How Primrose School Helps Austin Kids Thrive: A Q&A with Anna Thompson
At Recess, we love connecting Austin families with the people who make childcare and learning feel like home. We recently sat down with Anna Thompson, the passionate leader behind Primrose School in Austin, to learn more about her journey, her philosophy, and why families feel such pride in being part of their community. From early childhood education rooted in research to the everyday magic happening in classrooms, Anna shares what makes Primrose so special for little learners.
I was so inspired to hear your story about having your first child, not finding the care you wanted, and deciding to bring Primrose to Austin. What was the moment that made you say, “I am going to build the school I wish existed” ?
“When I was pregnant with my first child, I started visiting preschools and childcare options. But as I visited schools near my house (in Central Austin), I couldn’t find anything that I was comfortable with. I had objections to each place I visited – one place had a pool, some places had very young and inexperienced staff, some places children (and teachers) didn’t seem happy to be there, some places just felt like a daycare – keeping everyone alive, and on and on. We finally reached out to chat with a friend who owns a Primrose School in Florida, as a gut check to see if what I was looking for didn’t exist or wasn’t realistic. But as we talked with him, we discovered that we just hadn’t found the right place yet, but Primrose had what I was looking for in every aspect. I loved how intentionally designed it was, how invested the school owner was, the richness of the curriculum. My husband and I ended up deciding that the right solution for us was to become Primrose owners ourselves – then our child would get the richness of the Primrose approach and we could have the peace of mind that we would do the right thing for our own kid and the other children entrusted to our care. It has to be one of the best decisions of my life. I’ve had the great privilege to see first hand how children grow and learn at Primrose, which makes my work so rewarding.”
Over the years Primrose has given so many Austin families a safe and nurturing place for their children to grow. For families who have not visited yet, what will they feel and notice first when they walk in the door?
“What we hear from families when they visit us is the joy! Our teachers and leadership team are friendly and genuinely care about children. We build an individual relationship with each child and family, knowing what they need, what challenges they are facing, what matters to them! Preschool and after school should be spaces filled with fun and learning.”
Primrose is known for a research based approach, but parents remember the small moments. Can you share a recent classroom story that shows how your philosophy turns into real growth and joy for a child?
“At Primrose, we love seeing how hands-on learning leads to lasting understanding. Last spring, our Preschool students explored the difference between nocturnal and diurnal animals through stories, games, and classroom activities. The lesson sparked so much excitement that children went home quizzing their parents about which animals—and even family pets—are awake at night or during the day. A few parents learned a new vocabulary word – diurnal – from their three year olds.
Months later, during a Pre-K storytime reading “The Kissing Hand” this fall, a child made an observation that stopped us all: “Chester Raccoon goes to school at night because he’s nocturnal!” It was such a beautiful moment of connection—proof that what children learn here stays with them, building a foundation of curiosity and joy that continues to grow year after year.”
You now guide four campuses across Austin. How do you keep quality and heart consistent, while honoring what makes each neighborhood community unique?
“Primrose Schools are communities at heart, led by an onsite leadership team. Families are active participants in our school, volunteering to read to our students, share their family celebrations, building goals together with teachers for each student, and joining us in school-wide celebrations. Each school reflects the community that makes it up, including opportunities for families to share their celebrations and traditions with us. We just had a family come in to share about Dia de los Muertos today! Local owners, dedicated leadership team members, and teachers that live and work in the community of children and families they serve create the magic of Primrose together!”
We were so happy and surprised to learn Primrose offers day programs and camps that are open to all. What options should parents know about, and how do these programs support children who are exploring new interests?
“We love hearing that surprise! Many families don’t realize that Primrose offers exciting Out of School Time and Summer Adventure Club programs that are open to all elementary-age children—even if they don’t attend Primrose during the school year.
During school breaks and summer, children can join day camps or week-long themed experiences that encourage curiosity and creativity while keeping them engaged and active. Each week features a new theme—from robotics and STEM challenges to cooking, art, science, and leadership development—so there’s always something fresh to explore.
Our programs are designed to balance fun with meaningful learning, giving children opportunities to build confidence, develop friendships, and discover new interests in a supportive, small-group environment held to high safety standards led by experienced, background checked, CPR certified and highly trained teachers. Whether your child loves experimenting, creating, or collaborating, there’s a place for them to shine at Primrose!”
Ready to explore Primrose programs?
Huge thank you to Anna for sharing her heart and vision with the Recess community. It is clear that Primrose is more than a school, it is a place where children feel seen, supported, and excited to grow every day. We are proud to help families discover programs like these that bring learning to life. Stay tuned for more Q&As with incredible Austin providers who are shaping childhood one playful moment at a time.
