Finding an affordable, high-quality Pre-K program for your child is one of the most exciting decisions you’ll make as a parent, and we’re here to make it an easy one. At Stepping Stone School, enrollment is simple, spaces are available and we’d love to welcome your family!

Watching a child discover that letters become words, numbers become patterns, and new classmates become friends is one of the great joys of the Pre-K years. These moments are some of the most joy-filled times of childhood, and the right program can make them extraordinary.

For over 45 years, Stepping Stone School has been celebrating those moments alongside Central Texas families. We believe every child deserves a Pre-K experience that feels safe, nurturing, and full of possibility, one that builds confidence and sends them into Kindergarten feeling ready, excited, and proud of everything they’ve accomplished.

Here’s a look at what makes our program so special, and why so many families, including teachers and school administrators, choose us for their own children!  

• 27x Best Childcare – Austin Family Magazine
• 20 Central Texas Campuses 
• 45+ Years Serving Texas Families 
• #1 Educators’ Top Choice

A Program Built on Proven Results 

Great early childhood education is equal parts academic excellence and genuine warmth, and at Stepping Stone School, you get both.

Our Platinum Learning for Life™ curriculum is research-based and independently proven to produce outstanding outcomes. In the federally funded PALS Literacy Study (Phonological Awareness and Literacy Screening), Stepping Stone School Pre-K students ranked #1 across every single criterion measured, including ABC recognition, phonics, print knowledge, name writing, rhyming, and verbal memory.

The real-world result? Many of our graduates walk into Kindergarten already reading independently. Their Elementary teachers notice, and the children carry that confidence with them for years.

 

“My daughter started Kindergarten already reading. Her teacher was amazed, she told us it was the best Pre-K preparation she’d ever seen in a new student.”  Sarah M., Parent, Round Rock Campus

 

These outcomes aren’t an accident. They’re the result of a carefully designed curriculum, exceptional educators, and a learning environment where children feel safe, seen, and genuinely excited to come to school every day.

A Curriculum That Makes Learning Fun

The Platinum Learning for Life™ curriculum was developed specifically for the 3–5 age window, one of the most important periods of brain development in a child’s life. It’s designed to meet children exactly where they are and gently guide them toward what’s next, all while keeping learning joyful.

At the heart of the program is S.T.R.E.A.M. Science, Technology, Relationships, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Rather than teaching these as separate subjects, S.T.R.E.A.M. weaves them together through hands-on, minds-on experiences that feel like play and build a strong foundation.

Here’s a glimpse of what your child’s days will look like:

• BOB Books & Structured Literacy – Children work through a proven, sequential reading program. Many graduate reading independently, a head start they carry with pride.
• Daily Journaling – Each child has their own journal where they practice letters, express ideas, and develop fine motor skills. It becomes a treasured keepsake of their Pre-K year.
• Kindness & Empathy™ Curriculum – Every month, children explore a character trait like cooperation, respect, or perseverance through stories, activities, and real conversations. These are the skills that make great friends, great students, and great people.
• Dual Language & ASL – Daily Spanish vocabulary and American Sign Language introduce children to new ways of communicating and connecting with the world around them.
• The Atelier™ Enrichment – Advanced Pre-K children explore masterpieces from famous artists and engineering wonders from around the globe, all tied to the character and academic themes of the month.
• Leader of the Week – Children learn about inspiring historical figures whose values connect to current classroom themes, building early awareness of what leadership and character really look like.
• Conscious Guidance – Based on the work of Dr. Rebecca Bailey, children develop higher-order thinking and executive function skills, the building blocks of focused, confident learning.
• ABC Mouse – Free for Home Use – Every family receives complimentary access to ABC Mouse, so the learning and the fun continue at home too.
• Portfolio Assessments – Each child is assessed across all developmental domains using the Teaching Strategies GOLD system. Teachers use those results to personalize instruction, so every child is supported and challenged in just the right way.

 

“When I saw Stepping Stone School’s curriculum, I said: that’s the sort of education I want my child to have. I don’t want my daughter to struggle. I want to give her everything.” — Hilda D., Fourth-Grade Bilingual Teacher, Austin ISD

 

Enrichment Programs That Public Pre-K Simply Can’t Match

One of the things families love most about Stepping Stone School is how much goes on every single week. Beyond the core curriculum, children enjoy a world of enriching experiences that develop the whole child, creatively, physically, and socially.

Across Stepping Stone campuses, children enjoy music, dual language instruction in Spanish, American Sign Language, computer labs, full gymnasiums, beautiful outdoor classrooms, and The Atelier™ arts program. Every week brings something new to look forward to.

Public Pre-K programs deliver a baseline education. Stepping Stone School delivers an enriched one. Programs go far beyond academic readiness to develop the whole child, physically, creatively, and socially. Enrichments available across Stepping Stone campuses include music, dance, sports, gymnastics, kung fu, tennis, baseball, soccer, and more! 

Public Pre-K programs rarely have the resources to deliver specialized instruction in music, movement, second language, or technology. At Stepping Stone School, these aren’t add-ons, they’re woven into every week of your child’s experience.

Our Advanced Pre-Kindergarten (Kindergarten Readiness Academy) is designed specifically for 4–5 year olds who are getting ready to take that big step into Kindergarten. It builds on everything in the Pre-K program with additional focus on reading readiness, structured writing, calendar math, and the daily routines of a Kindergarten classroom, so children don’t just arrive ready, they arrive excited!

Safety You Can Trust

Every parent knows that feeling, dropping your child off somewhere new and hoping they’re in the very best hands. At Stepping Stone School, we’ve spent 45 years earning that trust, and we take it seriously every single day. We were also recognized for the 2026 Nationwide CARE Award to celebrate outstanding individuals in youth-serving organizations across the country.

Our campuses feature secured entry systems, credentialed and background-checked staff, Safety and Security Specialists, and standards that go above and beyond what Texas state requires. Every teacher is CPR and First Aid certified. Every campus is licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and independently verified through our VerifED Quality™ program.

And because we know parents want to stay connected, our parent app sends photos, activity updates, and daily reports straight to your phone throughout the day. You’ll never have to wonder what your child’s day looked like, you’ll get to see it in real time.

Schedules Built for Modern Families

One of the most overlooked advantages of Stepping Stone School Pre-K is the practical one: public Pre-K programs are designed around school district calendars, not family life. That creates real, recurring gaps for working parents.

Stepping Stone School:

• Open 6:30 AM – 6:15 PM daily
• Year-round; open during school breaks
• Closed only 8 major holidays per year
• Full-time and part-time enrollment options
• Design Your Own Schedule program available
• Stepping Stone School substitute teachers, no disruptions in care
• Guaranteed enrollment, no lottery

Public ISD Pre-K:

• Pre-K3: half-day only
• Pre-K4: ends at elementary school dismissal time
• Follows district calendar; closed during all school breaks
• No before/after school care included
• No flexible scheduling options
• Enrollment subject to availability and lottery systems
• Separate after-care arrangements required

For working parents, ISD Pre-K often means paying for a second childcare provider to cover mornings, afternoons, and school breaks, turning “free” public Pre-K into a logistical puzzle. Stepping Stone School provides seamless full-day, year-round care with transparent pricing and guaranteed placement.

Teachers Choose Us for Their Own Children 

One of the most meaningful things about Stepping Stone School is who chooses us. Not just loving parents,  but K–12 educators, principals, and curriculum specialists who understand exactly what excellent early childhood education looks like, and choose us for their own children.

That’s not something we take lightly. When teachers see our program, they recognize the research behind it, the intentionality in the curriculum design, and the skill of our educators. They know what Kindergarten-ready looks like, and they trust us to get their children there.

 

“As a second-grade teacher myself, I chose Stepping Stone for my son because I know firsthand what kindergarten-readiness actually looks like. The S.T.R.E.A.M. program is exceptional.” — Marcus T., K–12 Educator & Stepping Stone Parent

“When we searched for schools for our son, we looked for kindergarten-readiness. It’s curriculum-driven, structured, and research-based — they definitely know what they’re doing, and have the data to prove it.” — Laurelyn A., Associate High School Principal, Round Rock ISD

 

For 45 years and counting, Stepping Stone School has been Austin Family Magazine’s Best Childcare, 27 years in a row. We were also named Best in Childcare by Austin American Statesman for 2025. That kind of recognition doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because families experience something genuinely extraordinary, and they tell their friends, their neighbors, and their colleagues.

More Than a School – A Community That Supports Your Whole Family

Stepping Stone School is more than a Pre-K program,  it’s a community. From the moment you schedule your tour, you’ll feel the warmth that has kept families coming back generation after generation.

Our open-door policy means parents are always welcome on campus. Teachers communicate openly and regularly. We also host many school wide events like the spring dance, art show, celebratory luncheons and holiday celebrations! Parent-teacher conferences, a dedicated Parent Relaxation Center, and daily digital updates through our app ensure you always feel connected, informed, and supported.

Your child will make friends here and so will you. Our educators help build relationships with families and become trusted partners in your child’s growth for years to come.

 

A Snapshot of What Sets Us Apart

Feature	Stepping Stone School	Public ISD Pre-K
State Licensed (DFPS)	✓	—
Proven Academic Outcomes (PALS Study)	✓	—
Full-Day Care (6:30 AM – 6:15 PM)	✓	—
Year-Round / Open During Breaks	✓	—
Flexible Scheduling Options	✓	—
Guaranteed Enrollment	✓	—
S.T.R.E.A.M. Curriculum	✓	—
Dual Language + ASL	✓	—
Music, Dance & Arts Enrichments	✓	—
Advanced Safety & Secured Entry	✓	Partial
CPR & First Aid Certified Staff	✓	✓
Daily Quality Checks	✓	✓
Educators’ #1 Choice for Their Own Children	✓	—

 

Ready to See It for Yourself?

The Pre-K years go fast. One day you’re dropping them off for the first time, and before you know it they’re reading to you at bedtime. We’d love for your family to experience everything Stepping Stone School has to offer during those important years.

Come see our campuses, meet our educators, and watch your child’s eyes light up in our classrooms. Tours are free, they take about 30 minutes, and you’re more than welcome to bring your child along, we love meeting the whole family.

Enrollment for Fall 2026 is open now, and spaces fill up quickly. We would love to save one for your child.

Come see why Central Texas families have called Stepping Stone School home for over 45 years.

• Schedule a Free Tour: steppingstoneschool.com/schedule-a-tour
• Enroll Online: steppingstoneschool.childcareforms.com
• Find Your Nearest Campus: steppingstoneschool.com/find-a-school
• Call Us: (512) 459-0258

Related Reading: Quality Care You Can Count On | Advanced Pre-K Program | Educators’ Top Choice.