Authentically Austin Since 1979!

The heart of Rhonda Paver’s vision is the same today as it was over four decades ago, Rhonda and her husband Bill arrived in Austin in 1979 with their first three children. After searching for affordable, quality early care and education for her own children, Rhonda believed the children of Austin deserved something better than what she was finding. Rhonda founded the first Stepping Stone School that year determined to focus on the whole child as an individual. While overseeing the continued growth of Stepping Stone School she obtained a master’s degree in Child Development from UT Austin.

Since that time, with 5 key elements in mind, our schools have helped families and children grow into the next steps for over four decades. We are a Stable growing family of private schools committed to creating better education for a better world. Stepping Stone School is considered by leading industry experts to be a national model of early childhood care and education excellence.

Mission & Vision

Founded in Austin, Texas in 1979, Stepping Stone School is an organization of servant leaders who contribute experience, consistency, nurturance and security, to the school and community. We are dedicated to supporting the development of the whole child while strengthening families, enhancing lives and setting and maintaining the highest standards for Early Care and Education. This visionary approach inspires meaningful experiences while empowering children to be resilient and successful lifelong learners.

We are a positive, unified, and dynamic organization moving and advancing learning and human development forward. Our particular strength is the multiple intelligences of the human spirit. Our Early Care and Education teachers and leaders are committed to developing national excellence and cutting-edge programs and have educated over 100,000 children.