ELEMENTARY

An Elementary Program Kids Love

Grow Up With Kindness

Elementary school should be a joyful time. AHB Community School balances a supportive environment with FUN academics so students love coming to school each day. Students build a love of learning that supports them in high school and beyond.

What Sets AHB’s Elementary Program Apart

Kindergarten student stands below paper creations at part time school.

Focus on the Whole Child

Our Elementary Program develops the whole child. Teaching academic skills is essential; but it’s only half the work. We believe academic achievement must be combined with social emotional learning. These soft skills help children become productive members of the community.

For several years, 100% of AHB graduates have been accepted into their first-choice high school (including LASA, Anderson IB, and Griffin). But we also help students learn to think critically, look for solutions and communicate effectively. That’s what success looks like for students at AHB!

Mission & Values

Third grade student works on STEM math problem at board.

Critical Thinkers

Our elementary program balances skill building with project-based learning. Great care is put into scaffolding skills and challenging students where they are. Math and language arts classes are grouped on ability (rather than grade level) and include games and hands-on activities. As a result, skill building at AHB is more fun and effective.

Science and social studies incorporate project-based learning. Students apply their skills creatively while solving practical problems. Our projects develop critical thinking and comprehension while inspiring a love of learning.

Academics at AHB

Two second graders read together at GT school.

Kind & Confident

In order for a child to fully participate in a class, they have to feel safe – safe to raise a hand, and safe to try and fail – then try again. Our teachers have been trained in social-emotional learning and help students learn simple strategies to work through conflicts. They practice advocating for themselves and others. We build in time to reflect on how goals were met and how teams worked together.

The seeds of stewardship and advocacy are planted as we walk through our neighborhoods, plant wildlife gardens and learn about our bodies, our neighbors, our world. We want the students at our private school to be both kind and confident, and we coach them on how to achieve that balance.

Social Emotional Learning at AHB

GT student works with teacher on writing.

Your Time Preserved

Our micro school is a great match for families seeking a better balance between family life and school. We offer accredited core education, but we also value what happens off campus and believe children should have plenty of time for family, play and rest!

Our school offers a 4-day core week AND fewer hours in school each day. The core, instructional program runs Monday – Thursday, 9 am – 2:30 pm. Before and after school electives are available. Friday enrichment programs offer opportunities to connect with the wider community. We respect children’s natural stamina. The result is joyful students who wake up happy to go to school each morning!

Learning in Less Hours

Balance

PRACTICE + PROJECTS

Group Work

DAILY CONNECTIONS

Core Subjects

RIGOR WITHOUT GRADES

9a-2:30p

LESS STRESS SCHEDULE

Electives

OPTIONAL AFTER SCHOOL

100%

EARNING HIGH SCHOOL MATH CREDIT BY 8TH GRADE

I’ve tried to explain what AHB Community School has been for my kids. But the only word I can find is magic. My boys have thrived here for the past 10 years. When my son graduated 8th grade, I was overwhelmed with how powerful this experience was for him. I see it in his confidence, his goal setting, his thoughtfulness and relaxed maturity talking to adults. My dream for both boys was always that the inquisitive awe they had in learning as young children would only grow. That’s exactly what the teachers, staff and community offered.

They’re ready, so ready, for the next chapter!
– Jenny Peterson

Kindergarten student points to picture in book as teacher holds it at micro school.

AHB Elementary School Curriculum

Math

As an accredited private school, our mathematics scope and sequence aligns with the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills). Logic, real world application and problem solving are stressed. Game play and projects combine with traditional skill practice to master objectives. Teachers have autonomy to pull from various resources to best meet the needs of their class. Resources include the work of Marilyn Burns, John Van de Walle, and Edward Zaccaro.

Language Arts

In Language Arts, reading and writing objectives align with the TEKS. We use a balanced approach, practicing direct skills (like phonics and grammar) while developing critical thinking (like text analysis). Reading selections and writing assignments often tie in with Theme units. Teachers have autonomy to pull from various resources to best meet the needs and interests of their class. Resources include From Sounds to Spelling Phonics, Judith Hochman’s The Writing Revolution, Stephanie Harvey, Lucy Calkins, Katie Wood Ray, Patricia Cunningham . . . and loads of good literature.

Theme: Science & Social Studies

At AHB science and social studies are taught in rotational units of study that we call Theme. Units change quarterly and provide a class focal point and source of inspiration. Whether learning about simple machines or medieval Asia, our work values process over content, and depth over breadth. Often considered the most “fun” part of the day, Theme class is dominated by group work, problem solving, and creative, hands-on projects. Topics are typically chosen from E.D. Hirsch’s CORE Knowledge Curriculum. Again, teachers have great flexibility in choosing or creating curriculum to best engage and teach students.

SEL: Social-Emotional Learning

Though not technically a class, social-emotional learning is woven through each day. It happens organically through the day-to-day moments of coaching and encouragement that our low student-teacher ratio allows. It is also taught directly through class discussions and community circles. We think SEL is so important that we “measure” it by including it our quarterly Student Assessment Reports. Goals are set and progress recorded using our SEL Learning Objectives. Resources include Tribes Learning Community and Responsive Classroom.

This Week in Elementary at AHB Community School

K/1st: Week of 1/13

This week in Alpha… Wicked? No WAY! This week in Our Big Backyard… Alphas have a good understanding of the prairies and…

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Kindergarten student holds electric creation at part time school.

2nd/3rd: Week of 1/13

Math – Ms. Andrea’s math group reviewed telling time: to the hour, half hour, quarter past, quarter till, in 5 minute increments…

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Second grade students create circle on rug at private school in Austin.

5th/6th: Week of 1/13

General News MLK Jr. Day is coming up this Monday, January 20th. We will not have school. We hope you enjoy the…

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Two fourth grade students work together at computer at STEM school in Austin.

Kinder/1st: Week of 1/6

This week in Our Big Backyard… We’ve learned so much about our Backyards. Now it’s time to head in different directions to…

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Half day kindergarten student proudly displays an owl he sewed at a part time school.

2nd/3rd: Week of 1/6

Math – Ms. Andrea’s math group launched into a new math unit on time! We created a large clock together, then each…

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Two second grade students work together at non-religious school in Austin.

4th/5th: Week of 1/6

General News We had a wonderful first week back from break! The Gamma class was hardworking, thoughtful, kind, and enthusiastic – as…

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Two fourth graders work on couch at micro school in Austin

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Grow Up With Community

Education should be modeled on child development. AHB Community School’s progressive program supports the whole child as they grow emotionally and academically. Our middle school offers a natural continuation of this process. Students enjoy more opportunities for responsibility, personal achievement, and time on campus. When education progresses organically, children thrive.

MIDDLE SCHOOL