Our Story

Founding Families

The founding families at Sterling had been homeschooling and involved with co-ops for many years, when God called on us to start a one-day-a-week enrichment program. We wanted to provide parents a forum where classical, Christian curriculum could be taught, covering academic and liberal arts subjects within a “traditional” school day experience. We searched Austin for a similar program and after coming up empty, we opened Classical Enrichment Academy in NW Austin in the Fall of 2006. Over 100 hundred students were served through this academy during the two years of operation.

Charlotte Mason Philosophy 

As educators, we have always been very passionate about classical education and the educational approach of Charlotte Mason. While we were able to integrate many aspects of these elements in Classical Enrichment Academy, we believed that to maximize the benefits of such curriculum would require more designated days to explore and teach through the subjects.

We researched how classical education and the Charlotte Mason philosophy were used in other school settings, and discovered various educational models, including schools, following a university format schedule. We were interested in this format, and the schedule students followed, and how it incorporated the best of a private school education with the benefits of homeschooling. We also believed that classical curriculum would work well in this format and would especially allow for the unique integration of Charlotte Mason hands-on learning and exploration, as well as give parents continued involvement with their children.

 

First Day

Sterling Classical School opened its doors in the fall of 2008 as a classical, Christian, advanced academic model serving Kindergarten through 6th grade with 50 students.  'STERLING' is defined as, “of the highest quality, being of sterling character.”  In  I Corinthians it states, "the day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.”  We have claimed Proverbs 24 that, “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”

New Facility

Sterling opened its new facility in November 2018.  The beautiful 14-acre campus is located on 1431 just in front of the Travisso neighborhood.  We offer PreK3-12th grade and have a variety of educational programming, including a 4-day option.

ACCREDITATION

Sterling received its accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in January 2013 and our first class of Seniors graduated in 2015.  

PRAYER

Our prayer is that this school will be a vehicle for raising up generations of “STERLING” individuals who will make a tremendous impact on society.