Academies Admission Process
(Incoming 9th Graders ONLY)

​Which selection process applies to you?
  1. OUT OF AUSTIN HS ATTENDANCE ZONE  - You will need to submit an "Academies Competitive Application"
  2. WITHIN AUSTIN HS ATTENDANCE ZONE - If you automatically qualify to attend Austin High you will submit an "Academy Preference Survey"
NOTE:  Because of our special academy model, students who live out of the Austin High attendance zone may complete the "Competitive Application Process" to be considered for admission to a limited number of spots available in our academies.

Specific Process to Apply

Step 1: Click here to find your attendance zone
Step 2: Read the different circumstances below and click the appropriate square button, based on your attendance zone..
  • ​If the "School Assignment by Residential Address" indicates you should attend Austin High, then complete the "Academy Preference Survey" 
    • Available DECEMBER 10, 2021
    • Deadline is JANUARY 21, 2022
  • AHS counselors will visit feeder middle schools prior to the deadline to answer questions, but students may complete the form any time in December/January, after exploring options at Maroon & White Night
  • If the "School Assignment by Residential Address" indicates you are NOT assigned to Austin High, then complete the "Competitive Application Process"
    • Application details available NOVEMBER 1, 2021; essay prompts released during the in person writing sessions.
  • Essay writing sessions:
    • January _____ at O.Henry Middle School @ 1:45pm (RESCHEDULED! - from Jan.11)​
    • January _____ at Small Middle School @ 10:00am
    • January _____ at Austin High School @ 10:00am
    • You may attend any of these essay sessions.
  • Those accepted will be placed in the lottery based on their first and second academy preferences.

​Before you fill out the Academy Preference Survey OR the Competitive Application, please familiarize yourself with our academies.  This short video will help you understand the structure and differences between the four academies:

For students who qualify to complete the Academy Preference Survey, academy assignments are made through a blind lottery system based on interest, and students are typically placed in their 1st or 2nd choice academy. Students who go through the Competitive Application Process are selected based on merit and are put into the lottery based on their 1st or 2nd choice academy.
​
Academy notifications are emailed on February 7  and Notice of Intent to Attend Survey (link in email) are due by February 14.
Looking for More Information?
Academy Application Timeline
  • Maroon & White Night (Austin High Showcase) - December 2, 2021                                                                                                      
  • It is almost MAROON AND WHITE NIGHT TIME!
    Plan to attend the highly engaging Maroon and White Showcase Night at Austin High on December 2nd! This one-of-a kind event will allow future Maroons to explore all of the amazing programs that Austin High has to offer.  Tour the Culinary Arts Kitchen, our Film Studio, or learn more about the exciting opportunities in Project Lead the Way.  Visit with teachers and students about our Academies and learn about their signature experiences.  The event will begin at 6:30pm in the Austin High Performing Arts Center, with a special performance featuring the many award-winning programs that Austin High has to offer.  Families will then have time to visit with teachers and students representing all aspects of Austin High academics, electives, sports, and clubs. Mark your calendars for this exciting night!
Austin High Academies SCHOOL TOUR  School tours are available to students/families interested in transferring to Austin High School from outside of the AHS feeder pattern. Please sign up your student's name and your name to reserve a time slot.  Our next available tour date is Tuesday, April 5. Register HERE for the tour.

Academy Admission Dates and Details:
  • Applications available for student who live outside of the attendance zone - November 1, 2021
  • Parent/Student Academy Virtual Information Night (all parents welcome)  - October 20, 2021 @ 6:30pm  You can watch the presentation using this link:
  •       Academy Info Session
  • Parent/Student Academy Information Night in person at AHS PAC - November 2, 2021 @ 6:30pm                        ​          
  • Austin High Academy Application deadline for students who live outside of the attendance zone - January 21, 2022
  • Academy Preference Survey deadline for students in the attendance zone - January 21, 2022
  • Course Advising Workshop for all incoming 9th grade students (and parents) who are not currently at O.Henry or Small Middle School - January 26, 2022 and February 9, 2022 @ 6:00pm
  • Academy Decision letters emailed to students - February 7, 2022
  • Intent to Attend Austin High Survey Completion Deadline -  February 14, 2022