Points of Pride
Great things are happening at Austin Public Schools!
With a wide range of partnerships and programs to benefit our students, staff, and the community, our #PackerPride shines through in all we do.
Strategic Plan
Our mission at Austin Public Schools is to Inspire, Empower, and Accelerate as we work to prepare all learners to make a difference in the world.
To achieve this goal, we have developed four strategic priorities to guide us into the future:
- Support and resources to ensure a safe and welcoming learning environment.
- Packer Profile for all learners.
- District-wide multi-tiered systems of support for all learners.
- Excellence in resource management.
The Packer Profile is a new initiative whereby all Austin graduates will develop a portfolio of work demonstrating that they represent the Packer Core Values:
- Responsible - Demonstrates accountability to self and others.
- Resilient - Develops perseverance and self-confidence.
- Learner - Challenges self to think critically.
- Communicator - Listens actively and shares learning and experiences.
- Contributor - Engages as a productive member of the community and global society.
Please visit our Strategic Plan page for more information.
Programs and Partnerships
- Instructional, Technology, and Success Coaches
- MacPhail Center for Music
- Pi Academy
- The Mower County CEO Program
- The Hormel Foundation
- The Hormel Foundation Austin Assurance Scholarship
- The Hormel Foundation Gifted and Talented Symposium
- The Hormel Institute
- PSEO and CE
- Austin Aspires
Instructional, Technology, and Success Coaches
Our educational coaches work hard to provide support for staff, students, and families!
Instructional Coaches
Instructional coaches at Austin Public Schools:
- Contribute to the acceleration of student achievement by building teacher capacity through the development of research-based knowledge and practice.
- Carry forward the professional learning and implementation work of the district in alignment with the strategic priorities.
At APS, our coaches work with teachers to help keep instruction innovative and fresh and with students in high needs areas including reading and math.
Technology Coaches
Our technology coaches work with teachers to help effectively integrate technology into the classroom. In an ever-changing educational landscape, it is imperative that we meet our students where they are, and our tech coaches are a key piece in helping instruction stay relevant and cutting edge.
Success Coaches
Austin employs numerous success coaches to work with non-English speaking families. Students at Austin Public Schools speak more than 40 home languages, and our success coaches help bridge the gap between the classroom and the family.
MacPhail Center for Music
MacPhail Center for Music is the nation’s largest community music school with 6 locations serving 15,000 students. We
deliver programming for students ages 6 weeks to 104 years old, through program areas of Sing Play Learn with MacPhail®, Suzuki Talent Education, School Partnerships, Individual Instruction, Group Instruction, Summer Music Programs, MacPhail Music for Life™, and Music Therapy.
In early 2014 members of the Hormel Foundation Board of Directors initiated conversations with MacPhail Center for Music senior leadership regarding a presence for MacPhail in the community of Austin. The conversations quickly moved into action as the community reception to the possibility was incredibly positive. A cornerstone partnership throughout has been the relationship with Austin Public Schools. As student enrollment grew to 1500 students for MacPhail Austin, a plan was developed in 2016 for new space to be developed and renovated to support both the Austin High School music programs and space for MacPhail Austin. The result is a state-of-the-art facility shared by both. It is a one-of-a-kind facility, unique in the country, housing both a community music school and a public high school music program.
MacPhail instructors work with APS students throughout all levels, from in-person classroom instruction at the pre-K and Kindergarten levels and residency programs in grades 1-4 to community music opportunities and instructional support for students in grades 5-12. The partnership with MacPhail has resulted in an increased level of awareness and skill for our already revered music programming.
Pi Academy
Pi Academy Southgate
Pi Academy is a district program that first-fourth grade students are invited to join if they meet qualifications. Students must be intellectually gifted in both reading and math (based on standardized assessment scores) and perform in the top stanines on the CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) ability test.
This multi-age classroom is housed at Southgate Elementary School. Teachers deliver complex, challenging instruction through increased pace, depth, and complexity. Bussing is provided for students who qualify for this program and live outside of the Southgate attendance area.
Pi Academy Holton
Pi Academy is a district program fifth and sixth grade students are invited to join if they meet qualifications. Student must be intellectually gifted in both reading and math (based on standardized assessment scores) and perform in the top stanine on the CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) ability test. Teachers deliver complex, challenging instruction through increased pace, depth, and complexity.
The Mower County CEO Program
Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities (CEO) is a year-long course designed to utilize partnerships that provide an overview of business development and processes.
Our local business community partners with area schools to create project-based experiences for students by providing funding, expertise, meeting space, business tours, and one-on-one mentoring. Students visit area businesses, learn from guest speakers, participate in a class business, write business plans, and start and operate their own businesses. Business concepts learned through the experiential CEO class are critical; the 21st century skills of problem-solving, teamwork, self-motivation, responsibility, higher-order thinking, communication, and inquiry are at the heart of a student’s development throughout the course.
Students in CEO work as a group to develop two class businesses to raise money for grants to develop individual or small-group businesses that are highlighted in an annual end-of-year CEO Trade Show.
The Hormel Foundation
The Hormel Foundation’s grants advance the missions of nonprofit organizations in Austin and Mower County. Those organizations are Austin Area Foundation, Austin Community Charitable Fund, Austin Community Growth Ventures, Austin Community Scholarship Committee, Austin Public Schools, Cedar Valley Services, City of Austin, The Hormel Institute, Mayo Clinic Health Systems - Austin, Parenting Resource Center, Riverland Community College, Salvation Army, United Way of Mower County and the YMCA of Austin.
APS works closely with the Hormel Foundation in a number of areas, from the Austin Assurance Scholarship and the annual GT Symposium, to our 1:1 technology program. The generous support of the foundation allows us to offer a plethora of unique opportunities and amenities you wouldn't normally find in a small town school district.
The Hormel Foundation Austin Assurance Scholarship
The Hormel Foundation Austin Assurance Scholarship (THFAAS) is a scholarship for graduates of Austin Public Schools and Pacelli Catholic Schools who live in the Austin school district.
Qualifying students can use the scholarship while earning a college education at Riverland Community College. This scholarship covers your tuition and fees and includes a stipend for needed books and materials. The scholarship amount will vary for each student and will pay for up to 100% of tuition and fees that are not funded by federal grants, state grants, or other scholarship funds. THFAAS will pay for up to 65 college credits towards an approved program of study at Riverland Community College.
The Hormel Foundation Gifted and Talented Symposium
The annual Hormel Foundation Gifted and Talented Education Symposium provides an opportunity for educators, counselors, administrators and parents to gain greater understanding of the unique needs of gifted and high potential learners. Participants attend in-depth sessions focusing on foundational knowledge, creativity, curriculum strategies, and social/emotional needs of gifted and high potential learners provided by the field's finest regionally, nationally and internationally recognized presenters. The Hormel Foundation sponsors the event and funds scholarships for all Austin staff and community members to attend free of charge.
The Hormel Institute
The Hormel Institute is a world-class research institution based in Austin which has partnered with Austin Public Schools to provide opportunities for our students to see science in action. From facility tours and interactive presentations for our high school students to on-site visits to Ellis, the institute has been a valued partner for many years.
The most recent large-scale initiative is the Young Scientist Program, which gives students the chance to work in research laboratories throughout the institute to learn through hands-on experiences and observation as they explore biomedical research.
PSEO and CE
Austin High Schools offers college credit opportunities through Post-Secondary Enrollment Opportunity (PSEO) and Concurrent Enrollment (CE) courses. On average, students who take PSEO courses save nearly $5,000 per year off the cost of college and students taking CE courses save just over $2,000. These two programs represent a fantastic opportunity for APS students to earn free college credit while still being enrolled at AHS.
More Information on PSEO and CE
Austin Aspires
Austin Aspires is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and supporting "a culture of educational excellence, cradle to career, embraced in every aspect of our community."
Among the many programs Austin Aspires partners with APS on are:
- More Than Pink
An enrichment program for young women in Austin focused on developing positive self-concept and self-advocacy while training for a 5K. - Boys of Tomorrow (BOT Club)
BOT Club is an opportunity for boys in completed grades 3-7 to develop self-confidence, leadership skills, and to learn more about themselves through a fun summer program designed just for them. - Preschool on Wheels
A program designed to provide a preschool experience for students while they attend in-home daycare. - Aspiring Leaders of Tomorrow (A.L.O.T.)
A program at IJ Holton Intermediate School, Ellis Middle School, and Austin High School that provides Navigators to help students be successful in their education via check-ins with students weekly or as need to:- Review grades, attendance, assignments, tutoring
- Assist with completion of volunteer hours for the Hormel scholarship
- Assistance with connecting to post-secondary, armed forces and or workforce
- Opportunities for college visits & job shadowing
- Assistance with connecting students or families to resources they may need
Facilities
Austin High School
Austin High School was originally built in 1869. There have been significant additions and upgrades over the years, but the building is still one of the highlights of the Austin community.
AHS features include:
- Knowlton Auditorium
Knowlton is a full-size auditorium used by the district and community alike for concerts, presentations, and much more. The auditorium was recently renovated and retains its charm while featuring modern enhancements throughout. - Ove Berven, Packer, and Hastings Gyms
Both Packer and Ove Berven are used regularly throughout the year for volleyball, basketball, wrestling, and much more. - Annex
The recently renovated AHS annex is the home of MacPhail Austin as well as specialized spaces for our Orchestra, Band, and Choir programs. Additionally, the annex houses our CTE programming, including welding, construction, graphics, and more.
IJ Holton Intermediate School
Wescott Athletic Complex
The Wescott Athletic Complex is a well-maintained facility that includes Art Hass Stadium, the Paulson Tennis Courts, and the Larry Gilbertson Track. Both athletic fields feature turf surfaces, and in the winter and spring months, the Packer Dome allows the use of Art Hass Stadium field for sports and more.
The Packer Dome
Finances
In the Fall of 2022, the Austin community passed a referendum that will help Austin Public Schools continue our strong financial position as we head into the future.
We have worked to focus on organizational fiscal health through fiscally responsible budgeting, streamlining of programming and staffing, and a dedication to maintaining our fiscal responsibility through the strategic plan.
As a district, we continue to receive clean audit opinions with no audit findings, which are the most desirable audit results expected by taxpayers, the school board, and regulators.
We also pride ourselves on offering robust benefits to employees that include minimal to no-cost premiums on health insurance. The District has successfully operated self-insured Dental and Health Plans with stable or nominal increases over the previous 10 years. The benefit of being self-insured fosters pride in employee ownership and stewardship of their health plan.
For more information, please visit our Finance and Operations page.
Activities
At Austin Public Schools, we believe that extracurricular activities provide a channel for reinforcing the lessons learned in the classroom in a real-world context, which is an essential component for a well-rounded education.
We offer a plethora of athletics and activities, including Girls/Boys Swim & Dive, Girls/Boys Hockey, Gymnastics, Adapted Bowling, Cheerleading, Girls/Boys Soccer, Girls/Boys Cross Country, Girls/Boys Tennis, Girls/Boys Track & Field, Dance, Music, Speech, Volleyball, Girls/Boys Basketball, Wrestling, Baseball, Softball, Girls/Boys Golf, Football, Archery, Art Club, Austinaires, Austinian, Bowling, Cycling Club, Jazz Band, Choralaires, Clay Target, DECA, Diversity Club, Drama Club, Figure Skating, FFA, Go Green Club, Knowledge Bowl, MAAP Stars, National Honors Society, Chamber Orchestra, La Fiera Chamber Orchestra, Pep Band, Prom Committee, Science Olympiad, Student Council, STAND, Table Tennis, Boys Volleyball, Weight Lifting, and Youth Leadership.
For more information, please check out our Activities Office page.
Community Education
Community Education has the unique opportunity to serve all members of the Austin community from birth through the rest of their lives as we seek to prepare all learners to make a difference in the world. We offer numerous programs and opportunities, including:
- Packer in Training (Early Childhood)
Summer experience at Woodson co-taught by Woodson and preschool teachers for students who did not have a preschool experience to prepare them for success in Kindergarten. - More Than Pink (Community Education Enrichment)
An enrichment program for young women in Austin focused on developing positive self-concept and self-advocacy while training for a 5K. - Boys of Tomorrow (Community Education Enrichment)
BOT Club is an opportunity for boys in completed grades 3-7 to develop self-confidence, leadership skills, and to learn more about themselves through a fun summer program designed just for them. - Preschool on Wheels (Early Childhood)
In partnership with local non-profit and in home childcare providers giving a preschool experience for students while they attend in home daycare. - Community partnerships in early childhood
Partnership with the county, Mayo Clinic and other local preschool programs to support early intervention with young children. - Family Lit (Adult Learning and Early Childhood)
Childcare and parenting classes at no cost for parents learning to speak English or working towards their GED funded by a grant from The Hormel Foundation. - Voluntary Prekindergarten (Early Childhood)
We have received state funding (VPK) since its inception in 2017. - Austin Adult Learning (Adult Learning)
We have the largest number of adult learners participating compared to our ABE Consortium partners - Kids Korner (School Age Child Care).
We are the top childcare provider in the community.
Learn more by visiting our Community Education page.
Awards
Austin Named One of the Best Communities for Music Education
Austin Public Schools has been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education by The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. Now in its 24th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. Austin is one of only seven districts in Minnesota to earn the honor.
Austin Superintendent Dr. Joey Page shared, “We are thrilled to be recognized nationally for our music program. Here in Austin, our music department excels not just in teaching students the fundamentals, such as how to read music, play an instrument, or sing, but also in imparting a deep appreciation for the powerful ways in which music impacts us. Not only is music a doorway to lifelong learning, but it is also an instrument for cultural appreciation and understanding.”
Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music: After two years of music education, researchers found that participants showed more substantial improvements in how the brain processes speech and reading scores than their less-involved peers and that students who are involved in music are not only more likely to graduate high school but also to attend college as well. In addition, everyday listening skills are stronger in musically trained children than in those without music training. Significantly, listening skills are closely tied to the ability to: perceive speech in a noisy background, pay attention, and keep sounds in memory. Later in life, individuals who took music lessons as children show stronger neural processing of sound: young adults and even older adults who have not played an instrument for up to 50 years show enhanced neural processing compared to their peers. Not to mention, social benefits include conflict resolution, teamwork skills, and how to give and receive constructive criticism.
According to Christoph Dundas, Austin High School band director, “Music connects students, both within themselves and with others around them. Performing music enables students to simultaneously use both the artistic and technical sides of their brains to create something both technically precise and beautiful. It teaches critical thinking, problem solving, communication, collaboration, creativity and perseverance. But most importantly, music education teaches students to connect with each other and the world around them. It is a universal language shared by students around the world.”