Paragon Prep School

5206 Balcones Drive

Austin, TX 78731

17 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 08, 2022

This school is wonderful. I'm glad we found this school for my child. She's been moving through some tough home life situations, and they have been encouraging and understanding without babying here.This school you DO have to work to complete the work. This is a type of work ethic not needed at other schools, but they are skills that will sustain the children throughout life. The kids are no longer able to dominate and skate by.I see some of the other reviews have complaints over the work, and it can be significant, but it is a growth opportunity for the kids. There is still plenty of time to play and be goofy kids.
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2022

A school can provide high level academics while also providing a nurturing and safe environment. This school is not that. It is solely focused on the difficulty of its academics and prides itself on the amount and intensity of homework. In my opinion it does not focus enough on encouraging or facilitating actual teaching. What the school struggles with is controlling the kids. Kids are allowed to talk back (including cussing and screaming), disobey rules, and physically and emotionally bully other kids. All that matters is if they have straight As. If you have a kid who is well-rounded, emotionally stable, and wants to be academically challenged in a nurturing, safe environment this is it the school for them.
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2021

Accelerated structured learning by an education team that puts students first. Smaller class sizes and great interaction with teachers. Easy communication between parents and teachers to help children reach potential. Strong work ethic with homework, individual project, group projects, papers, research, and a real focus on teaching successful educational behaviors at a young age. For all I've laid out, we've seen this is true at 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. Can't wait to see what is ahead. Do expect your child to have rigorous homework, challenging tests, and it will be up to them to rise to challenges. Work is as much of the grade, if not more, than individual tests.The kids are getting a rich, balanced education, by people who really care, and have no agenda.
Submitted by parent on May 20, 2020

Horrific. Not worth the money, and don't expect to get any of it back if you pull your child out. Kindergarten is supposed to be a fun, nurturing and learning environment. But packing kindergarten students in with first graders because you can't get enough students in either class causes kindergarteners to try and mature up and first graders drop down a notch. Lose-lose. The only good thing that came out of our experience with Paragon was that we found out that our child was gifted. And now thriving in a school that does know how to work with children. Our doctor was shocked that Paragon combined Kindergarten and first grade into one class. Said way too different mentally for that.
Submitted by parent on July 19, 2018

If your child can fit into a cookie cutter model - whereby they are in a semi-boot camp, and need very strict discipline and never questioning or asking "why", this is a great school. There is very little flexibility. With the tremendous amount of homework and pressure on grades, I would inquire as to the amount of students that go on to LASA and other private schools as thus far, their success rate is nominal at best.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2018

I highly recommend Paragon Prep. We have a current 6th grader and two graduates who attended 5-8th. The teachers are outstanding, taking an interest in the success of each child. And success is defined differently for everyone. There is an emphasis on developing study skills, emotional readiness for high school, teamwork, and academics that will make high school easier and less stressful. The administration listens to any concerns or ideas parents have. Take a look for yourself. We could not be happier in our investment in this private middle school.
Submitted by parent on January 24, 2018

We have just moved our 5th grade boy over from public elementary school into Paragon Prep 6th grade middle school, and wow what a change. He was very bored in public school as it seemed to lack challenging work. At Paragon I feel very confident he is getting the best education anyone can pay for, and I feel like it is priceless. I am a social worker and do not make much money but have made education a priority in our family's life. I leave Paragon with a richness, a trust, a feeling of community and family. I KNOW the teachers care, the way my child comes home and talks with me about daily activities. I have to say, it feels so good knowing 100% that we made the right choice in Paragon. It has been the best experience so far!
Submitted by parent on February 11, 2017

Paragon is a phenomenal school that excels in academics, childhood & human development, and physical exercise. I couldn't ask for a better place to have my two children. They are focused on all the right things, including mindfulness, art, exceptional academics, happy teachers who are talented AND fun, while keeping kids physically active and mentally engaged. What an accomplishment!!
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2017

I have a 9 year old daughter enrolled in grade 3 at Paragon. This is her first year of attendance. Prior to this year she spent a total of four years at two other private school in Austin. She will leave Paragon after graduating from the 8th grade (the highest grade they teach). Here's why: 1) Phenominal academics - every subject is taught by a specialist, every child is challenged to reach their individual potential, and scores and grades reflect real learning rather than fuzzy, feel good jibber jabber; 2) Fun - they have gym twice a day! They have crazy hat day, Elvis day, Dia los Muertos, etc, etc. They take field trips to interesting places. The school "bell" is actually rock music that is chosen by the kids. It's just fun.; 3) Character Building - the kids are taught to be disciplined, upstanding citizens that are responsible for themselves and the environment in which they learn. They aren't coddled or patronized. They are given respect and they are expected to carry themselves accordingly. 4) Money - you pay your tuition and fees and that's it. Nobody is contantly bugging you for more money. This is a very, VERY, professionally run school. I cannot recommend this school more highly. Oh...and my daughter LOVES it.
Submitted by parent on February 25, 2016

The elementary school is exceptional. The teachers and administration are dedicated. They provide an academically challenging experience and create an environment that is energetic and warm. My children love it here and so do we!
Submitted by other on December 17, 2015

Our daughter has been at Paragon for 3 years now. She is in 5th grade and has Mr. Cash. Everything you hear about him and how wonderful he is was right on. He teaches old school but it is kind of refreshing to see a low tech environment and back to the basics philosophy. My daughter is learning how to study and I feel strongly it will carry her into college! Last year my daughter had Mrs. Luther for Math and Social Studies and she is phenomenal! She is awesome. It was amazing to see how she was able to balance all of the different levels in math. My daughter was always challenged and still had one on one teaching with Mrs. Luther when she needed it. The LA and Science teachers are equally great. It was awesome to see everything they were doing in Science every week and the creative writing skills she developed blew me away. I almost forgot to mention the art teacher that is so awesome! She is so passionate about art and it spills over to the kids. I always recommend Paragon to anyone that asks me. The staff, teachers, heads of school, coaches and everyone there really seem to care about the success of the kids. My daughter can't wait to go on to 6th and see what new challenges lie ahead for her!
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2014

My two sons attended Paragon grades 5-8 & had overall a good to very good experience, but the school's trend has been downward. There are some excellent teachers who are really knowledgeable, highly motivated, and very skilled at conveying the material and stimulating interest. Other teachers, however, do not nearly reach that level & have difficulty guaranteeing a good learning environment. The biggest problem is the principal, who is rather unpleasant to deal with and unreceptive to parental feedback. E.g., one year he suddenly reduced Latin instruction by 40% (from 5 to a mere 3 days per week). Most problematically, he has expanded the school so much that quality standards seem to have suffered and that logistic problems for kids and parents abound. So at this point, I am not sure I would enroll my kids there.
Submitted by parent on September 11, 2014

Both out kids go to paragon for the last 4 years ... we love the school, teachers, mix of sports, art and of course academics. This is our extended family!
Submitted by other on April 02, 2012

I am a graduate of this school, so I have first hand experience with it. I have been to only top-tier schools across the US and Europe for my education, and Paragon stands far above the rest. I say this because Paragon has several qualities which other institutions, despite their size and resources, simply lack. Paragon cares about its students. It's small, you get to know the teachers, and the students very personally. They are like family, nothing more and nothing less. Small class sizes also mean more individual attention, and can correct deficiencies much more quickly. Paragon is academically exceptional. Many of the teachers have Masters degrees in whatever subject they are teaching. They are among the best for the money. Paragon competes with schools in many competitions, and wins. For example, the school competes in the intrastate challenge called the PSIA and regularly ranks highly (3rd when I graduated). Considering the school size, and the size of Texas, the feat is nothing less than astonishing. Paragon is not just the best value for money, it is the best. I will send my children here if I end up in Austin, TX.
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2012

Our third grader is extremely happy here. Paragon is known for creating an atmosphere in which students thrive both academically and socially. We are certainly reaping the benefits of their approach. Our son looks forward to school each day. He is adequately challenged and excited about new subjects and topics on a daily basis. The teachers are the best. The passion that each educator, from administration to special areas, has about teaching shines through. Something magical is happening here, and we feel lucky to be involved.
Submitted by parent on February 29, 2012

Great school. Our son is doing so well and learning so much. The staff is the best we've ever seen
Submitted by other on January 10, 2012

I love my school! I am challenged everyday and the teachers are awesome. It's like the whole school is one big family.