When longtime educators Angie Goodwin and Kristen Pritchett first met while teaching at Bill Burden Elementary, they immediately clicked. What started as a shared classroom and a handful of “wild ideas,” as they call them, would later become the foundation of something much bigger — a new approach to education in Liberty Hill.
After more than two decades in the classroom between them, the duo saw a growing need for an alternative learning environment — one that valued curiosity, critical thinking and the joy of discovery.
That vision came to life this year with the official opening of Blue Oak Academy, a micro-school meets homeschool type of vibe serving grades kindergarten through sixth that blends project-based learning, individualized instruction and community connection.
The idea for Blue Oak began with a summer camp.
“We started seeing kids who could name rappers but not historical figures,” Pritchett said. “I told Angie, we need to start a camp where kids can learn about history, science and culture in a fun, hands-on way.”
Their summer program — once branded as “Twin Teachers” — took off quickly. Parents loved the mix of STEM projects, themed lessons and engaging activities that encouraged kids to think and explore.
“After two summers, parents were asking if we could do this year-round,” Goodwin said. “We realized there was a real need for something different.”
That spark led to the creation of Blue Oak Academy, which now operates out of Goodwin’s Liberty Hill home. The school currently serves 17 students and runs Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
While Blue Oak can’t officially be classified as a private school, it functions much like one — with certified teachers, a full curriculum, and adherence to Texas TEKS standards. The biggest difference is flexibility and connection not just to their teachers and peers, but even with the outdoors.
Students learn at their own pace in a small group setting where lessons are tailored to their abilities.
“We meet kids where they are,” said Goodwin. “If a student is reading two grade levels ahead or needs extra support in math, we adjust. That’s the beauty of it.”
The academy uses a mix of whole-group lessons and small-group rotations.
“For math, I’ll pull one group while Kristen works on reading with another,” Goodwin said. “Our kids aren’t just sitting at desks — they’re outside tending chickens, building projects, or exploring cultural studies through art.”
Project-based learning is at the heart of their approach. Whether students are recreating the Texas Revolution in 3D or researching world cultures, the focus is on understanding concepts deeply and applying them in meaningful ways.
Beyond academics, the most remarkable outcomes have come from the students’ relationships with one another.
“We’ve had several parents tell us their kids are treating each other differently at home,” said Pritchett. “Siblings who used to argue are now playing together and showing respect for one another.”
The teachers believe the smaller environment encourages empathy, patience and teamwork. “
Our sixth graders are learning to lead, while the little ones learn from them,” Goodwin said. “It’s been amazing to watch.”
Opening Blue Oak Academy wasn’t without challenges. Both educators left the security of traditional teaching to pursue their dream.
“It was scary,” Pritchett said. “But sometimes you just have to take the risk and follow your heart. We wanted to create a space where kids love learning.”
Their families have been supportive every step of the way. Pritchett’s husband, a colonel in the U.S. Army National Guard, and Goodwin’s husband, co-owner of Ennis Golf Carts in Liberty Hill, have both cheered them on through the process.
The duo hopes to continue expanding in the years ahead, ideally onto a small piece of land that can preserve the academy’s cozy, nature-rich feel. They’ve already begun connecting with the Liberty Hill community — from collaborating with the local library on student writing displays to planning “Friday experience days” when Liberty Hill ISD schools are out.
“Our dream is to keep growing, to maybe one day offer opportunities for teachers, too,” Pritchett said. “We want Blue Oak to be a place where both students and educators can thrive.”
For more information on Blue Oak Academy, visit them online.
#IndependentTogether
830.888.9559
Service Areas
