Private school · Leander and Liberty Hill, Texas

The Academic Orchard

2026–2027 school information

Montessori-inspired instruction, rigorous academics, practical work, and regular access to nature.

Four-leaf clover found during nature observation at TAO

Meet the team

Our teaching and school team

Meet our educators and the staff who support classroom learning and school operations. Open a teaching profile for qualifications and experience.

Randie Piscitello

Biology · STEM · AMI adolescent

Executive Director
STEM Curriculum & Instructional Lead

B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Austin. Texas-certified Life Science teacher and AMI Montessori adolescent diploma holder.

Randie brings a decade of experience in adolescent education across public and private Montessori startup settings, with a focus on scientific literacy, independence, and practical work.

Beth Sharkey

Humanities · Curriculum · Academic operations

Director of Humanities
& Academic Operations

Meet Beth +

B.A., Sarah Lawrence College; M.A. in Teaching, University of California, Irvine; secondary English and Social Studies credentials.

Beth’s background includes educational publishing for Sesame Street and Mystery Science, curriculum development, and middle and high school teaching.

Marta Wagner

AMI Elementary · Montessori experience

Upper Elementary
Lead Guide

Meet Marta +

Master’s in Education and AMI Primary training at Loyola University; AMI Elementary training through the Montessori Institute of San Diego.

Marta has more than a decade of Montessori experience across Lower and Upper Elementary, including support for students with dyslexia and other learning differences.

Supporting our school days

Classroom, operations & facilities

Gina FrancellElementary Assistant Guide & Media Coordinator

Sarah GeigerSchool Operations Coordinator

Leigh-Anna MartinetsOperations & Development Coordinator

Christopher SanchezLand & Facilities Coordinator

Find your program

Programs and daily schedules

Teachers use direct instruction, guided inquiry, discussion, models, and independent work. Nature journals, outdoor exploration, creative projects, gardening, and entrepreneurship connect learning with practical skills.

Select a program to explore.

Elementary · 3–5Middle school · 6–8High school

Upper elementary

Math, language arts, nature journaling, and outdoor learning in the morning. Science or history, reading, and specials round out the day.

Hands-on materials and guided practice help students develop understanding and independence.

Drop-off: 8:00–8:15 a.m.
Classes begin: 8:20 a.m.
Dismissal: 3:30 p.m.

View the full daily schedule

8:00–8:15 a.m.: Drop-off
8:20–11:30 a.m.: Math, language arts, nature journaling & outdoor learning
11:30 a.m.–noon: Lunch
Noon–12:20 p.m.: Reading & rest
12:20–2:00 p.m.: Science or history
2:00–3:15 p.m.: Specials
3:15–3:30 p.m.: Cleanup & closing
3:30 p.m.: Dismissal

Middle school

Morning math and language arts, followed by science or history, electives, clubs, and homework time.

Students learn through instruction, discussion, models, experiments, research, and independent work.

Drop-off: 8:15–8:35 a.m.
Classes begin: 8:40 a.m.
Dismissal: 3:45 p.m.

View the full daily schedule

8:15–8:35 a.m.: Drop-off
8:40–11:30 a.m.: Math, language arts, nature journaling & outdoor learning
11:30 a.m.–noon: Lunch
Noon–12:20 p.m.: Reading & rest
12:20–2:00 p.m.: Science or history
2:00–3:15 p.m.: Electives
3:15–3:45 p.m.: Clubs & homework
3:45 p.m.: Dismissal

High school & dual enrollment

Current high school offerings are limited. At the new Liberty Hill campus, the school will expand through 12th grade. The Academic Orchard is a contracted partner with Austin Community College for dual enrollment.

ACC dual-enrollment information ↗

The core academic program runs Monday–Thursday. Fridays allow for outside interests, college coursework, field experiences, and student-led conferences. Friday enrichment at Liberty Hill is planned once established; contact us for availability and additional fees.

Tuition & fees

2026–2027 tuition and fees.

Tuition covers the Monday–Thursday academic program.

Registration and supply fee: $500.
Friday enrichment is additional.

Questions about payments? Email us ↗

View annual tuition or the monthly breakdown.

AnnualMonthly

$12,500

2026–2027 annual tuition

Registration & supply fee$500

Tuition + fee$13,000

$1,250

Per month across 10 payments, August–May

Registration & supply fee$500 separately

Standard tuition breakdown before any applicable discounts. Payment arrangements are confirmed with the school.

Student fit

Student fit and support

TAO is a college-readiness focused academic program for students who can participate in a high-trust, creative, collaborative environment. Freedom and responsibility go together.

Learning expectations

Ready for rigorous academic work and meaningful challenge.
Curious, engaged, and willing to build independence.
Able to participate safely in a small group and follow expectations with typical teacher support.
Comfortable learning through instruction, exploration, discussion, hands-on materials, and application.

90%minimum attendance

75%minimum assigned-work completion

Classroom support

Teachers instruct the group and support students within the classroom. We do not provide individualized instruction, continuous 1:1 academic support, or dedicated aides.

Outside tutoring or additional academic support may be required when a student is not keeping pace with course expectations.

When another setting may be needed

Our program is not designed for students who need intensive behavioral intervention, therapeutic support, a dedicated aide, individualized instruction to access the curriculum, or a highly structured, teacher-directed environment throughout the day.

Students must be able to participate safely and appropriately in a group and meet academic participation expectations.

Attendance, participation, and discipline

Students below 90% attendance or 75% work completion enter our established discipline process, as do students who do not meet behavioral and community expectations. This process can ultimately result in dismissal.

Discuss fit before enrolling. Our admissions process includes an extensive student and parent interview. We strongly prefer a shadow day so families can experience the program.

See the visit and admissions steps ↓

Visit and admissions

Visits and admissions

Schedule a tour

See the current campus and ask about your student’s grade and program availability.

Schedule a tour ↗

Discuss your student

The student and parent interview covers academic readiness, support needs, expectations, and fit.

Ask about enrollment ↗

Arrange a shadow day

We strongly prefer a shadow day before enrollment. Coordinate the visit directly with the school.

Ask about a shadow day ↗

Current location

Northpoint Center, Leander

10860 E Crystal Falls Pkwy · Building 10
Leander, TX 78641

Visits by appointment. Our permanent campus is being developed on five wooded acres in Liberty Hill and will support expansion through 12th grade.

Liberty Hill campus plans ↗

Contact the school

512-576-9625
admin@academicorchard.org

Students doing hands-on science around a table — Science together

A teacher carrying seedlings in the garden — Garden work

A student working with materials at a table — Practical work

TAO learning activities. Photos include our earlier Leander campus.

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