Welcome.

TCS is an independent PreK-8 school in Austin, Texas, whose mission is to nurture courageously compassionate problem-solvers who will design and lead individual and collective change.

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Compass School students embark on a journey of curiosity, discovery, and learning so that they are ready to create bright futures as their truest, most courageous selves.

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Application

Head of School’s Desk

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Our scope and sequence is crafted to spark a passion for learning, and encourages students to take ownership of their education. We build a strong foundation of knowledge, skills, and learning habits while fostering a love of exploration and inquiry. Grounded in research and real-world experiences, our programs equip students to become confident, critical thinkers and problem-solvers prepared for a lifetime of learning.

We invite you to join a community where curiosity is celebrated, risks are embraced, and the joy of learning is wondrous.

TCS nurtures young people to be curious, compassionate, and courageous. We give students voice and choice, we prepare them not only for academic excellence but for a lifetime of creating positive change.

I am joyful for the learning opportunities that TCS will offer students, families, educators and the community. I am reminded of the words of Sir Ken Robinson:

“Creativity is putting your imagination to work, and it has produced the most extraordinary results in human culture."

Always Grow,

The Compass School exists to help children grow into courageously compassionate young adults. The kind of people who stay curious throughout their lives, who lead equally with their heads and hearts, who can see and solve problems from multiple perspectives.The kind of people who are ready, willing, and able to take on any challenge, because they know the good it will create—for themselves and for the world.

At TCS, we believe in learning as a journey, not a destination.

Inspired by my three decades in independent school education, The Compass School embodies my vision of a student-centered learning environment. I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of nurturing children's natural curiosity.

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Geoff Harrison, Founder & Head of School

Belonging—in thought, background, and identity—is key to who we are.

Our educators are trained to incorporate student identities and experiences into the classroom in affirming and uplifting ways. Students engage with local communities throughout the school year.

The Compass School is dedicated to building a faculty and student body that reflect the diversity of Austin. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as members of underrepresented groups.

  • We will be enrolling students in our Explorer Class (Kindergarten) and Discovery Class I and II (Grades 1 through 4) for the 2026-2027 school year.

  • TCS is located at 3901 Shoal Creek Boulevard at the edge of the Rosedale neighborhood.

  • The Compass School’s tuition is proportionally scaled based on a family’s adjusted gross income, with most families contributing 10% and a maximum tuition of $24,750. For more information, visit our tuition page.

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Stay in the loop.

Be the first to hear about our exciting journey by receiving our monthly newsletter, TCS Today.

You can also reach us at connect@tcsatx.org.

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