Wells Branch’s Chaparral Star Academy is the brainchild of Dr. Kelly Drake, whose daughter loved figure skating, and Charles Collins, the owner of the rink where she practiced. Together, they designed a school for students with demanding extracurricular schedules.
Students at the K-12 charter school attend for just four hours, either in the morning or the afternoon. They are then free to spend the rest of the day on a movie set, riding horses, playing hockey, training for the Olympics or doing whatever it is they’re most passionate about. The sky’s the limit!
A shorter school day doesn’t mean less work. When students are on campus, they’re focused on learning. Class sizes are small, so every student gets individualized attention.
The tight schedule means there’s no time for recess, changing classes or lunch. Chaparral Star Academy doesn’t even have a cafeteria! Students are expected to complete much of their work on their own, outside of class.
Chaparral Star students score in the top 5% on statewide standardized tests. High schoolers take AP and college-level courses. It’s the second-best elementary school in Austin, according to Niche rankings, and both U.S. News and World Report and Austin Monthly rank it fourth among area high schools.
Chaparral Star Academy is tuition-free and open to all — as long as there’s room. The school’s stellar reputation means there’s usually a waitlist.
Flexibility, time and a world-class education. At Chaparral Star Academy, students can have it all!
Chaparral Star Academy
Charter Elementary, Middle, High School
|
Grade K-12
14046 Summit Dr,
Austin, TX
School Details
Head of School
Marsha Hagin
Student Teacher Ratio
16:1
Average SAT Score
1320
Average ACT Score
30
Math Proficiency
75%
Reading Proficiency
86%
Average GPA
3.77
Graduation Rate
100%
Niche Grade
A
A+
A
A+
B
C-
B-
Source: Niche
Niche Grade Details
Academics
Average GPA
3.77
Reading Proficiency
86%
Math Proficiency
75%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
16:1
Teachers
24
Full Time Teachers
24
Teachers in First or Second Year
6.7%
College Prep
Average SAT
1320
Math
660
Verbal
660
Average ACT
30
Math
29
English
31
Reading
31
Science
31
Number of AP Courses
15
AP Pass Rate
37.5%
AP Math Enrollment
High
AP Science Enrollment
Very High
Other AP Enrollment
Very High
Clubs and Activities
Girls Athletic Participation
Very Low
Boys Athletic Participation
Very Low
GreatSchools Rating
Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating Details
Test Scores
English
45%
State Average
9%
Teachers and Staff
Students Per Counselor
370:1
Student Diversity
Female
50.3%
Male
49.7%
White
39.2%
Asian or Pacific Islander
25.3%
Hispanic
20.4%
Two or more races
8.6%
Black
5.6%
Native American
<1%
Interested in learning more about homes nearby? Reach out to Cristina Murphey, an agent with experience near this school.
School Rankings
#2
Best Charter ES in Texas
#3
Best Charter MS in Texas
#3
Best Charter HS in Texas
Specialty School Programs
AP Programs Offered
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
Colleges Students are Considering
Students are most interested in or go on to attend these colleges.
University of Texas - Austin
54 Students
Texas A&M University
35 Students
Rice University
25 Students
Texas State University
18 Students
Texas Tech University
14 Students
University of Texas - Dallas
13 Students
Baylor University
12 Students
University of Houston
12 Students
Austin Community College District
11 Students
University of Chicago
8 Students
What Students Want to Study
Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Computer Science
19 Students
Business
12 Students
Psychology
11 Students
Engineering
7 Students
Computer Software Engineering
7 Students
Creative Writing
6 Students
Electrical Engineering
6 Students
Liberal Arts and Humanities
5 Students
Journalism
5 Students
Aerospace Engineering
4 Students
This School’s Reviews
Niche Reviews
12/15/2023
Love this school. Excellent teachers and wonderful system that works. One of the best options in Austin if you are looking for a charter school or alternative to public school.
7/23/2019
Chaparral Star Academy has allowed and helped give me the potential to grow into a better student and individual. With passionate and helpful teachers who continuously push students to be the best possible versions of themselves and classmates who are passionate about school and extracurricular activities, Chaparral Star Academy creates an atmosphere of excellence.
12/16/2014
I liked the four days...that's basically it
GreatSchools Reviews
1/30/2025
This school has gone downhill and fast. What used to be a politically/socially neutral school has gone full woke with all the garbage that comes with it. There are quite a few of us who have either left or are on wait lists for other schools. I used to be so impressed with the communication, but thi...
8/19/2024
My son with autism and ADHD attended Chaparral for his entire K-12 education. The academics are excellent, and he was supported in obtaining a parallel associates from ACC. He starts university with over 100 credits from that enrollment and AP opportunities. But with that academic opportunity, it is...
4/17/2024
My husband and kids and I are frequently commenting on how lucky we feel to have found this school. We transferred from RRISD and frankly were shocked at how bad my kids' experiences were there given Round Rock's glowing reputation. Chaparral excels in so many ways. Small class sizes are essential t...
3/20/2024
Ms. Hagen, the principal, never smiles. How can someone lead without showing basic care for students? I withdrew my kid because the school affected him emotionally. Also, they hire unqualified teachers. Charappal Star needs better management to address these issues, including allegations of racism....
Agents Specializing Near This School
-
Cristina Murphey
Cristina Murphey
Keller Williams Realty
(888) 604-3624
123 Total Sales
19 Near This School
$280K - $1.4M Price Range
-
Jimmy Torres
Jimmy Torres
Vista Real Estate
(254) 978-8252
235 Total Sales
2 Near This School
$320K - $480K Price Range
-
Anthony Sanchez
Anthony Sanchez
Bolanos Realty
(888) 961-9772
17 Total Sales
3 Near This School
$195K - $366K Price Range
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Michelle Gomez
Michelle Gomez
Magnolia Realty
(866) 805-6299
50 Total Sales
6 Near This School
$450K - $738K Price Range
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Jamie Prejean
Jamie Prejean
CENTURY 21 Integra
(979) 977-1416
334 Total Sales
1 Near This School
$420,000 Price
-
Debby Spinden
Debby Spinden
Responds QuicklyThe Property Shop
(855) 788-6625
64 Total Sales
1 Near This School
$395,000 Price
Map
About Wells Branch
List Price Range
$316K - $599K
Homes For Sale
51
Average Home Value
$434,381
Median Lot Size
4,356 Sq Ft
% Renters
75%
Household Income
$84,519
% of College Grads
46.4%
Median Age
36
Average House Size
2,089 Sq Ft
% Commercial Property
75.9%
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
Additional Schools in the Area
Public Schools shown may be Choice Schools
Choice Schools
Choice schools may not serve this home. Please check the school district website to see all schools serving this home.
- 9th to 12th
- Charter
- 6th to 12th
- Charter
- 9th to 12th
- Charter
Parks in this Area
Scofield Farms Park
Katherine Fleischer Park
- Baseball/Softball
- Basketball
- Picnic Area
Mills Pond Recreation Area
- Bike Trails
- Boating
- Fishing
Willow Bend Park
- Basketball
- Dog Park
- Pool
Frontier Park
- Basketball
- Grills
- Picnic Area
Willow Trace
- Basketball
- Picnic Area
- Playground
Additional Neighborhoods in this Area
Lamplight Village
This community’s main thoroughfare provides easy access and visual appeal
Western Gilleland
Loads of amenities and affordable housing options within 30 miles of Austin
Scofield Farms
Charming residential enclave 13 miles from downtown Austin
McNeil
Historic railroad neighborhood with a long-running businesses and tech employers
Round Rock West
An established Round Rock neighborhood characterized by a convenient location