Austin’s First Choice Since 1979

Why Stepping Stone School

Locally founded, founder-led, and trusted by generations of Austin families for more than 45 years of early learning.

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Years

Voted Best Childcare: Austin Family magazine readers have voted Stepping Stone School best in childcare for 28 years.

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Teaching Experience: Our proprietary curriculum is built on more than 45 years of direct teaching experience and current research.

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Quality Checks Per School: Our VerifiED™ team reviews more than 1,000 items in each school across health, safety, curriculum and operations.

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Given Back: Raised for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas through our Young Entrepreneurs and Philanthropists™ program.

Inside Our Campuses

Smiling child explores a skull exhibit in a museum display.
Children exploring a geology exhibit display at a museum
Children playing with colorful pegs on a wooden board at a learning center
Two children in astronaut costumes having fun in a play space capsule indoors.
Child playing with colorful lighted pegboard wall interactive activity
Man and child playing chess with oversized pieces on a large board indoors
Colorful modern classroom with circular lights and natural wood ceiling
Outdoor playground with large tree and fenced area on a wooden deck background
Ceiling of a planetarium showing planets Earth, Venus, and Jupiter with cloud-like sculptures above

What We Promise Every Family

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Parent Support & Resources
Daily photos, videos and notes through the Stepping Stone School App, plus free at-home ABCmouse access for Pre-K families.
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Trademarked Curriculum
Platinum Learning for Life™ is aligned with Texas Pre-K Guidelines, TEKS and NAEYC standards.
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Caring, Trained Professionals
Educators are carefully selected and grow through Stepping Stone University™, CDA scholarships and annual training.
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Safety Standards
Keypad entry, classroom video feeds, FBI-fingerprinted staff and a Safety Compliance Officer at every campus.
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Health, Hygiene & Nutrition
Chef-prepared meals with fresh produce, plus eco-friendly, non-irritating cleaning solutions.
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Innovative Facilities
Campuses designed to teach, with natural light, 98% UV-protected playgrounds and hands-on exhibits.
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Green Practices
Energy-efficient buildings, xeriscaped landscaping and recycling education built into the curriculum.
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Quality Assurance
Ongoing internal reviews of health and safety, curriculum, environment and operations at every campus.
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Philanthropy & Community
Decades of giving back, from Ronald McDonald House Charities to The Thinkery and Caritas of Austin.
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Stepping Stone School is a child-centered school that builds curiosity and an excitement for learning. The teachers and staff provide a variety of learning experiences throughout the day, all matched to the developmental level of each child.

Texas A&M University • Joyce E. Juntune, Ph.D.

“Visionary and ahead of our time.”

ChildCare Exchange Magazine

“Mr. Tommy makes the best food!”

Current Student
Woman reading a book to a young boy on a colorful rug in a cozy setting
Woman reading a book to a young boy on a colorful rug in a cozy setting
Educators’ Top Choice

Proven Pre-Literacy Results

In the Inspired Project, a federal-grant-funded study of pre-K pre-literacy in the Round Rock area, our pre-K students scored highest on every PALS criterion measured, from letter recognition and rhyming to name writing and print knowledge.

Teacher engaging with a young child using colorful building blocks at a table in a bright classroom.

The Difference Shows Up at Home

Educator families tell us they see it every day: stronger academic progress, growing social skills and kids who come home happy and singing. That feedback confirms our balanced, research-based approach works for every child, whether their parents teach or not.

Child playing with puppet in cozy classroom setting

Trusted for Generations

Many of our families are second- and third-generation Stepping Stone School families. That kind of trust is earned over decades, by showing up for children, for parents and for the Austin community we’ve called home since 1979.