If your child needs food at school, please ensure that they bring $3 for Breakfast, or $4 for Lunch.
Alternatively, click HERE for the Free/Reduced lunch form (Also found at the button below)
The Katherine Anne Porter School is committed to fostering an educational environment that is safe, welcoming, and free from stigma and discrimination for all students regardless of gender identity and expression, race, academic needs or individual differences.
Discover the Dragon difference.
Founded in 1998, Katherine Anne Porter School is a free, public, charter high school serving students grades 8-12. As an open enrollment Charter, we welcome students from Wimberley and many surrounding areas, including Hays, Blanco, Comal, Travis and Williamson Counties. KAPS provides a vital and necessary alternative to the traditional ISD for our students. With small classes and a focus on each of our individual learners, we provide a meaningful educational experience and welcoming, inclusive community unlike many traditional high schools.
Our unique approach to learning at Katherine Anne Porter School has helped many students not only succeed, but excel, in their high school career and beyond, especially those who may have found themselves struggling in previous educational settings. We are a school for all, an accepting community of learners. We invite you to join us.
Get to know the KAPS Board!
Erin Stonehawk-Hearn
President of the Board
Dr. Joseph Smith
Board Member
Paul Michels
Board Member
Sara Dishman
Board Member
Ty Galloway
Board Member
David Spade
Board Member
“LeAD – League of Ancient Dragons"
The primary goal of LeAD is to increase positive interactions between adults and students on campus while providing a visible presence of support and accountability.
Videos from KAPS!
Congratulations to our new School board members!
Joseph Smith Ph.D.
Joseph Smith is a dedicated scientist, entrepreneur, and community advocate with over three decades of experience in scientific research, business management, and educational support. Holding a Ph.D. in Biochemistry as well as a Molecular Biology degree from The University of Texas at Austin, Joseph has an extensive research background, including work in biomedical sciences that has been published in renowned, peer-reviewed international journals. As the founder, CEO and partner of multiple tech firms, he has provided strategic solutions for universities, healthcare organizations, and major Texas institutions, focusing on cutting-edge technologies and intelligent system design.
Joseph's passion for community building extends beyond his professional accomplishments. A former member of the U.S. Army’s Honor Guard, he has served in high-stakes roles in the Pentagon and D.C. that required integrity, discipline, and leadership—a foundation he brings to his commitment to KAPS. As a business owner, he has a deep understanding of financial management, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance, skills he looks forward to contributing as a board member.
Driven by a commitment to fostering inclusive, supportive environments, Joseph is invested in helping KAPS empower students academically and personally. As a parent of a KAPS junior and a prospective KAPS freshman, he shares the school’s mission to cultivate a safe, equitable, and stimulating environment for all students. He is particularly enthusiastic about the potential of emerging technologies, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, to enhance educational outcomes.
Ty Galloway
When I was finishing my undergraduate degree, I was placed at KAPS as a student teacher. I immediately fell in love with the school, the staff, and the overall idea of community and education at KAPS. After I graduated, I was offered a teaching position at KAPS.
I spent a year teaching English and Creative Writing at KAPS, before taking a position at Texas State University.
I never forgot my time and KAPS and often told people in the community about the amazing things that KAPS had to offer students and the community as a whole. I believe that is why, in part, my nieces attended KAPS and my nephew still does.
That is also why I am running for the KAPS School Board, to do what I can to support the school that still means so much to me and my family.
Sara Dishman
As a prior teacher, KAPS parent, school administrator, curriculum writer, current KAPS school board member and a current CASA of Central Texas I see and have followed the value KAPS has had in the community for the past 25 years.
I want to ensure the longevity of KAPS in the community for the next 25 years to come. My background professionally is in secondary education, grant writing, English as a Second Language, Special Education, child advocacy in the courts, bilingual education, early childhood education, curriculum writing, and partnering with community businesses as partners in education.
During my short tenure on the KAPS school board I have brought a new staff member to KAPS, a $5,000 donation to KAPS from a community business, and a business partnership for the blood drive donation to feed all those whom donated blood. I will continue to partner with community businesses to maximize relationships and bolster the KAPS name within the community.
I hold three degrees in education: a bachelors in education and two masters degrees in education.
Save the Dragons Campaign
Recent events and changes in legislature has financially put Katherine Anne Porter School in a tight space.
Atop that, over the past 5 years there has been a ~30% decrease in the amount of Dragons in our community, leaving less than 100, which leaves them in the Critically Endangered status.
Don't let them go extinct, Donate today and help Save the Dragons!
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