Lake Travis STEM Academy

3315 El Salido Pkwy

Austin, TX 78726

26 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 03, 2025

Our daughter has attended LTSA for 4 years since 7th grade. She is neurodivergent so the mentor-like relationships with her teachers and small class sizes have been beneficial. We are so happy we found LTSA!
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2024

I cannot say enough great things about this Lake Travis STEM Academy. The academics are top-notch, with challenging curriculum that really pushes students to think critically and problem solve. The teachers are dedicated and passionate about their subjects, creating a stimulating learning environment. What sets LT STEM apart, however, is its emphasis on individualized learning plans, socialization, inclusion & community. My son has attended from 7th-12th grade and was very happy there while being challenged academically. LT STEM also creates a welcoming and accepting community where everyone feels valued and respected. I also love that, due small student teacher ratio LT STEM incorporates real life discussions around current events into the curriculum. This not only helps students stay informed about the world around them, but also teaches them how to think critically and articulate their opinions effectively. Overall, I highly recommend LT STEM to any parent looking for a well-rounded education for their child. The academics are excellent, the social environment is inclusive, and the real-life discussions and course material add an extra layer of depth to the learning experience.
Submitted by parent on May 26, 2024

There’s a reason this place has a high student and teacher turnover rate. The director talks a good game, she’s charismatic and will tell you everything you want to hear. When it comes to follow through there is very little, especially when she promises two different families two conflicting solutions to a problem. There was a lot of that last year, and 17 kids left the school. And despite the small class sizes and promises to differentiate instruction, my kids are behind in nearly every subject. The director is a full time admin but also a full time ELA teacher which is also supposed to incorporate social studies and humanities, some classes only got that instruction 2 out of the 4 days the school is in session due to staff meetings she had to attend. Also she will tell you the mass exodus was because she “let people go” due to behavior but that’s not even close to true. She let 3 students go because their parents demanded that she take responsibility (all 3 of them were leaving anyway) and kept the 2 kids who had been in the most altercations all year. And in 2 years nearly none of the technology fee budget was used but our kids complained daily that their computers died all the time and there weren’t enough chargers for everyone. And yes, the Anne Frank role play with elementary kids playing Nazi hide and seek did happen. Did you know the school is in a building that is also used as a Jewish synagogue? Ask yourself if this aligns with your world view before considering.
Submitted by parent on May 24, 2024

When we decided to leave LTSA back in January, it was because we were repeatedly meeting with the director about our child getting hit/shoved; the spotty academics (ex: our math teacher last year couldn’t share a curriculum scope and sequence, because there was none), and the lack of communication. There were times I wanted to take my kid out and not finish the year, because I no longer trusted the leadership at the school. However, my child had a good teacher and wanted to finish. Then, during the last week, her 1st/2nd grade class (it’s combined) was having a pjs-and-movie day to celebrate their hard work. At some point, another teacher came in to have them do a different kind of activity... She said the jr high kids were reading The Diary of Anne Frank. And this was their “annex day,” so they were hiding. She explained to the 1st-5th kids that they would be the bad guys — called Nazis — who were trying to find the people who were hiding, and the Nazis wanted to kill the other people. I asked my child how the activity made her feel, and she said it made her sad to have to be a bad guy who wanted to kill people. For a school that touts social-emotional learning, no one considered what this experience would be like for such young children? One of the 5th graders told his mom that he felt bad seeing the littlest ones involved in it. And a quick search on the US Holocaust Memorial Museum site shows that the recommended grade to introduce this subject is 6th, so age 11 or 12. Instead they introduced it to kids as young as 6, teaching them a word like “Nazi” and making it essentially a game for them — without these kids understanding the what that really means or that it should *never* be a game. The Holocaust Memorial Museum also does NOT recommend classroom simulations, and the site suggests more pedagogically responsible activities. One jr high student stayed home because they objected to this activity. Unfortunately the 1st-5th parents were not notified nor asked to give consent. We found out later — during bath time or at the breakfast table — when our children started talking about pretending to be Nazis at school. And now we’re having to have tough conversations about a subject that kids this age don’t fully grasp, since the vocab has now been introduced. And conversations about how adults in charge can make poor decisions. And how to respectfully study the hard parts of history. I can’t overstate how glad we are to move on.
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2024

Initially, the presence of teachers with real-world experience rather than traditional teaching backgrounds seemed like a positive aspect of the school. However, it became apparent that this contributed to a lack of effective teaching and behavioral challenges, resulting in my children not learning as much as expected despite small class sizes. Although the school attracted neurodivergent students, it lacked the resources and expertise to support them adequately. Communication and organization were GLARING weaknesses, with important information often being relayed last minute or not at all. Field trip opportunities were also far fewer than anticipated.The small size of the school had drawbacks, particularly concerning playground dynamics, broken promises, and declining enrollment. The Director prioritized recruiting new students over supporting existing ones, and there was a pattern of unfulfilled commitments, such as delayed yearbooks (a year late) and a lack of growth. The desperation to hire teachers led to poor choices, resulting in disappointing interactions between teachers and students, with inconsistent expectations for politeness.Notably, there was a glaring absence of physical education in the elementary years, despite its importance, and supervision on the playground was inadequate, leading to frequent injuries. Mixed-age groupings did not benefit older students, who often faced immature behavior and a lack of differentiated learning. For those who value organization, the school's poor planning and communication would be frustrating, although the community and schedule were excellent.
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2024

LTSA just lost a ton of kids. In K-5th, only 6 kids are returning. Our concerns:>Leadership. The director was willing to talk about issues, but nothing came from it. And her go-to responses were “the kids need to speak up more,” blaming parents for being “toxic,” and saying “no one told me.” But it’s her job to know what’s going on. And in some cases, parents did speak up, but there’s no system for sharing info amongst the staff. The director never took any responsibility, even as parents wanted to help improve things. She’s also an (uncertified) teacher. Parents said the school needs a dedicated director, so she agreed to do that, other than the classes she’ll still teach next year.>Communication. Some teachers were good about this, some not. And the communication from the school itself was terrible. Numerous parents brought this up on a survey in spring, and it was neither acknowledged nor addressed.>Special Ed. LTSA enrolled kids with autism, ADHD, etc., yet didn’t have qualified staff to support them. “Small class size” is not sufficient. And a lot of time is lost to classroom management, at least in K-5.>Bullying. While some kids were dismissed for this, others bullied over multiple years if the director saw “progress.” When parents asked about the inconsistency, we were told the policy is enforced consistently, despite our experiences. >No T&E in STEM. Last year my child had a technology class. This year, nothing. Often kids couldn’t even use the laptops, because they needed a new battery or cord. Meanwhile $15,000 of parent-paid technology fees sat in a bank account all year. >Safety. The main building has security, but kids walk between 3 buildings, including unaccompanied upper elementary kids with their teacher’s key card. The main door has also been propped open, allowing a visiting adult to walk right in. It’s against policy, sure, but reminders after the fact don’t equal security.>Academics. You may get a good teacher, and you may not. And if you don’t, there’s no oversight into what the teacher is (or isn’t) teaching. LTSA also claims individualized learning, but advanced and older students often worked at a lower level with peers, without a plan for their own advancement. Some parents are hiring tutors to catch those kids up over the summer. If you enroll, I suggest at least monitoring whether your child is getting the basics for their grade (search for TEKS). There’s a reason the majority of students just left.
Submitted by principal on August 17, 2023

As the Academic Advisor at Lake Travis STEM Academy for the past six years, I am proud to offer an endorsement of the educational experience that our institution provides. I have had the distinct honor of witnessing firsthand the profound impact of our school's resolute commitment to maintaining high teaching standards, fostering innovative approaches to education, and prioritizing the holistic well-being of our students. Over the years, I have personally observed how our distinctive project-based learning environment serves as a catalyst for student growth and development. Our teaching approach is not just about the transmission of knowledge; it's about igniting a lifelong passion for learning. Central to our ethos is the commitment to cultivating a nurturing and supportive atmosphere that goes beyond academics. Our school prioritizes the emotional and social well-being of our students. Yes, it's important to acknowledge that our commitment to these high teaching standards can also lead us to make difficult decisions when necessary. We believe that the educational experience is only as strong as the educators delivering it. As such, we hold our teaching staff to an elevated standard, ensuring that they not only possess subject expertise but also the capacity to provide the care and support our students deserve. Occasionally, this entails making challenging decisions, including the possibility of parting ways with teachers who may not meet our expectations. Throughout this process, we consider feedback from students, parents, and staff.Lake Travis STEM Academy's commitment to student success extends even to situations that require tough choices. While we strive to cater to the diverse learning needs of our students, there may be instances where we realize that our school may not be the optimal fit for a particular student. We understand and respect that each student's educational journey is unique, and we humbly acknowledge that there are times when more specialized support is essential. As a private institution without a dedicated special education program, we place the well-being of our students at the forefront. Our commitment to maintaining high teaching standards, nurturing innovation, and prioritizing the well-being of our students is at the heart of our mission. Whether through personalized learning experiences, fostering emotional growth, or even making challenging decisions.
Submitted by teacher on August 16, 2023

I've been a teacher at LTSA for 8 years. In my time here, I have been both supported by administration and given the freedom to structure activities and curriculum to engage students and help them grow. Our approach is research-based, so it differs significantly from that of a traditional school. For example, our standard-based grading system allows students many attempts to master concepts without penalty. This results in a grade that accurately reflects a student's mastery at the end of the year, rather than one that unfairly penalizes students for mistakes made during the learning process.This grading system, along with our project-based, student-centered curriculum, fosters a mastery-motivational climate in which students are focused on learning and creating, rather than taking shortcuts or gaming the system. Students are able to experiment, take risks and incorporate formative feedback from teachers rather than simply regurgitating content they memorize just long enough to pass a test. While no school is a perfect fit for every teacher, student or family, our is a great fit for many, particularly adults who consider themselves lifelong learners and children who are curious and creative.
Submitted by other on August 16, 2023

I have been a teacher at LTSA for three years now and have loved every moment of it. I have the freedom to meet my students where they are at academically and teach content that aligns with my student's interests and values without the pressure of standardized tests. My students love getting hands-on learning opportunities and thrive in this non-traditional school setting. LTSA has a focus on social emotional learning and understand that students need time and space to help build their executive functioning skills. Teachers and admin work hard to ensure that each student's individual needs are being met both academically and socially. The small school provides a safe and comfortable community for each of the students. The LTSA families are so supportive of teachers and are great partners in their student's learning. This school is a great fit for curious students who love to learn by doing.
Submitted by teacher on June 30, 2023

LTSA is a mess. The administrators hold no degrees in education and are wholly unqualified to provide the education and support that these children require and deserve. A great number of the students at this school have emotional problems and/or learning disabilities, some of which are severe. There is no discipline in the classrooms . Students routinely are disrespectful to the teachers, ignoring them, yelling at them , throwing things, with no consequences. Teachers are often called out for trying to provide any type of structure or accountability to the children. Parents run the school on the basis of rumor and innuendo. Many students are sorely lacking in basic writing, spelling , phonics and math skills. There are few standards for the quality of the children’s work or their effort or lack of same. Bullying is common and is not addressed. Students wander the campus without anyone’s knowledge. Check out the attrition rate of the teachers. The school itself is filthy and reeks of mold which is everywhere-a fact kept from the parents. If you care about the well-being of your child do not consider Lake Travis Stem Academy.
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2022

We absolutely love being a part of LTSA. The hands-on learning and small class sizes really help the kids to be engaged and have their needs met. I also appreciate the parents can be involved and that the staff is friendly, welcoming, and continually striving to make the school better.
Submitted by parent on August 17, 2021

Simply put: our child is thriving at LTSA. We love the school's approach to meet children where they are. It's a wonderfully supportive environment for students to learn and grow.The teachers and administration have also been wonderful throughout COVID and all of the changes the pandemic brought. It wasn't easy for anyone, but they made the transitions/changes as smooth as possible. We're grateful to have been at LTSA during one of the most tumultuous years as a family.
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2020

Our first year at LTSA has been great! We were home schooling prior to attending LTSA and I was nervous to send my kids back to school. I knew public wouldn't be a good fit for my youngest. He is loving the project base learning and all the hands on activities. Both children like having a smaller class size. The teachers know what each student needs and how they are progressing. No one gets lost or left behind academically. A 4 day school week allows for more family time, quick weekend getaways. I notice my children are not burned out by the end of the week and way more productive. We like LTSA so much our oldest will be attending high school this upcoming year. Overall, we have been very impressed and look forward to next year.
Submitted by parent on April 15, 2020

At first we loved it, but as it continued the lack of resources for higher grades became a problem and parents and school leadership do not want to get involved with securing the needed resources. The lack of follow through from leadership and effective communication also became a huge problem. Leadership also goes against their own handbook when dealing with certain situations and are very passive aggressive in their communication. I would not recommend this school unless you want your child to graduate without being prepared for college in a 21st century world.
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2016

We had a choice of schools, both public and private (including the Lake Travis ISD) and chose LTSA for our daughter. We love the smaller class sizes, greater one-on-one attention, and the experiential learning curriculum. Our daughter is excelling in this environment and learning skills she'll need to be successful in high school, college and beyond. I highly recommend LTSA for those looking for a great learning environment for their children, regardless of their learning level.
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2016

LTSA is a wonderful school!! The teachers work SO hard, administration staff is always helpful, and it is filled with endless materials for hands on experiential learning. Kids LOVE to learn at LTSA!
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2016

So much valuable time is lost in public or charter school due to class size, shuffling from room to room, or preparation for standardized testing. My child has always possessed a love for learning, but other schools killed that spark. Now that we've found LTSTEM, my child is excited to go to school again. The small intimate environment allows my child to excel in creative and productive thinking and in general intellectual ability through differentiated learning experiences. Could things be a little more focused? Maybe, but that's also part of the process. The hands on experiential approach is very different than the standard teaching approach. Some people may need the tight structure of the standard teaching method, working straight from an outline in a textbook or singular lecture, but certainly LTSTEM pushes independent study which persuades students to seek text and answers for themselves. It is a paradigm shift that can be difficult for some to embrace. The benefit is that LTSTEM pushes all students to apply creative and critical thinking skills to their learning experiences. I like the fact that my child is given the freedom to study on an accelerated pace, but in a blended age classroom. I could home school if I were only concerned about academic achievement, but LTSTEM recognizes the whole student by fostering a community of social learning opportunities as well. The PE teacher does an excellent job in that respect! We've never experienced bullying at LTSTEM, though the same cannot be said of our experience of public school and charter school.
Submitted by other on February 15, 2016

As a teacher with experience in public, charter and private schools around Austin, I can proudly write that this has been the most rewarding experience I have had in education. I have access to a fantastic curriculum (Singapore Math), a great team of educators and a curious, compassionate student body. Rather than punishing students with poor grades for academic performance or detention for behavior issues, we help students learn from mistakes and move forward in a positive way. If you're looking for a small community that values the personal, social and academic development of every student, then you've found the right place!
Submitted by other on February 02, 2016

It appears that there is a lot of turnover. This applies to students and faculty alike. It makes one nervous. I don't know if this school has a strong direction.
Submitted by parent on February 02, 2016

I cannot recommend this school. It is chaotic, and disorganized and some children do not feel safe. The administration presents the school one way, then changes mid-stream into something totally different. A business should uphold their end of the bargain if they expect to keep their clients. You should not promise something you can't deliver.