We are so grateful for all of the families who make up our close-knit Kirby Hall School community. One of those families is the Leonards. Learn more about their experiences here and why they choose Kirby Hall for their kiddos in this month’s family feature: How many students do you have who attend Kirby Hall? Two: First…
We are starting off the new year with a closer look at one of our specials, Drama & Music. Students have this special outside of their core classes several days throughout the week, and it is one they look forward to with eager anticipation. It is led by our amazing faculty member, Lynn Mikeska, who…
We are grateful for all of our families who have chosen Kirby Hall School for their children’s primary and middle school education. See why the Culliton Family values Kirby Hall and our close-knit community, and visit us here to learn more about the admissions process and start your journey to becoming one of our Kirby…
At Kirby Hall School, we love our tight-knit community and are grateful for all of the families who are a part of it. We are especially thankful when they share with us what they love about Kirby Hall and why they chose it for their children’s education. See why the Louderback Family (Renee, Dustin,…
Kirby Hall School recently celebrated the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month with a cultural celebration highlighting student research and performance projects. Students in lower school and middle school spent weeks diving into significant events and learning about influential Hispanic figures who make up a rich part of our country’s history, culminating in their presentations…
At Kirby Hall, we are always looking for ways to expand our academic horizons and add to our teaching toolbox. This year, we are excited to have introduced a new English and Language Arts (ELA) curriculum for Kindergarten through 8th grade. While it is new to us, the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project (TCRWP)…
At Kirby Hall School, STEM activities are an important component of the curriculum at each of our grade levels. STEM stands for the collective fields or study of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. It involves a great deal of hands-on work, trying out new things, and collaboration among students. The ways in which STEM learning…
Kirby Hall School is excited to announce the establishment of a new parent/student mentor community known as the Kirby Hall Mind Share Program. The intent of the program is to pair Middle and Upper School students with Kirby Hall parents who are accomplished in their chosen fields. Students are encouraged to reach out to these…
Kirby Hall School is thrilled to share that two of our students were recognized as recipients of the 2021 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards presented by St. Stephen’s Episcopal School. Avery P. (Ninth Grade) received an award for: Lunch Club, Painting – Gold Key Chloe K. (Eighth Grade) received awards for: Tears Like Gold, Mixed…
The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging on several fronts for so many families. Even as we have successfully returned to school at Kirby Hall, nothing is exactly the same as before. Furthermore, racial injustices recently witnessed throughout the country, as well as the ongoing heated political climate, have likely been sources of stress for families…
Like many throughout the nation, Kirby Hall School is saddened by recent events afflicted on the Black community, as well as, the ongoing racial inequity in American society. At Kirby Hall, we believe it is our responsibility to be part of the solution to end racism and racial inequality. In light of recent events, Kirby…
Learning this month looks a little bit different than it did last month. Not only for Kirby Hall School, but for schools all around the city, United States, and world. Due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, families are sheltered in place at home while students are learning how to navigate new ways to, well,…
As Texans, we often live by the motto that “everything is bigger and better in Texas.” While that may be true for some things (such as our infamous state pride), in some cases, smaller is actually better–especially in the classroom. Small class size and low student-teacher ratios are frequently lauded for their positive effects on…
Kids (and even parents!) look forward to the summer break all year long. Time away from classes allows families to relax and recharge so they are ready to tackle the next grade ahead. While the freedom from a hectic school schedule is a huge benefit during the summer, the structure of a summer camp alongside…
The holidays are the most popular time of year for volunteering in the community, as the spirit of giving is in the air (and schedules are often more flexible away from work and school). At many schools, however, community service — and service learning — is regularly incorporated into classroom curriculum and lessons throughout the…
MakerSpaces are making waves at schools from coast-to-coast these days. A MakerSpace is a dedicated spot in a classroom or library where students can create, tinker, build, and solve problems in a hands-on way. And as the saying goes…tinkers are thinkers. Whether they are building something entirely from their own imaginations or creating something with…
New Research Touts the Pluses of Preschool The options are endless these days for parents wishing to get a jump start on their child’s learning and education all before actually starting kindergarten. There are formal playgroups, playdates, child development centers, Montessori-styled classrooms, and plain old preschool. How is a new parent to know what is…
2nd grade has been learning about the Digestive System in Science and they had a special presentation by two of our parents who are Physicians at the University of Texas. During their presentation they compared human anatomy with those of other animals, showed how long the small intestine is, and had an interactive activity that demonstrated how our digestive system works! The students even got to ask them a lot of great questions.
One of the great things about our school is the family environment that is always present in our halls. We love it when our older students are involved with our younger ones! One example is when they help run our school events and guide the younger students around. Another example is when we have Reading Buddies every Friday in the Library.
One of the great things about our school is the family environment that is always present in our halls. We love it when our older students are involved with our younger ones! One example is when they help run our school events and guide the younger students around. Another example is when we have Reading Buddies every Friday in the Library.
Our latest bulletin boards showcase what we are reading! The bulletin board just outside the library has books being read by our Primer, Kinder, first grade, and second grade students, while the one on the wall in the stairwell shows what our older kids are reading.
Deciding that your child should make the switch to a private school is a big decision. The academic and social adjustments can affect not just your child, but your whole family. However, if you’ve weighed the options and decided that switching from public to private school is the best course of action, take comfort in knowing that private schools make it a point to help families ease into the transition.
Kirby Hall School won the 1st Place Trophy for the 2018 PSIA State Championship for the Middle School Division.
Kirby Hall is grateful to Bryan Mealer for taking the time to speak with the students and encourage their creative writing side.
One of our amazing teachers, Christine Griffin, helped to bring a wonderful exhibit to Kirby Hall for Black History Month! The exhibit was called Black Art – Ancestral Legacy: The African Impulse in African American Art.
Chelsea Toler-Hoffmann is one of our many wonderful alumni we are proud to have as a part of our Kirby Hall family. She is a passionate individual who cares about helping and bettering our community.
Our 3rd grade made a series of Native American diorama presentations for their history unit. See these incredible dioramas!
Deciding how to help with your child’s homework is a constant struggle for most parents. You don’t want your child to constantly struggle with their homework every day, but you also know that giving them the answers is not going to help them either.
Preschool is an important part of early development for a child because it helps set a child up with the proper skills and structure to succeed throughout their education. Kirby Hall’s primer program provides an extra scaffold between the crucial Pre-K years and the kindergarten years.
The relationship between teachers and students can have a lasting impact on the development of a child. Teachers who have strong bonds with their students have been shown to be more effective in their teaching roles. In addition to lower levels of behavioral problems, teachers with strong classroom bonds are also able to achieve higher levels of academic success among students.
Average class size is an important metric used to compare how intimate of an education experience a school offers. The smaller the class size, the more opportunities a student will have to receive one-on-one teaching, chances to participate, and the resources for success.
Karinya Chen impacted the lives of all she touched. She was a beloved member of the Kirby Hall community. Her intelligence, charm, kindness, dogged determination, positive outlook, talent, and faith continue to inspire us to reach for our better selves.
Kirby Hall has participated in PSIA competitions for over ten years with a history of decisive wins, with the elementary and middle school teams winning first place over 80% of the time.
Hammers, nails, shingles, and lots and lots of paint transformed Kirby Hall’s front porch into a playhouse production site. Our fifth through ninth grade students joined forces with Austin Habitat for Humanity to create four life-size playhouses for local charities.
Kirby Hall School second graders continue to work diligently on their philanthropy project for the Happy Birthday Organization. They have worked since September on this project and have raised $1,200 as of 4/24/17.
Habitat for Humanity has gotten approval for Kirby Hall to be the first school-led Youth Build project.
Kirby Hall School did it again. The elementary and middle schools both took first place in a statewide academic competition, dominating the 102 other schools.
Former Kirby Hall student Sonali Mitra is working for the Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouts. This prestigious award challenges high school girls “to change the world – or at least your corner of it,” according to the Girl Scouts organization.
