Academies Competitive Application Process

​Students who live outside the attendance zone: Austin High is a very welcoming place, so we love to see our family grow! If you are not in our attendance zone, but are interested in our academies and award-winning programs,  you'll need to fill out an application for the academies.  Applications are reviewed through a competitive process that considers essay responses, grades, and test scores.  Students will rank their academy preferences and top applicants are placed into the lottery based on their academy preference.
Consider your first and second choice carefully, as most students are placed in one of their top two choices.  If you do not get your first choice, you will be placed on a waiting list and you may have the chance to move into that academy later, as students move and slots open up.  If you would like to switch your academy, you may do so at the end of each semester, only if spots are available.
Online application and supporting materials must be submitted by February 1,  2021 at 5:00 p.m 
Our Competitive Application has four parts. All four parts must be complete by 5:00 p.m. on February 1, 2021 before a candidate will be considered. Please read the instructions carefully. 

PART 1: AISD INTENT TO APPLY FORM
Applicants much complete the Austin ISD Intent to Apply for a Magnet/Application Program form
  • The Austin ISD Intent to Apply for a Magnet/Application Program form can be found in the Austin ISD Parent Cloud.  If you are new to Austin ISD and do not have a Parent Cloud Account, please create a Parent Cloud Account before proceeding. You will need to submit proof of residence in Austin ISD (utility bill in parent name).
  • Once in the Parent Cloud, search for the "AISD Intent to Apply" tile.

​PART 2: ONLINE APPLICATION
All candidates must complete an online application.  Please submit the competitive application below.

PART 3: WRITTEN ESSAY
Applicants will complete a written essay to be submitted through an email. The writing prompt will be released January1 along with the email for submission.

PART 4: SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS
(note: students currently attending an Austin ISD middle school do not need to submit supplemental materials)
  • Copy of student’s report card from the Fall 2019 semester of school
  • Copy of student’s most recent STAAR scores (or equivalent nationally-recognized standardized exam)

Supplemental Materials from Part 4 may be scanned and emailed to nicole.griffith@austinisd.org, hand-delivered to the Main Office on the 2nd floor at Austin High School, or mailed to:
Attn: Academy Office 
Austin High School 
1715 W. Cesar Chavez 
Austin, TX 78703
  • SCANNED AND EMAILED - Supporting documents must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2021
  • HAND-DELIVERY –Supporting documents must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2021.
  • MAILED – Supporting documents delivered by mail must be postmarked on or before February 1, 2021.
Looking for More Information?
Academy Application Timeline
  • Applications available for student who live outside of the attendance zone - November 1
  • Maroon & White Night (Austin High Showcase) - October 30 at 6:30 p.m.
  • Parent/Student Academy Information Night at Small Middle School (all are welcome)- Tuesday,  January 21 at 6:00pm
  • Parent/Student Academy Information Night at O.Henry Middle School (all are welcome)- Wednesday, January 15 at 6:00pm
  • Application deadline for students who live outside of the attendance zone - February 1
  • Lottery Preference Survey deadline for students in the attendance zone or who have received a priority transfer - February 1
  • Academy Decision letters emailed to students - February 21​
  • Course Advising Workshop for all incoming 9th grade students (and parents) who are not currently at O.Henry or Small Middle School - March 4 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Austin High Library
  • Intent to Attend Austin High Survey Completion Deadline - March 13