Who we are:
Founded 20 years ago with support from Redeemer and its members, City School is a Pre-K-8th Christian school in southeast Austin. Practicing in the Charlotte Mason educational tradition of a liberal arts education for all, City School sets a feast of education for mind, body, and spirit, forming students to follow Christ and serve others.
The school’s vision is not only to set a feast, but also to make this rich, Christ-centered educational experience accessible to a diverse community. The current student population comes from over fourteen neighborhoods and various cultural backgrounds. Offering financial aid on a sliding scale, the school aims to ensure that no student is unable to attend due to financial circumstances.
One parent recently shared, “City School is the biggest blessing we’ve had this year. As a single mom, it means the world to me that I can afford to send my daughter to a loving Christian school that provides education in all aspects of life.” Families often remark that this little school is a special place, where their children are known, loved, and heard. The small classes, rich curriculum full of good books, and loving community provide a haven in which students have space to grow in their knowledge of God and his world.
Ministry Updates:
This year has been challenging. City School offers opportunities to low-income and middle class families, most of whom cannot pay full tuition. This year, for example, they have had 105 students enrolled, and close to 80% receive at least partial subsidy. Generous donations from the larger Christian community in Austin close the gap.
Going into 2023, the school had some of the leanest financial times in its 20-year history. It has been beautiful to watch the City School community rally, and the school has seen over $500,000 come in this spring. Not only has the larger community given sacrificially, but many of the families at the school as well. But as they look to the 2023-2024 school year, the board and senior leadership still pray for God’s provision.
Some other highlights:
- After the disruption of Covid, teachers and parents have seen students grow in amazing ways this year. The school community is re-engaging, beloved events are back to normal.
- Karon Law, who was the Assistant Director of Education, has stepped in as interim Head of School, and is doing a wonderful job.
- A donor provided the funds to hire a Director of Development, Jeremy McNeese. He is focusing on welcoming more people into the mission, and his efforts have already borne fruit.
- Our City School Experience tours began. These tours serve as a quick, one-hour introduction to the vision and pedagogy of City School, not for potential families, but for ministry partners and friends of the school. They are going great, and more are planned for the fall.
Ways to get involved:
Give
- Prayerfully consider a monthly or one-time gift. Any amount is a blessing.
Connect
- City School still has openings for new students in the 2023-2024 school year. If you know of anyone who is still looking for a good school option for the coming school year, please mention the school to them.
- Consider going on a City School Experience tour in the fall. The leaders at the school are excited to share their mission and raise the school’s profile. You can bless them tremendously by joining them for an hour and learning about the school.
Volunteer
- If you have an hour or two in your week starting in the fall, consider signing up to work in the library or to serve as an aide for the school’s youngest students!
Pray
- Pray for the students, that God would draw near to them and make himself known.
- Pray for the staff, for refreshment over the summer and insight as they plan for next year.
- Pray for the families, that they would both receive the love of God and neighbor and cultivate lives of service through their participation in the City School community.
Contact:
Karon Law, interim Head of School: klaw@cityschooltexas.org