Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that Founders Classical Academy of Bastrop serves grades K-11, not K-12, as was previously stated.

Founders Classical Academy of Bastrop has moved into their new campus site on Shiloh Road.

What’s new

The new site consists of two buildings, one hosting K-6th grade and the other 7th-11th grade. There is also a new playground and a covered pavilion. Prior to the new campus, the school was meeting in two separate churches in the community since 2021.

The campus opened earlier this fall for the 2024-2025 school year. The school has cultivated a culture under the new buildings where younger and older students can learn from one another, said Headmaster Stephanie Thomas.


“Our 11th graders partner up with our kindergarteners so they have a buddy system where they come over and help them with lunch,” Thomas said. “Our 6th graders are coming into classrooms and reading to younger students as well.”

The new campus will host a night under the pavilion where they will show a movie so current students, their families and the local community can get to know each other, said Thomas. The date for the event is not determined yet.

There will be a ribbon-cutting for the event with the Bastrop City of Commerce on Oct. 23 and refreshments will be served.

The background


The academy is a tuition-free, public charter school currently serving grades K-11. In addition to the school’s academic curriculum, athletics such as volleyball, flag football and cross country are offered to students.

Thomas said FCA of Bastrop focuses on liberal arts and science through its content-rich curriculum.

“We aim to nurture informed citizens equipped with critical thinking skills and a life-long love of learning,” said Thomas.

More details


Superintendent Mike Terry said there’s been an increase in Texas parents who want their children to attend charter schools.

“They want options,” Terry said. “They want the right to choose the best education that they can find for their children. We’re not saying parents shouldn’t put their kids in Bastrop Independent School District, we’re just trying to give them that option so they can choose for themselves where they want to put their children.”

Terry said the campus emphasizes the importance of the human experience through teaching students about “classical virtues” such as wisdom, perseverance and civility.

“These are all things we believe are essential for Texans to possess if our state is going to continue to be as successful as its been,” said Terry.