Rawson Saunders

2614A Exposition Boulevard

Austin, TX 78703

19 Reviews

School District
Grade

1-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on December 16, 2024

Rawson Saunders is a wonderful school to support dyslexic student struggling to keep up. Early identification and individualized intervention can turn the tide—turning struggles into strengths and frustration into confidence. We are so proud of how much our child has improved with the support of excellent teachers and consistent ALT therapy. Go Panthers!
Submitted by teacher on December 05, 2024

I have taught for over 30 years, and this is my third year at RS. It is a magical place. Students can learn in small classes at his/her own pace. The students are in academic leveled math classes with less than 7 students. My math class has a mixture of grade levels but the students are on the same level (concept knowledge and pacing). In L. Arts, the students, analyze a variety of genres and can find the love of reading again! There are hands-on science experiments and lots of exploration. The curriculum is top-notch and the ALT's are amazing as the students receive 2:1 daily instruction!As a teacher, I receive two planning periods per day. The faculty is treated with respect and there is open communication between the staff, administration, and parents. We have some guidance with a road map, but we can add our personality and new ideas to the curriculum. There is fair teacher pay with insurance and benefits, and a retirement account. RS is a great place to teach!
Submitted by parent on December 05, 2024

We started at Rawson Saunders with our son in first grade this August 2024 - to say we love the school is an understatement. We left another private school in Austin, in Barton Creek and Rawson Saunders had been above and beyond better for him and his learning with dyslexia. The faculty and staff are top notch, kind and truly take a vested interest in each child. We are so thankful to have Rawson Saunders in Austin.
Submitted by other on June 03, 2023

I have a child that has been at RS for 5 years now and to say that this school has been a miracle for our family almost seems understating. The head of the school does a wonderful job running an extremely efficient school. All the teachers and ALTs have been amazing and being at school with like minded friends has been a huge sense of relief. Beyond the education our daughter has received- her confidence has grown tremendously while there and it’s just everything a parent could ask for.
Submitted by teacher on July 16, 2022

Rawson Saunders is a warm and supportive community of educational professionals, students, and families, who work together to provide high quality instruction while meeting the needs of all. There is an amazing culture of belonging among students and a collaborative professional learning community among faculty and staff. The talents and strengths of students and faculty/staff contribute to the positive campus community which is evident from the moment you walk through the door. I have had the pleasure of teaching on this campus for four of my sixteen years in education and look forward to continuing my career with such a dedicated team.
Submitted by other on December 17, 2021

I have seen a complete change in my child in just the short time that they have been there. The school is wonderful from the top to the bottom and we are so glad that we found this school!
Submitted by teacher on August 31, 2021

I would have to, unfortunately, fully agree with the experience and suggestions that the previous teachers have expressed in their reviews. The head of school can quickly show very odd and unprofessional behavior that trickles down through administration and the school as a whole. The lack of consistency in administration decisions and school protocols brings a wide range of issues, slowing the progress of the school and impacting the overall education of the students. There are other options for students with dyslexia that perspective families should investigate to give their child the best overall school environment.
Submitted by parent on August 27, 2021

Great school! The day is structured to give an education around how a dyslexic child learns best. Highly recommend!
Submitted by teacher on March 27, 2021

I have taught at Rawson Saunders for many years. This is a small school with a large administration, word between teachers passes very quickly. The reviews from teachers/parents that have been with the school for some time are extremely important and hold far more weight than new comers writing a post. Like others have pointed out, turn over of teachers is a major issue and the decision to "move on" usually has an underlying reason shared among departing teachers. There are a lot of discoveries to be found after the Wonderland introduction has worn off from a new teacher or family. The administration does not remain consistent with their decisions and everything is bottlenecked by the Head of School, which most are very fearful of, whether they admit it or not. The fear is definitely warranted, as I and so many others have been spoken to unprofessionally without valid reason, later greeted with hot and cold manipulation. There is a good amount of nepotism within the school, so the working environment most often results in a toxic cloud masked by smiles. I have never seen a school function quite like this, it is in need of some rearranging. This absolutely has an impact on the classroom teacher over a short time. Raising funds rather than education quality seems to be the main driver in the school as a whole. The majority of students and teachers are the highlight of the school. This school can benefit students that have a multitude of learning differences and/or emotional challenges. The course rigor is dependent between teachers, but is overall on the lower end since student struggles are so widely ranging in each class. Partly due to limited social learning opportunities, it seems that student turn over is rising as well. Most teachers are talented and build self esteem in their students though. Tutoring intervention combined with a well functioning school is absolutely an option for families looking for an answer. I hope improvements can be made here, the board should really hear privately from teachers both past and present to make adjustments and get this school where it could be. Although, teachers are too fearful to speak truthfully until they have fully left. Prospective teachers and families should be aware of this insight and think thoroughly when paying the high costs for this school. For some students, this might be a great place for them.
Submitted by teacher on December 04, 2020

I've been teaching for eleven years across four different campuses and this school has provided the best overall experience for me as a teacher. The small class sizes allow us to reach each student at their level and grow them from there. The administration is supportive and trusts the faculty to do what's best for their students. The students are eager to learn and are so excited to be in an environment that views their learning difference as a strength and not a hindrance. I cannot recommend this school enough for future staff and families looking for a community to support their child's academic and social development.
Submitted by teacher on July 04, 2020

The teachers and students at the school are incredible - but the leadership and head of school leave much to be desired. Turn over is incredibly high. Teachers are overworked and receive little support. Until the Head of School changes the school will continue to be held back by ineffectual leadership, a culture of fear, and a lack of accountability.
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2015

R-S is the place to go if your child is dyslexic. The benefits to having skilled educators combined with a classroom of only dyslexic students cannot be overstated- it is like a magic potion for the kids. My kiddo is above grade level for math, and working toward grade level in reading (a miracle). She is genuinely happy in a way I just have to appreciate and admire- the school has helped put that there. As a parent there are quibbles here and there I could make about the level of communication and openness to suggestions from the parent community, especially given how pricey it is, but honestly every school has some sticking points. The school more than earns the top rating with everything they get right.
Submitted by parent on September 29, 2014

Great School For building broken self esteem, and showing your kid how smart they are. The teachers are dedicated and interesting and truly understand how to teach their students. The Head of School is a brilliant, creative, experienced educator, completely committed to her students success. They offer a diverse elective choice and engaging classes. Parent involvement is voluntary and available for those who are interested in the PA.
Submitted by parent on February 23, 2013

This is the best school in Austin for children with severe dyslexia. The entire school is geared towards dyslexic learners: everything from the daily schedule, binder system to organize material, physical education, music, art and drama works together to boost the skills that dyslexics lack and build upon the the very real strengths of dyslexic students. We have found the math program (Singapore Math) to be exceptionally strong as well as the drama and art program. The school is expensive and the administration sometimes opaque but they are making great strides in improving communication with parents. For truly dyslexic children the school offers a therapeutic environment that is not available anywhere else. Classes are small and the teachers and CALTs are outstanding!
Submitted by teacher on July 29, 2012

I cannot imagine teaching anywhere else. We have amazing leadership in our administration, who always makes decisions based on what is best for our students. I have seen the heart if this school from behind the scenes, and can say with confidence that every staff member works tirelessly to ensure that students reach their full potential. Not only that, but we truly believe that the potential of our students, often not recognized in other settings, is very high. So we provide them with a rigorous, challenging curriculum that DOES follow and even exceed state standards. Our academic program is held accountable by accrediting agencies, one of which recently award us with the highest possible rating. We meet kids where they are and are not limited by state regulations or bureaucracy. I am so proud to work in an environment where we are able to implement researched based methods in a caring, stimulating environment. I see students' lives changed every year as they receive the education they deserve.
Submitted by parent on March 24, 2012

Carefully read the negative comments; I wish I had. Rawson-Saunders is meant for children who cannot read. If your child can read but requires some help, then hire a private Academic Language Therapist. I fell for the choreographed song and dance routine that lures in desperate parents. I was told that my bright child would be challenged, that the curriculum is individualized and that he would be taught in a creative way. Not true. The curriculum in all subjects, especially math and writing, does not meet state standards. My child wrote very little and seemed to do a lot of coloring and fill in the blank worksheets. He was desperately bored because the pace of instruction moved at the pace of the slowest learner. Expect few classroom updates, newsletters and very little returned work. Any concerns about curiculum are diverted by the school leadership which is defensive and quick to try to cover up concerns. I forfeited thousands of dollars of tuition money and have not looked back. My child's ALT instruction was the only bright spot in this experience.
Submitted by parent on January 19, 2012

This may be the right school for your child. But be aware that they do NOT adhere to standards (TEKS) and there is zero accountability. I used to think of testing as a problem, but now realize what can happen when there is no standard and no accountability. Unlike special education or 504 in public schools, you as a parent have no safeguards, no voice, no recourse. Major educational decisions were made without consulting or even informing us. Questions about these decisions were not taken kindly. Our only recourse was to withdraw but that still cost us a full-year's tuition. There are definitely some strengths, especially in reading and language arts. Do NOT expect a rigorous academic program and high expectations.
Submitted by parent on October 23, 2011

My child attended RawsonSaunders grades 2-5. She arrived unable to read or even recite the alphabet. She now reads above grade level and LIKES to read!. Her confidence soared once she began attending this school - it's very powerful to be around people just like you (not only are the students dyslexic, but many of the teachers are, too) and to be taught in a way you can learn. So not only did she receive a fantastic education, she had a revolution in her feelings of self-worth and competence. This is something a child who is put into special ed classes/dyslexia tutoring in public school simply will not experience. When we first arrived, the existing principal was a very "reading" oriented educator/administrator. thus other subjects (math, science) were severely underemphasized. With the "new" (now beginning year 3) principal, the science/math portion is being strongly emphasized, and it is really coming along. The teachers, to a woman/man, are FANTASTIC. The only drawback to the school is its small size - about 100 students. That means limited social choices for children's friendships and non-academic school activities. My daughter's experience here: PRICELESS.
Submitted by teacher on June 08, 2011

Rawson-Saunders has a very impressive, creative, dedicated staff, and I'm proud to be associated with everyone involved with the school! The new math program and extracurricular offerings are stellar. Of course, the school continues to do an excellent job of teaching dyslexic students to read in a way that they can learn best.