History
2001 – 2002
The Khabele School is founded in the Fall of 2001 in North Austin with nine students ranging from 6th through 12th grade. The school gains its non-profit status and develops its values of “Freedom, Self-Expression, and Excellence.”
2002 – 2003
The Khabele School grows to 15 students. Primavera Montessori School is founded in the Fall of 2002 with 15 students, ages 2 to 5, featuring a Montessori-based environment that honors the learning styles, temperaments, and multiple intelligences of all children.
2003 – 2004
The Khabele School grows to 24 students and starts an arts and music program. Primavera grows to 26 students and begins to plan for future growth. A high-quality Spanish program is implemented.
2004 – 2005
The Khabele School’s fourth year is characterized by student leadership, a new parent education program, and the historic move to the downtown location. Enrollment grows to 37 students. Primavera acquires a new building and grows enrollment to 70 students, focusing on perfecting the toddler and primary programs.
2005 – 2006
The Khabele School grows to 68 students and uses this particular year to focus on science education, the integration of technology into the classroom, and the global immersion trip program. The Khabele School is voted “Austin’s Best Holistic Approach to Education” by the Austin Chronicle and one of “Austin’s Best High Schools” by Austin Magazine. Primavera adds an additional class and grows to 94 students, and focuses on developing a holistic physical education program.
2006 – 2007
The Khabele School grows to 100 students and acquires two adjacent buildings which house the middle school classrooms, a new science lab, and an art/music/film studio. An athletics program begins and the school gains accreditation through the Texas Alliance of Accredited Private Schools. Primavera begins its first Kindergarten/1st grade class, establishing itself as a preschool and Elementary program. Enrollment grows to 116 students, and resources are focused on arts education, gardening, and music.
2007 – 2008
The Khabele School grows to 150 students and acquires a studio annex that houses martial arts, dance, yoga, music, and theatre programs. The First Annual “Khabele Forward” is founded, a 3-day all-school retreat that builds community and student engagement. Primavera grows to 120 students and further perfects the Elementary curriculum. The school is honored as the “People Fund Outstanding Entrepreneur” by People Fund.
2008 – 2009
With 170 students, the Khabele School acquires another new building and adds a science lab, art studio, counseling office, library, and a Mac lab. Khabele students win several district and state awards in the TAPPS music and arts competitions, the TAAPS athletics seasons, and the PSIA academic competition. Primavera stays at 120 students and outdoor classrooms are built onto every room, furthering the vision of outdoor education.
2009 – 2010
With 190 students, the Khabele School’s year is highlighted with the addition of many new AP classes and the expansion of the college-counseling program. Primavera acquires new space, grows enrollment to 142 students, and extends the elementary program up to 5th grade. Founders Moya and Khotso Khabele and Jennifer Tyson begin talking about
the possibility of being sister schools or even merging one day.
2010 – 2011
With 200 students, the Khabele School focuses on the Teaching Assistant Program, Project Week, the Character Education Program, and increased AP offerings. The international program expands with the addition of new students from all over the globe. Primavera grows enrollment to 160 students and is voted “Austin’s Best Montessori School” by Austin Family Magazine. Each school contracts Greenlights to facilitate the due diligence and merger process. The Board of Directors of each school, as well as key staff, meet throughout the school year to discuss the benefits and risks of a potential merger. Both schools file the merger documents in the summer of 2011 and officially become one school.
2011 – 2012
The Khabele School, 6th through 12th grades, grows to 215 students and continues to expand its campus, and Primavera, preschool through 5th grade, grows to 190 students. Both schools announce the merger. The 10-year anniversary of the Khabele School and of Primavera, the merger, and the growth of all programs was celebrated at a city-wide concert at the Moody Theatre in November of 2011. The schools partnered all year in a full integration plan and serve preschool through 12th grade.
