CareCompass
At a Glance
Trust Score
Based on comprehensive analysis of reviews, safety records, and operations.
About Habibis Hutch Preschool
Artistic Free-Range Preschool in South Austin
Established in 1980, Habibi's Hutch is a South Austin institution operating across two neighboring houses with an expansive, combined outdoor play yard. This program intentionally departs from traditional 'law and order' environments, fostering a 'house of love' where children are encouraged to tinker, interpret, and express themselves. The philosophy is deeply rooted in arts-based learning, viewing the school itself as a work of art in progress where children are the masters of their own creativity. The environment is described as 'wacky' and 'funky,' prioritizing child-directed exploration over formalized lessons. Children spend their days engaged in Socratic discourse, music, and unfettered art projects that often result in being covered head-to-toe in paint or mud. The staff acts as mentors and scaffolding, guiding social interaction and self-discipline through natural consequences rather than rigid rules, preparing children to think critically about themselves and the world.
What Parents Say
5 reviews from parents
My son has been at HH for 2 years now. It has been such a relief to have people I trust to care/teach him. I appreciate these teachers greatly and am so thankful for the creativity and love they have shown my family. Amazing school! Outside is the way to go.
I gave these stars for my son's experience at Habibi's. They now have two campuses.
Our LO has been in attendance since 18 months and will be graduating preschool this summer. We'll miss these wonderful people so much! Our lives, and especially the lives of our boys, have been enriched beyond measure. We feel incredibly fortunate for The Hutch and the sympathetic and compassionate teachers to have watched over them and taught them over the years. You will not find a school like this one full of free-range children. Music, painting, dancing, biking and all things outdoors makes the school so special.
best. preschool. ever. i can't say enough good things about habibi's. my two sons, an 18-month-old and an almost-3-year-old absolutely love going to habibi's hutch, or as they call it, baby's hutch. it took about three weeks for each of them to get into the swing of school, but once they realized that they were safe, they also realized that they'd hit the jackpot! this place is outdoor playtime all the time! the teachers are so kind and patient, and they treat the children like friends. i have never heard a harsh word from a teacher and i see nothing but happy kids everywhere i look. the school is set up in two neighboring houses, with a giant combined play yard filled with bikes, swings, playhouses, balls, buckets, water-play, toys, and sand. there is always music playing (real music, not baby stuff) and a bubble machine blowing out thousands of bubbles. it's like a party all day long! but don't be thinking there's no order, because there is more happiness and peace at habibi's than in most homes. they've got a system that works, including a schedule for mealtime and naptime, hand-washing and potty-parties, and disciplinary policies that force nothing, but show the social ramifications of one's choices. my boys have both grown up a great deal while at habibi's, and i am certain that the natural way of letting them interact with one another has had huge benefits on their social skills. and, best of all, they're having a good time! saturday mornings i have to explain to my boys that no, they can't go to school today. my family is moving to florida soon, and of all the things i am sad to leave behind, habibi's hutch looms largest. so for now, we will count our lucky stars to have found this perfect wonderland, and enjoy every day there we have left!
Web Report
Aggregated insights from public records & parent discussions
Safety Record
According to Texas Health and Human Services records (License #1018666), the facility has undergone 11 inspections in its recent 5-year compliance history. This history includes one high-risk deficiency and one medium-risk deficiency, but no administrative penalties, corrective actions, or adverse actions were issued. No news reports of accidents or legal issues were found.
Parent Reputation
Parents on Reddit and local forums consistently praise the school for its 'free-range' and 'funky' Austin atmosphere, emphasizing a unique focus on arts and self-regulation. Sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with common themes including the school's inclusive environment and the high quality of its long-term staff. Families report significant waitlists due to its popularity in the South Austin community.
Staff Insights
Staff experience is noted as a strength in parent testimonials, which highlight the presence of male teachers and long-tenured educators. A former employee currently sends their own child to the school, citing personal trust in the curriculum and environment. Job postings from late 2023 list teacher pay starting at approximately $17 per hour.
Quick Information
Varies by age and schedule
