For more than 45 years, Stepping Stone School has proudly served as a trusted cornerstone of early care and education for families across Central Texas. What began in 1979 as a visionary effort to elevate the standard of childcare in Austin, TX has grown into a nationally recognized organization, shaping the lives of more than 200,000 children across Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Kyle, Leander, Cedar Park, and the greater Central Texas region. Today, we are honored to celebrate a legacy built on compassion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

A Vision That Became a Movement in Central Texas

When Founder and Executive Director Rhonda Paver, M.A., opened the first Stepping Stone School campus in Austin, TX, she brought with her a deep understanding of child development and a belief that every child deserves the best possible start in life. Her commitment to high-quality education, safety, and family partnerships set a new bar for early childhood programs at a time when standards were still emerging.

Over the years, her leadership has inspired a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring Stepping Stone School not only meets expectations but consistently raises them for families throughout Central Texas.

Future Strong™ – Leading the Way in Research-Informed Early Education

Our proprietary Future Strong™ curriculum reflects our decades of experience combined with the latest research in early childhood development, neuroscience, and learning theory. Through enriched activities, hands-on STREAM learning, literacy, emotional development, and purposeful play, children at our Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Kyle, Leander, and Cedar Park campuses build the essential skills they need to succeed in school and in life.

For school-age children, our Young Entrepreneurs and Philanthropists™ program and Diamond Club ensure your child is Future Strong™ and prepared for a rapidly changing world.

A Culture of Care, Safety, and Trust Across Central Texas

For 45+ years, Central Texas families have chosen Stepping Stone School because they know their children are surrounded by dedicated educators who are passionate about what they do. Our teacher-to-child ratios, advanced safety measures, all-inclusive tuition, and consistent communication give parents peace of mind every single day, whether they’re dropping off at our Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Kyle, Leander, or Cedar Park locations.

We remain committed to:

• Maintaining the highest standards of health, safety, and security
• Providing beautifully designed environments that inspire learning
• Recruiting and supporting exceptional educators who share our mission
• Partnering with families to build strong community connections across Central Texas

Growing Alongside Central Texas Communities

From one small campus in Austin, TX to 20 award-winning locations throughout Central Texas, Stepping Stone School has grown alongside the communities we serve — from the neighborhoods of Austin and Round Rock to the fast-growing families of Pflugerville, Kyle, Leander, and Cedar Park. Each campus is intentionally crafted to feel warm, welcoming, and enriching, reflecting the values we’ve upheld since day one.

Our programs have earned national recognition, and our leadership has contributed to advancing early education at local, state, and national levels. We are proud that the City of Austin has proclaimed March 23 as “Rhonda Paver Day” in honor of our founder’s lifetime impact on Central Texas children and families.

45+ Years Behind Us… A Bright Future Ahead for Central Texas Families

As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we remain energized by the tremendous potential in every child who walks through our doors — in Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Kyle, Leander, Cedar Park, and every community we call home. Our legacy is not just in the years behind us; it lives in the curiosity, the confidence, and the future leaders nurtured in our schools each day.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the families, educators, and community partners across Central Texas who have been part of our journey. Together, we look forward to continuing our mission of providing exceptional care and education for generations to come. To read what other Austin-area parents have to say about their experience, visit our reviews page.