The little school doing BIG things!

Founded in 1941, Mainspring Schools prepares children ages six weeks to five years old for success in school and life through high-quality early education, nutrition, family services, and community building.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY

Mainspring Schools admits students of any race, color, nationality and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, nationality and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, funding policies, family services programs, nutrition programs, and other school-administered programs.

Since 1941, Mainspring has provided high quality early childhood education and innovative 2-gen family services so that children and their caregivers are set up for success in school and life.

With your support, we will keep growing for another 83 years!

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"When children start kindergarten behind, they are likely to stay behind for the rest of their lives."

RAND Labor and Population


94% of students who graduated from Mainspring Schools in 2021 entered kindergarten at or above the State of Texas’ school readiness level—over twice the regional average.

"High-quality, birth-to-five early childhood programs for disadvantaged children…yield a 13% ROI per child, per annum, through better education, economic, health, and social outcomes."

The Heckman Equation


"By age 4, the average low-income child is 18 months behind their more affluent peers."

Comprehensive Child Development Program (CCDP)

"87% of children brought up in Austin’s low-income neighborhoods will enter kindergarten behind readiness levels."

United Way for Greater Austin


"66% of Texas children in low-income families do not attend preschool."

Annie E. Casey Foundation

Our Mission:

As a nonprofit organization, Mainspring Schools is on a mission to provide underserved children and their families with a community for high-quality early education and holistic support.

  • “I love Mainspring and speak highly of it to everyone who asks where my child goes to school. We love the passionate teachers and staff, the nutritious food program, and the data-driven education.”

  • “We are proud to partner with Mainspring Schools because they are dedicated to supporting families by providing accessible, high-quality early care and education for young children.”

  • “We love you, Mainspring! I’m the mother that I am today due to some shaping from Mainspring. I thank Mainspring for guiding us through all of these years, allowing my daughter and I to become better and closer. I’m forever grateful of falling into y’all’s lap. You will forever hold a special place in our hearts.”

For every child, a foundation to thrive.

Accreditation & Certification

  • Mainspring received a 100 out of 100 “Give with Confidence” rating from independent evaluators at Charity Navigator.

  • Mainspring is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), a distinction held by only 8% of child care programs in the country.

  • Mainspring is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit school and an in-district charter campus in the Austin Independent School District.

  • Mainspring was selected by the Texas Education Agency to be part of the exclusive Replicating Great Options program.

  • Mainspring maintains a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar, the world's largest source of information on nonprofit organizations.

  • Mainspring has been the local Early Head Start partner with Child Inc since 2016

  • Mainspring Schools is a proud member of the Affordable Childcare Now! Coalition, a broad coalition convened by United Way for Greater Austin of Travis County civic organizations, businesses, and community members who support equitable access to affordable, quality childcare for all. Learn more here: https://www.affordablechildcarenow.com