Our History
About AHB
The philosophy behind Austin Home Base is that education is the pursuit of knowledge; a pursuit which occurs as much outside of the classroom as in it. Holding classes only 3 core days per week leaves ample time for children to attain the knowledge, seek the adventure and develop the relationships that lie beyond the four walls of a classroom.
While in school at AHB, children experience hands-on, thematic instruction in a small classroom setting. Our small classes provide the opportunity for increased interaction between teachers and students, which enhances confidence in learning. This small ratio allows AHB teachers to utilize small groups in order to better meet individual needs and to facilitate in-depth, interactive learning. In addition to its academic benefits, our small, family-like atmosphere gives students an opportunity to closely bond with a great group of children - not only their classmates, but their younger and older schoolmates as well. This bond creates a feeling of safety, comfort, and confidence that is seldom found in school settings. It is a big part of the reason kids actually ENJOY coming to school here.
At Austin Home Base, we do not label children by age or grade level. Each class usually consists of children in two or more grade levels, and the kids are never singled out by grade. In fact, even the classes themselves are not given traditional labels. As a school, we refer to our class groupings as Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta. However, each year the students are given the opportunity to choose a mascot. Students within the classes are able to present information about a favorite endangered species (presentations vary by classes), and the class then creates a mascot based on a combination of the overall favorites. Each class is then known by that name for the rest of the year. We have had Cheetangs, Snow Sharks and Orpicats, to name a few!
We also make sure that there is frequent interaction between all our students by providing kids an opportunity to help out or make presentations in other classes, as well as by scheduling group field trips and activities. These policies promote a sense of community and avoid an emphasis on age or "status".
And, with so much research supporting the philosophy of mixed-age learning, we believe that children can benefit immensely, both academically and socially, from their experience with a variety of children. Despite the range in ages, and sometimes because of it, each child is met at his/her academic level and challenged in a positive, engaging manner.
While AHB is able to accommodate a range of learning styles and personalities, we are unable to accept children with serious learning disabilities and/or behavioral issues.