. We just teach it in context — through projects and themes — alongside the social-emotional skills kids need to thrive.
When can we apply? +
Admission is rolling, so you can apply anytime space allows. Start by scheduling a tour or requesting information.
Our Mission
To inspire lifelong learners, creative change-makers, and conscientious leaders for a more equitable, just and sustainable world.
Stay in the Whole Life loop.
Open houses, summer camp dates and community events — straight to your inbox.
Visit Us
Come say hello in South Austin.
Just off Old San Antonio Road, minutes from Southpark Meadows and I-35.
Address10801 Old San Antonio Rd, Austin, TX 78748
Phone(512) 676-5898
Emailinfo@wholelifelearningcenter.com
HoursMon–Fri · 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.