Original Research by School Decision on S T E P - C O R E
S T E P - C O R E is a small alternative school in Georgetown that serves students in grades eight through twelve. The school, located in the Round Rock ISD district, operates with a very compact enrollment.
This is a school designed for students who do not fit the traditional classroom setting. Alternative schools often serve students with prior attendance or discipline histories, those pursuing accelerated pathways, students re-entering after dropping out, or those seeking individualized instruction outside a larger institution. The exact student population profile and academic model are not detailed in available data, so prospective families may want to contact the school directly to understand its specific mission, structure, and whether it aligns with a particular student's needs.
The school's demographic makeup is largely Hispanic, with a smaller share of Black and white students. A notable share of the student body qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting economic need within the enrolled population.
Because this is an alternative school with a very small enrollment, standard state accountability metrics like proficiency indices, graduation rates, and chronic absenteeism data are not available in the sources reviewed. This is not uncommon for alternative and specialized-population schools, which often sit outside the tested populations that generate state performance data. A parent considering S T E P - C O R E should ask the school directly about student outcomes, completion rates, post-secondary placement, and what academic supports and curriculum it offers.
Georgetown itself is a community in rapid growth, about an hour north of Austin. The town centers on its historic downtown square, known for well-preserved Victorian commercial architecture and walkable district life, with local restaurants, shops, and monthly markets. Beyond downtown, the city extends into broad residential neighborhoods, and housing values reflect the broader Austin-area market. The cost of living is moderate to high relative to national standards, though renting is somewhat more affordable than purchasing. Major employers in the area span healthcare, education, manufacturing, and emergency services, with Southwestern University and St. David's Hospital among the largest, plus access to tech employers in nearby Round Rock and Austin along the I-35 corridor.
Round Rock ISD, the parent district, has navigated some significant changes in recent years. In November 2024, voters approved three of four bond propositions totaling substantial funding for HVAC, roofing, electrical and plumbing repairs, technology upgrades, fine arts programs, and a new Career and Technical Education facility; a stadium proposition failed. The district also adopted the state's Bluebonnet Learning math curriculum for elementary and middle grades but declined to adopt its reading curriculum, which contains Bible- and Christianity-based material, forming a study committee instead. For the 2024-25 school year, the district lowered its property tax rate after passing a balanced budget that addressed a previously projected deficit. These decisions about facilities, curriculum, and finances shape the environment for all district schools, including alternative programs like S T E P - C O R E.
See more original research from School Decision →