Top 5 Reasons to Be Head of the Class

1. Famous educators – Austin educators have held positions such as mayor, Texas Representative, U.S. Senator, author, president of the University of Texas, and First Lady. Barbara Jordan and Carole Keeton Strayhorn are former Austin-area teachers.
2. Leading programs – According to U.S. News & World Report, the University of Texas ranks No. 47 of all national universities, and St. Edward’s University ranks No. 21 of all Master's-offering universities in the U.S.A.'s Western region.
3. Education for the disabled and impaired – Austin is home to the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Texas School for the Deaf, and state associations for developmental and learning disabilities and children with special health needs.
4. College preparedness – Austin high schools offer more than 20 Advanced Placement courses. In 2010, 173 students in Austin I.S.D. were National Merit Scholars.
5. Excellent K-12 schools – The Texas Education Agency annually gives schools one of four rankings: Exemplary, Recognized, Academically Acceptable, or Academically Unacceptable. In 2009, Austin I.S.D. (120 schools) had 24 Exemplary schools and 30 Recognized schools. In Eanes I.S.D., all 9 schools were ranked Exemplary.