Education
BY JOEL VALLEY
Education Edition
2025
Welcome to CI’s 2025 Education Edition! As the school year begins, families across our community are adjusting to fresh routines, new teachers and the opportunities that come with a new school year. In this year’s Education Guide, we highlight key issues shaping local schools, from district budget decisions and campus closures, to a summary of college admissions requirements. I’m grateful to our talented journalists for their thoughtful reporting and for the local businesses whose support makes each edition possible. Together, we’re able to share stories that inform readers, inspire community and foster connection. Here’s to a wonderful school year!
Premium sponsor:
Krista Box General Manager kbox@ communityimpact.com
Fairfield University fairfield.edu/NursingAustin (203) 254-5532
Enroll in Fairfield University's nationally ranked and recognized Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies program.
What's inside
Learn more about college applications (Page 14)
Find out which schools are providing free meals (Page 16)
Discover details about Austin ISD’s budget (Page 19)
For relevant news and daily updates, subscribe to our free email newsletter!
183 Project Lighthouse supports internet access as demand grows Districts across Bastrop, Hays, Travis and Wil- liamson counties are ensuring learning continues when students step off campus. The details 35 Project Lighthouse schools Katherine A. Cook Elementary School
essential tool for students, many have highlighted that the internet is essential for at-home use. From March 2020-July 2023, Austin ISD pro- vided 30,000 hotspots to connect students to the internet, but funding for the $7.2 million in technology through the Federal Communications Commission ended in June 2024. Now, hotspots are prioritized for specific student programming, according to Austin ISD. However, the district has rolled out Project Lighthouse—an ongoing initia- tive that is improving telecommunication services on campuses and in neighborhoods where internet access has historically been limited. “If they don’t have internet, they can’t connect sometimes with their teachers, their classmates, online homework, and also all the information that’s out there in the world that is accessible through connectivity,” Laura Browder, AISD executive director of technology operations said.
Graham Elementary School
With devices and internet resources provided through their respective technology departments, students can access instructional materials at home. Several Central Texas districts offer tech options for students. Bastrop ISD provides Chromebooks for students in grades sixth through 12th as part of its BootUp 1:1 Technology Initiative, which launched in the fall of 2023. “Having their own device allows students the opportunity to engage with their teacher and other learners or experts,” the district said in a statement posted to its website. Zooming in Although school officials call Chromebooks an
MOPAC
Blanton Elementary
183 TOLL
Barbara Jordan Elementary School
Austin High School
35
Liberal Arts and Science Academy Perez Elementary School Blazier Elementary School
71
290
183
Akins High School
N
13
NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
Powered by FlippingBook