1. What kind of school is Cosmic Roots?

Cosmic Roots is a private, nature-based microschool that blends academic learning with hands-on experiences, outdoor exploration, and social-emotional development. We follow a secular approach influenced by Montessori, Charlotte Mason, Waldorf, and project-based learning philosophies.

2. What ages and grades do you serve?

We serve students from ages 3–16, covering:

• Primary (3–6 years)

• Elementary (1st–5th grades)

• Adolescent (6th–8th grades)

• High School (9th grade) with a dual-credit option through Austin Community College. 10th - 12th grade additions to come 1 year at a time.
  

3. Do you provide lunch and snacks?

No, students must bring their own packed lunch, snack, and refillable water bottle each day. We are a low-waste campus and ask that you avoid single-use packaging when possible. Please label all containers, and be mindful of any allergy notices posted in your child’s classroom.

4. Is Cosmic Roots a religious school?

No. We are a secular program. While we incorporate nature-based traditions and seasonal celebrations, we do not promote any religious curriculum or ideology.

5. What supplies are required?

The supplies/material fee covers any required supplies throughout the year. Each day, please ensure your student brings a water bottle, a lunch bag, sunscreen, bug repellant, and a head covering, as we will spend plenty of our time outdoors.

6. What is your school’s daily schedule?

School runs Monday–Thursday from 8:45 AM to 3:15 PM. Fridays are reserved for our optional Fun Fridays enrichment program. A typical day includes unstructured outdoor free play, small group instruction, integrated academic blocks, nature exploration, and social-emotional learning.

Yes! Afterschool care is offered from 3pm to 6pm. Please refer to the tuition schedule for pricing information.

7. Do students learn traditional academic subjects like math and reading?

Absolutely. Students engage in core academic subjects including Math, Language Arts, Science, and History, taught through hands-on, thematic, and project-based methods. Every student is supported through a Cosmic Learner Pathway (CLP) to track their progress.

8. What is a Cosmic Learner Pathway (CLP)?

CLPs are individualized learning plans designed for each student. They include academic benchmarks, social-emotional goals, and developmental observations. CLPs are reviewed with families during twice-yearly Parent-Teacher Conferences.

9. Do you assign homework?

Our younger students are not assigned homework. For older students, occasional assignments may be given related to long-term projects, presentations, or independent study. We believe learning should be joyful and meaningful, not driven by busywork.

10. How is conflict handled at Cosmic Roots?

We use Nonviolent Communication (NVC) as our foundation for resolving conflict and guiding behavior. Students are supported in naming their feelings, expressing needs, and finding collaborative solutions with adult facilitation.

11. Do students spend all day outside?

While we do spend a significant portion of our day outdoors, students also engage in structured indoor learning activities. Our nature-rich setting supports physical, emotional, and cognitive development.

12. Are there opportunities for parent involvement?

Yes! Each family is asked to contribute 15 volunteer hours per year (or $15/hour if unable to volunteer). We also host quarterly family workshops and welcome community participation in school events.

13. Do you offer after-school care or part-time options?

We offer aftercare until 6:00 PM Monday–Thursday, for both enrolled students as well as for the community at large. If you have a student in another school or program, they are still welcome to join us at our Cosmic After-School program. We do not yet offer part-time enrollment aside from our Fun Friday program.

14. What are Fun Fridays?

Fun Fridays are themed enrichment days (9:00 AM–1:00 PM) open to Cosmic Roots students and community members. These offer unique experiences in nature art, science, homesteading, and more. We host 28 Fun Fridays throughout the school year and you can purchase single day drop-ins as well as multi-day or monthly options.