CareCompass
Stepping Stone School Vi
At a Glance
Trust Score
Based on comprehensive analysis of reviews, safety records, and operations.
About Stepping Stone School Vi
Stepping Stone School at Lakeline
Stepping Stone School at Lakeline provides a research-based 'Platinum Learning for Life' curriculum tailored for children from 6 weeks through school age. The campus is known for its intimate feel and unique features, including an on-ground swimming pool shaded by Heritage oak trees and dedicated STREAM classrooms for children ages three to five. The 'Future Strong' approach integrates science, technology, relationships, engineering, arts, and math into daily activities. Parents value the school's focus on character development through the 'Proud to Be Polite' manners program and its long-standing history in the Austin community since 1979. The facility prioritize safety and connection, utilizing classroom video monitoring and offering daily digital updates to families.
What Parents Say
5 reviews from parents
Love this place!! Ms. Hanna & Ms. Michaela make dropping my kid off at daycare for 7ish hours easier - my 4mo old loves them and seems noticeably happy when she's with them. They take such gentle care of her and help her learn / grow so much. It's such a relief knowing she's so well taken care of. Also, after interviewing 10 other daycares - SS Lakeline is the safest, coziest, and most reasonably priced one. Brandi (the principal) is also so attentive and patient with all my questions/requests.
I have my two boys here since July 2025, and are now 19 months and 6 months and compare to the inhome day care I had my oldest before coming here, it is literally a night in day difference. My kids have learned so much in such a short time! My little is way more advanced than his brother was at his age, and my oldest is teaching ME sign language. I also love that I get pictures throughout the day. Definitely recommend Stepping Stone Lakeline.
We moved to Austin and we're looking for a place where my 4 year old son would learn and have fun. I found this wonderful place called Stepping Stone on Hymeadow Drive. I am glad I enrolled my son at this place. He had a wonderful time here. He showed remarkable improvement in his learning. I must thank Ms. Brandy who is heading this center for making sure that my son had a wonderful experience. She made the process of enrollment so smooth and was there everyday with a welcoming smile. I also thank all other tutors who cared for my son. The place is amazing and I highly recommend this place.
Our son started going to Stepping Stone when he was only 4 months old. It was extremely hard to go back to work when he was so tiny, but I felt confident that he was in good hands. He's 2 now and he doesn't want to leave at the end of the day because he has so much fun! Now we are planning to enroll our second baby in April. We are grateful that we found Stepping Stone!
Love love love Stepping Stone! My smart boy has learned so much and enjoys spending time with all his teachers and friends. The curriculum is always very well organized and explained. I love receiving photos and updates through out the day!The staff is wonderful! I appreciate everyone for always being so caring and loving to my child. Will be enrolling my other son as soon as we are ready!
Web Report
Aggregated insights from public records & parent discussions
Safety Record
A 2020 federal lawsuit (C.S. v. Stepping Stone School) alleged the school violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by barring an 11-year-old student with Down Syndrome from its afterschool program because she began her period and required assistance with pull-ups. Regarding health and hygiene, the facility received a near-perfect Food Establishment Inspection score of 99/100 in March 2025. Other safety features include keypad entry, 24/7 security surveillance at entry points, and video monitoring in classrooms accessible via the principal’s office.
Parent Reputation
The school maintains a high local reputation, having been voted 'Best in Childcare' for 27 consecutive years by Austin Family Magazine and winning the 2025 Austin American-Statesman Community Choice Award. Reviews are generally positive with a 4.3-star rating on Yelp, though some parents on forums mention concerns regarding high staff turnover across the broader Stepping Stone network. Families often highlight the 'Apple Academy' initiative launched in April 2025 as a positive shift toward more affordable, high-quality care.
Staff Insights
The Lakeline campus is led by Principal Brandi Graham, who has over 20 years of experience in early childhood education. While general employee reviews for the company mention a commitment to 'strict quality guidelines' and 'superior curriculum,' broader feedback from the school network sometimes indicates challenges with low wages and turnover common to the industry. The facility prioritizes professional development, offering CPR/first-aid certification and TB test verification for all instructors.
Quick Information
