Computational Biology
Genetics, microbiology, and bioinformatics. Sequence genomes, run PCR, and build Python pipelines for real data.
Grades 6–12 · East Austin, Texas
Science you can actually do.
Violet Crown STEM Academy is a small, lab-first science and engineering school in Austin, Texas. Our middle school and high school students learn biology, chemistry, physics, calculus, and computer science through hands-on experiments, project-based learning, and a senior research capstone — not just lectures and worksheets.
Now accepting applications for Fall 2027 · Priority deadline February 1
8:1Student-to-teacher ratio
14 hrsLab & fieldwork per week
100%Complete a research capstone
12AP & dual credit courses
STEM programs
Six tracks. One habit of mind.
Students rotate through every STEM discipline in middle school, then choose two to specialize in for high school. Each track ends in a public demo, paper, or launch.
Robotics & Mechatronics
FIRST and VEX robotics, CAD, 3D printing, circuitry, and control systems in a full maker space and fabrication lab.
Aerospace & Physics
Mechanics, aerodynamics, thermodynamics, and telemetry — plus instrumented high-altitude payload launches.
Environmental Data Science
Ecology, hydrology, and climate science. Collect water-quality samples along the Colorado River, then model them in R and Python.
Applied AI & Systems
Python and Java, algorithms, data structures, machine learning, and cybersecurity. Read a paper, reproduce it, report honestly.
Materials & Nanotech
Titration, spectroscopy, microscopy, and materials testing — with shared access to a university electron microscope.
Academics & curriculum
Rigorous courses, Texas standards, real labs.
Our scope and sequence aligns to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), with honors, Advanced Placement, and dual credit options for students who want to go further.
- SCIENCEBiology · Chemistry · Physics · Environmental Science Honors, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics 1/2/C, and AP Environmental Science. Weekly laboratory investigations with formal lab reports and peer review.
- MATHAlgebra I & II · Geometry · Precalculus · Calculus AP Calculus AB and BC, AP Statistics, and linear algebra topics. Emphasis on mathematical modeling, proofs, and quantitative reasoning.
- CSComputer Science & Engineering AP Computer Science A and Principles, Python, Java, web development, engineering design process, and cybersecurity fundamentals.
- RESEARCHCapstone Research Seminar Two-year sequence in scientific method, experimental design, statistics, technical writing, and public presentation — culminating in an original research project.
- BEYONDHumanities, Communication & College Readiness English, history, technical writing, debate, PSAT/SAT/ACT preparation, college counseling, NCAA eligibility, and scholarship advising.
- STEM education
- STEAM
- Inquiry-based learning
- Project-based learning
- NGSS
- TEKS aligned
- AP Physics
- AP Chemistry
- AP Biology
- AP Calculus
- AP Computer Science
- Honors courses
- Dual credit
- Robotics
- Coding for kids
- Python
- Data science
- Machine learning
- Bioinformatics
- Engineering design
- 3D printing
- Maker space
- Science fair
- Science Olympiad
- Research capstone
- Internships
- College counseling
- Small class size
- Austin private school
Our approach
How we teach science
Three commitments shape every class period at Violet Crown.
01
Do the experiment first
Students meet phenomena before definitions. Inquiry-based labs come before vocabulary, so concepts stick instead of fading after the test.
02
Write like a scientist
Every course requires lab notebooks, technical writing, data visualization, and peer review — the same habits used in undergraduate research.
03
Defend your work publicly
Twice a year, students present findings to teachers, families, and working scientists from the Austin tech and university community.
Admissions
Applying to Violet Crown
We admit curious students, not perfect transcripts. Applications are open to rising sixth through twelfth graders across the Austin metro — including Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, and South Congress.
Step 1 · Sept–Jan
Inquire & visit
Submit an inquiry form, then join a campus tour and a shadow day with a current student.
Step 2 · By Feb 1
Apply
Application, two teacher recommendations, transcripts, and a short student-written statement about a question you can't stop thinking about.
Step 3 · Feb–Mar
Student conversation
A relaxed 30-minute chat with two teachers. No test prep, no trick questions — we want to hear how you think.
Step 4 · Mid-March
Decisions & enrollment
Admission and financial aid decisions release together. Enrollment contracts and deposits are due in early April.
Visit us
Come see the labs.
Tours run Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. during the school year, and include a walk through the wet lab, fabrication shop, and maker space. Bring questions.
- Campus 1400 Violet Crown Way, Austin, TX 78702
- Admissions (512) 555-0142
- Email admissions@violetcrownstem.org
- Office hours Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CT
Request a tour
Tell us a little about your student and we'll follow up within two business days.