The Mainspring Model

“We were all very impressed with the level of academic language modeled by the teachers, positive student rapport and climate, and your staff’s dedication to every student.”

Observers from The University of Texas at Austin's Texas Literacy Initiative

Mainspring’s programming rests on three pillars:

  • Innovative Learning

    We believe all children have a right to a high-quality education led by energetic, passionate, and dedicated teachers who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to each child’s holistic growth as they develop a sense of autonomy, self-awareness, and self-worth.

    Low child-to-teacher ratios (4:1 schoolwide)

    Child-directed learning

    A focus on instilling executive function skills

    Art, dance, and music classes

    Play-based Learning

  • Health & Wellness

    90% of brain development happens before the age of 5. Good nutrition is essential during early childhood, as it is a time of rapid growth, development, and activity.

    Locally-sourced, healthy breakfasts, lunches, and snacks prepared by an onsite chef and served family style

    Ample outdoor play on four playgrounds

    Trust-Based Relational Interventions (TBRI®) to guide social-emotional development

    Research-based social skills curricula and wellness learning

    Onsite counseling and therapeutic services

  • Whole-Family Approach

    Families are children’s first and most important teachers. Caretaker involvement in a child’s school life is the single biggest factor in how well a child does in school. We are so excited for families to be involved in their child’s school life at Mainspring!

    Educational seminars on topics like nutrition, reading with children, and helping children succeed

    One-on-one support that meets parents & caregivers where they are

    Individualized coaching from dedicated family services staff (an LCSW & an LMSW)

    Community-building among families and connections to peers

Philosophy of Education

Mainspring Schools’ philosophy of education encompasses a vision of the child; the respective roles of the student, teacher, and environment; and our core values. It is a mission statement that informs our teaching practices and methodologies and will continue to guide our approaches in education, mentoring, teaching, and learning.

Student Diversity

There is a home for every child—and every family—at Mainspring Schools. Diversity is crucial to developing self-aware, well-rounded children. Mainspring families come from all over Austin and represent different backgrounds, races and ethnicities, and socioeconomic experiences. At all times, at least 75% of families receive financial-need-based tuition subsidies. Three quarters of students come from backgrounds that include poverty, single- or no-parent households, refugee status, interactions with the foster care system, trauma, and/or neglect.

High-quality Care

Mainspring students and families enjoy impactful, high-quality care:

  • Year after year, 90-100% of Mainspring’s graduating students consistently measure at or above the State of Texas’ kindergarten-readiness standards (more than double the regional average).

  • Mainspring is among only 8% of child care centers in the nation that have achieved accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the nation’s most rigorous early childhood accrediting body. 

  • Mainspring is an in-district charter campus within Austin ISD.

  • Mainspring is highly reviewed by the families we serve (see Yelp or Facebook).

  • Teaching outcomes and practices are best in class.

  • Our teachers are passionate about the work they do and the children in their care.

The Mainspring Logic Model

Inputs

  • Children and families

  • Teachers and staff

  • Board of Directors and Advisory Board

  • Volunteers and community members

  • Program partners

  • Funding and donations

  • Curriculum, facilities, equipment, and materials

Activities

  • Education and social-emotional learning

  • Healthy meals and snacks

  • Physical activity and outdoor play

  • Counseling, support groups, and case management

  • Teacher professional development

  • Staff collaboration and feedback

  • Community-building and fundraising

Outputs

  • Students receive high-quality early childhood education

  • Families receive comprehensive support

  • Teachers receive professional development

Outcomes

  • Children are skilled, accomplished, and school-ready

  • Families have competencies and techniques for success—for their children and themselves

  • Graduates experience K-12 academic success

  • Recruitment and retention of best-in-class teaching staff

  • Graduates attend and complete post-secondary education

Impact

  • Graduates break the cycle of poverty through livelihoods that support themselves, their families, and their communities

  • Early childhood education and two-generation programs improve among partner schools and organizations