Mainspring Schools

Mainspring Schools is a 70 year old 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation. Established in 1941 as Austin Community Nursery Schools, it was the first child care center in US history ever to located in a federal housing development. Additionally, it was one of the eleven original charities funded by the United Way(then Community Cheset) in the Capital Area. Mainspring Schools currently operates one site, located in the Meadowbrook Housing Development in south Austin. It provides high quality early childhood education and family education services to low-income working families. Full day, year round early education programs include nationally recognaized quality standards equalled by only 10% of programs nationwide, parent education and support, free health services for enrolled children, and a strong nutrition program. Mainspring Schools receives funding through the United Way Capital Area, the City of Austin, and Travis County. A longitudinal study done on past Mainspring students show that they performed better in school, stayed in school longer, and were more prepared for learning success than thier counterparts.