Education is increasingly seen as a pipeline that flows from kindergarten through college, with public and higher education inextricably linked. At The University of Texas at Austin, we understand that the foundation laid during a child's early years is essential for success in high school and higher education. The University has a critical stake in the educational pipeline and an interest in promoting excellence in education at all levels. We also have a responsibility to prepare good teachers and ensure that they have resources to meet the challenges facing public schools today.

The University of Texas Elementary School is part of a broad initiative of The University of Texas System aimed at enhancing the quality of education in Texas by strengthening teacher preparation programs, creating high-quality instructional tools, pursuing an aggressive educational research agenda, and creating models of excellence. The school is a wonderful example of our commitment not just to our students of today, but also to the students of tomorrow.
Larry R. Faulkner - President, UT Austin

In August 2003, the University of Texas Elementary School opened its doors in East Austin, thereby launching the first university-school-community partnership of its kind in the state. Now in our third academic year every available seat for pre-kindergarten through third grade is filled. The school will add a fourth grade class in Fall 2006 with one grade added each school year through the fifth grade. Our partnership with UT Austin allows us as public school educators the exciting opportunity to apply new knowledge garnered in the academic setting directly to classrooms in inner city schools.

As a research-based demonstration school, our goal is to provide an educational alternative for East Austin families, to serve as a training and development site for UT's students, and to be a model of an exemplary educational program for diverse learners. We are committed to the education of each of our students.
Dr. Ramona Trevino - Principal and CEO, UT Elementary School

A New Approach To teaching and Learning

Educators across the state and nation are striving to implement the requirements of federal reform legislation known as No Child Left Behind. The law emphasizes the importance of excellent reading instruction, and it demands that highly qualified teachers be placed in all classrooms. It encourages innovation in schools while requiring unprecedented accountability. It promotes school choice but demands results. The UT Elementary School is aimed squarely at addressing these goals. It offers a new approach.

The school's educational philosophy is grounded in research generated by UT Austin's College of Education and the National Center for Educational Accountability. What distinguishes this school is its comprehensive programming and consistent application of rigorous scientifically-based research to inform all aspects of its operation. This includes curriculum, instruction, and assessment in the core areas, as well as cultural awareness, character education, technology, health, nutrition, social services, Spanish language, and fine arts.

A number of innovative features distinguish the UT Elementary School from other schools for the children of East Austin. These featues include:

• Increased instruction time, with a 30-minute-longer school day and an extra week of classes per year
• Partnership with UT Austin's nationally acclaimed Vaughn Gross Center for Reading and Language Arts led by noted educator and researcher Dr. Sharon Vaughan
• Continuous curriculum improvement through research-guided instructional practices
• Ongoing teacher development
• Compact with the school's families that spells out expected conduct
• Dress code which includes Little Longhorn uniforms