ABOUT
History
It all started with a simple vision . . . In 2006, we were both stay-at-home moms of preschool-aged children. Shortly after moving to Austin, we began searching for a good preschool in our area. Although, there were many fine schools available, none seemed to fit all of our needs. Like all mothers, we wanted a school that prepared our kids for Kindergarten but also encouraged their creativity all within a safe and nurturing environment. It was also important for us to find an academic curriculum instead of a play-based or daycare program. Above all, we wanted a preschool that was staffed with happy, caring, and well-educated, well-experienced teachers!
Having a background in Human Resources we knew it was imperative to not only hire the very best educators but to retain our wonderful staff so there would be little disruption to your child's classroom. Our management style is to simply appreciate each and every staff member and treat them with courtesy and respect. We are always open and available to feedback and actively listen to concerns and suggestions. We feel this has helped us retain our amazing staff of educators through the years. Our Director, Mandy Turner, has been with us since 2011, our Office Manager, Cookie Logan, since 2009 and our Head Teacher, Linda Emery (who taught both of our college-aged daughters) has been with us since 2007! We are truly blessed. ​It's hard to believe that it has been +19 years since we first started Rising Stars! We have come a long way since our simple vision and very humble beginnings. People always ask: “What's the best thing about owning a preschool?” and it's an easy answer: THE KIDS. It is amazing to see our students learning to write, to read, make new friends, and to just have fun! But the most heartwarming thing is seeing our former Rising Stars students and watching them grow into such beautiful and talented young people throughout the years. We love catching up with their parents and hearing how happy and well they are doing in elementary school, high school, and more often college. In every encounter, the love and sense of pride we feel is truly indescribable and priceless.
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- Mafel Masuno & Kelly Rouhselang
​ Owners & Cofounders
Philanthropy
Our school believes in being a service to our community by creating a partnership between teachers, staff, students, and parents.
We feel education should be accessible to all children. Each year, we offer a limited number of scholarships for discounted tuition.
We are proud to support local charitable organizations such as COATS FOR KIDS who provides coats for underprivileged children each winter. OPERATION BLUE SANTA benefits local Austin families in need. Springtime, we organize a Bake Sale that 100% benefits the RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE which Rising Stars further matches dollar for dollar. This organization in particular, is very near and dear to our hearts as they have helped many of our families during very trying times in the past and we know first-hand the wonderful work they provide. These are but a few ways to teach our little friends early empathy and awarenes.
Finally, as a women-owned and locally operated business, we try to support all mothers in our network of parents, teachers, and workers in our community.