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 January 21,  2022 at 5:00 p.m 
Our Competitive Application has four parts. All four parts must be complete by 5:00 p.m. on January 21, 2022 before a candidate will be considered. Please read the instructions carefully. 

PART 1: AISD COMMON APPLICATION FORM
Applicants much complete the Austin ISD Common Application 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 "Common Application" 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 at Austin High. The writing prompt will be released during this essay session. (Dates TBD)
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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 2021 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 steven.maddox@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  January 21, 2022
  • HAND-DELIVERY –Supporting documents must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 21, 2022.
  • MAILED – Supporting documents delivered by mail must be postmarked on or before January 20, 2022.
Looking for More Information?
Academy Application Timeline
  • Applications available for students who live outside of the attendance zone - November 1, 2021
  • Maroon & White Night (Austin High Showcase) - December 2, 2021 @6:30pm at Austin High 
  • Parent/Student Academy Virtual Information Night (all parents welcome)  - October 20, 2021 @ 6:30pm  Meeting ID: 880 8806 8318
    Passcode: 895516  ZOOM LINK             
  • Parent/Student Academy Information Night (all parents welcome) in person at AHS PAC - November 2, 2021 @ 6:30pm   
  • Application deadline for students who live outside of the attendance zone - January 21, 2022
  • Lottery Preference Survey deadline for students in the attendance zone or who have received a priority transfer - January 21
  • Academy Decision letters emailed to students - February 7, 2022​
  • Course Advising Workshop for all incoming 9th grade students (and parents) who are not currently at O.Henry or Small Middle School - TBD
  • Intent to Attend Austin High Survey Completion Deadline - February 14, 2022