Highlights of Exemplary Practices Aligned with the 18 Characteristics of Successful Middle Schools

Every student's academic and personal development is guided by an adult advocate. - Austin Prep prides itself on our Advisory program which was featured as a case study in the AMLE SMS Advisory guide. Faculty advisors are advocates who actively monitor progress, support goal-setting, and ensure that each student is known, supported, and challenged appropriately. Through regular communication with students and families, the Advisor fosters a strong sense of belonging and partnership in the student’s growth.

Curriculum is challenging, exploratory, integrative, and diverse.

- The academic program at Austin Prep is designed to challenge students intellectually while encouraging curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to take academic risks. Through hands-on projects, inquiry-based learning, and authentic problem-solving experiences, students are invited to explore new ideas and perspectives across disciplines. Courses are intentionally connected, helping students see meaningful relationships between subjects and apply their learning in real-world contexts. Examples include: water quality monitoring in the conservation land; Grade 8 Mock Trial; Grade 7 Life Science "Medical School"; the Egyptian Museum in Grade 6; and end-of-course culminating experiences in the Arts (i.e. Art Gallery night; performance)

Professional learning for all staff is relevant, long term, and job embedded. - Rooted in the Augustinian tradition of reflective teaching and continuous growth, professional development extends beyond isolated workshops to ongoing coaching, collaborative planning, and departmental work that directly supports classroom instruction. Faculty engage in regular Professional Learning Communities, data-informed discussions, and curriculum alignment work that ensure shared ownership of student learning outcomes. This approach ensures that professional growth is not an add-on, but a core part of the school’s mission to inspire excellence in teaching and learning. Teachers are supported in attending and presenting at regional and national conferences, contributing articles and chapters to publications, and the Summer Sabbatical program, all of which point to a culture of professional growth and that position Austin Prep as a thought leader in the field.