Local Charter Schools

Leander Independent School District (LISD) is the local public school system and does not have its own charter schools, but there are several private charter schools that operate independently within the district’s boundaries. These charter schools are publicly funded but are not part of the Public School system.

Charter schools in Texas were first established in the 1990s as part of a broader movement to provide alternative educational options beyond traditional public schools.  The Texas Legislature passed the charter school law in 1995, allowing for the creation of publicly funded, independently operated schools.

These schools often focus on specific educational approaches, for example, Montessori, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), etc.

The expansion of charter schools has not been without challenges. Traditional public schools often express concerns about funding and resources, as charter schools can divert students and funding away from the district.  However, proponents argue that charter schools foster innovation and provide parents with choices that benefit their children’s education.

As the area continues to grow, the role of charter schools and private schools is likely to expand further with unique program offerings tailored to community interest. The Texas education landscape remains dynamic and the interplay between charter and private schools and traditional public schools will evolve.

Local Charter Schools:

BASIS Cedar Park and BASIS Cedar Park Primary

• Address: 165 N. Lakeline Blvd., Cedar Park, TX
• BASIS Cedar Park Primary and BASIS Cedar Park are tuition-free public charter schools serving grades K–11 for the 2025–26 school year. The upper school is expanding by one grade level each year, so your child will receive a full K–12
• Programs and specialties: liberal arts program with a STEM focus, two teachers for each K-3 class
• BASIS Cedar Park | Charter School for Grades K-12

Harmony Science Academy Cedar Park

• Address: 12200 Anderson Mill Rd, Austin, TX
• Grades served: pre-K-7
• Programs and specialties: specializes in project-based, hands-on learning with additional emphasis on STEM and advanced college preparedness and charter education
• Home – Harmony Science Academy – Cedar Park

 Valor Leander

• Address: In the 2025-26 school year, K-2 students will be served at 906 Crystal Falls Parkway, Leander, TX 78641. Meanwhile, students in grades 3-10 will attend the new campus at 168 Kauffman Loop, Georgetown, TX 78628. This 25,000-square-foot building is Phase I of the master plan to ultimately serve grades K-12 at one location. To accommodate families with students at both schools, Valor will incorporate staggered start times, which will be announced soon.
• Grades served: K-8 initially, growing to K-12 in the next few years
• Programs and specialties: classical education rooted in classical liberal arts tradition, with advanced science, math and fine arts
• www.valoreducation.org/leander

Harmony Science Academy Leander

• Address: 3250 Hero Way, Leander, TX
• Grades served: pre-K-7
• Programs and specialties: specializes in project-based, hands-on learning with additional emphasis on STEM and advanced college preparedness and charter education
• Home – Harmony Science Academy – Leander