2024 - 2025 School Information
Montessori Microschool
Montessori inspired; outdoor education integrated; STEM focused; fine arts and entrepreneurial endeavors supported; Socratic discussions; college preparedness
Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Students are encouraged to pursue individual interests and participate in community electives and/or community service projects on Fridays away from school.
School Year 2024 - 2025 (August 2024 - May 2025)
Tuition $10,050
Supply Fee $450
Fall 2024 Courses
The 2024 - 2025 school year will include:
Science - A focus on Integrated Physics and Chemistry with culinary based labs
History - A focus on US History
Literature - Literature circles and supported Socratic discussion
Nature Journals integrated with on campus permaculture designed orchard and gardens and Brushy Creek bordering property
Math - Individual learning paths with frequent groups projects
Electives - Makerspace, Gardening, Music, Entrepreneurship
Highly qualified state certified subject expert teachers
Meet the Team
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Director
STEM Curriculum and Instructional LeadRandie Piscitello founded The Academic Orchard in January of 2024. Her background in Montessori education spans seven years and includes extensive experience with adolescents at the public and private levels and both the middle and high school levels. In addition to holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from The University of Texas - Austin, Randie is a Texas certified teacher in the Life Sciences, and also is certified by Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) in Montessori adolescent education. Randie founded the school in order to bring authentic adolescent Montessori education to the Leander and North Austin areas, and create a bridge for students to discover a path towards independence, both academic and financial, and higher learning goals.
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Humanities Curriculum and Instructional Lead
Beth Sharkey brings extensive classroom and curriculum experience to her role at The Academic Orchard. With a career beginning in educational publishing, Beth has written and edited nationally-distributed content for organizations such as Sesame Street and Mystery Science. She has since held roles developing adolescent programs and curriculum, and she has taught in middle and high school classrooms. Beth holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of California, Irvine, and a credential in secondary English. She is thrilled by the opportunities a Montessori program offers to help adolescents take ownership of their education and discover their personal values.
