Why Stella Maris?

At Stella Maris, we see each student as a bright and unique star.

We began our microschool with a multi-aged, middle school class in the fall of 2024 to provide an educational environment focusing on the gifts of each student.  Our students experience an encouraging, hands-on, personalized yet communal learning experience that grows confidence, skills and relationships.

Our environment and teaching staff are built on foundations of positive discipline, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, developmental stages, providing choices within limits, curriculum-based assessments, reading narration and retell, strong parent partnership, an integrated curriculum, service to others, and real world applications of skills. 

We use a supportive co-teaching model (main teacher and co-teacher) with well-trained and prepared staff.

Why do we have multi-age classrooms?

Stella Maris elevates classrooms to facilitate individualized learning and growth.  We provide multi-age, dynamic classrooms and intentionally create small learning communities within the classrooms.  These communities allow for stronger instruction to meet the needs of all learners.  

At Stella Maris, we want to rise above traditional pressures and expectations that all students of a given age are learning at the same pace. We see, for example, our youngest student may have highly advanced math skills and would benefit from learning alongside older students with similar math skills.  So, by design, Stella Maris serves a variety of learners of various ages.  

What’s Our Plan?

Grow! While starting in 2024 with roughly all middle school aged male students, as a microschool we intend to grow with our student population.

Academics

  • We provide personalized reading, writing and math for each student in a small group setting.

  • We integrate unit studies and provide hands-on opportunities to learn.

  • We offer hands-on work and field trips for life skills and community building.

Parent/Family Partnering

  • We promote Christ being at the center of school and the home, providing peace, presence and purpose.

    We offer opportunities for students to make presentations to the community and to have facilitated conversations.

  • Families and school staff set goals. Families convey students’ spiritual, academic and social goals. Teachers consistently assess student progress.

  • Teachers share curricula content. Families consistently discuss key themes or questions of the week. Families keep a gratitude journal.

Explore

  • We provide an environment of reciprocal dignity in relationships and in work. We provide service opportunities for students and allow students to determine how they can serve the community. Students have weekly assigned roles, corresponding to a related Saint.

  • We provide opportunities broken down by year for students to connect with their interests and to our community.

    Year 1: What is a vocation? What do people do in a community?

    Year 2: What is a business? What are related Catholic social teachings?

    Year 3: Apprenticeships & how to start a business.

  • We provide guided social skill development throughout classes, play and meals together.

Hours, Location & Grades Served

Monday – Thursday 8:15 am – 2:00 pm
Friday 8:30 am to 12:00 pm

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Stella Maris Collaborative holds classes at
St. Thomas More Catholic Church
10205 FM 620N
Austin, TX 78726

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Serving students aged for 4th - 8th grade,
focusing on the individualized learning path of each student.