Avenue Five Institute

Avenue Five Institute was founded in 2007 by a native Austinite and now runs two campuses. The North Austin campus is at 8620 Burnet Road and draws students from Round Rock, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Leander and nearby areas. The South Austin campus is at 500 East Ben White Boulevard and serves central and South Austin along with San Marcos, Dripping Springs, Buda, Kyle, Lockhart, Bastrop and New Braunfels. Both campuses teach cosmetology, esthetics, barbering and nail technology, and the nail curriculum is the same at each.

Programs combine online coursework with hands-on practice in a simulated salon environment. Most programs can be taken on a YourTime hybrid schedule, with four on-campus hours a day Monday through Friday plus 10 hours a week of distance learning. Morning, afternoon and evening options are available, though class times are confirmed by contacting each campus directly. The school says its programs are designed to help students earn a state license and start working in less than a year. Cosmetology runs 1,000 clock hours, esthetics 750 hours, barbering 1,000 hours and nail technology 600 hours.

The student salon and spa is where trainees work on real clients under instructor supervision. Services are priced as a fraction of typical salon or spa rates, and final prices may change after the provider consults with you. The salon is open Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM, and closed on weekends. Appointments are strongly encouraged because student availability varies, though walk-ins are accepted when possible. Arrive 10 minutes early, since guests more than 15 minutes late are rescheduled. Gratuity cannot be passed to providers through the school, and tipping for massage therapy is not permitted. Clients with children aged 14 and under should review the Child Safety Policy before booking. The salon and spa line is 512-968-2835.

Enrollment requires a high school diploma or GED, a valid government-issued ID, a completed application and a virtual tour. Admissions can be reached through the contact form or at 512-630-0099. Accreditation by NACCAS allows eligible students to apply for Title IV federal financial aid, and payment plans are offered to those who do not apply for or qualify for aid. Career planning, placement and employment assistance are available after enrollment and graduation, including counseling, resume help, interview preparation and connections with local salons, spas and industry employers.

Programs pair online coursework with hands-on practice in a salon-like setting, and instructors are working professionals from salons, spas and medical esthetics.