Austin Preparatory School FOUNDED 1961
To inspire hearts to unite, minds to inquire, and hands to serve.
Welcome
Welcome to Austin Prep, an independent, Augustinian Catholic middle and high school, and thanks for your interest. Many people see education as a metaphor. For some it’s an obstacle course to be overcome toward a hard won finish line. Others see it as an investment where the more they deposit the more well earned dividends they receive. But in the tradition of St. Augustine – a tradition that is more than 1,600 years old – Austin Prep is on a Journey. Widely known for his “restless heart,” Augustine of Hippo embarked on a journey for the Truth. At the core of Austin Prep is an institution on the same journey, committed to exemplary teaching and learning. Keeping with the Augustinian tradition of veritas, unitas, and caritas – truth, unity, and love – I invite you to join our community – and our Journey. And to make it yours.
James Hickey, Ph.D. P’22, ’23, ’24 Headmaster
“Do you wish to be great? Then begin by being. Do you desire to build a vast and lofty fabric? Think first about the foundations of humility. The higher your structure is to be, the deeper must be its foundation.”
Your Journey – Saint Augustine of Hippo
Austin Prep welcomes students of all religious backgrounds. Our families share a common belief in the importance of establishing a strong moral foundation and the understanding to make sound, ethical judgments throughout one’s life. The teachings of Augustine impart a dimension of meaning to an Austin Prep education that goes beyond what one would find at a typical Catholic school. Here, Augustinian philosophy is woven into everything we do. A student’s Austin Journey encompasses academic, spiritual, co-curricular, and community-based endeavors. The word “Journey” also refers to the lifelong value of an Austin Prep education. At Austin Prep, you can be confident you are investing in your child’s life long journey, not just a few years.
“At Austin Prep we pride ourselves on educating the whole student. Our liberal arts focus offers students the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects, providing them with the academic foundation for a lifetime of learning.” – Michelle Connor, Dean of Academic Affairs
Academics
Austin Prep provides a vigorous, seven-year liberal arts program designed to prepare students for success in college and life. At Austin Prep, academics are augmented by experiential learning opportunities to help students master knowledge they have acquired in class. Experiential learning teaches practical problem-solving skills, while improving tolerance for frustration and developing the willingness to take risks in pursuit of in pursuit of truth. Social and emotional intelligence are also essential components of success. Austin Prep develops them in a variety of ways, including outdoor adventure education. Austin Prep also teaches essential skills such as how to learn, how to think, and how to manage one’s time effectively. The objective of Austin Prep’s academic program is to maximize every student’s potential as a scholar, citizen, and servant-leader.
FPO
“I can always tell the kids who have been at the Middle School. They are capable and confident in unexpected ways. They’re ready for anything.” – Nicole Putney, English Teacher & Writing Lab Coordinator
Middle School It’s a school within a school, optimized for sixth, seventh and eighth-graders and staffed by professionals who are passionate about engaging, motivating, and teaching kids that age. It’s a community that interacts in innumerable ways to benefit every student. It’s a lot of fun. Maybe the most fun you can have and still call it school. Austin’s approach to academics is multidisciplinary. For example, students from several classes create an Egyptian Museum. The kids work collaboratively, but, as individuals, become experts in different aspects of Egypt’s history and culture. The exhibits they created are amazing. Austin Middle School combines academics with co-curricular activities, sports, arts, and public service. The emphasis here is on giving kids experience, not insulating them from it. Choice and Voice. Students make some decisions for themselves. They learn to take intelligent risks. Challenge, guidance, growth, and momentum. Middle School the way it ought to be.
Co-curriculars Co-curricular activities at Austin Prep range from just-for-fun to Christian service, cultural exchanges, and leadership development. In fact, Austin Prep offers more than 70 different clubs. For example, the Harry Potter Club, Math Team, French Club, Astronomy Club and Biology Society bring students together to meet new friends and explore common passions. The Friends of Rachel, available to Middle and Upper School students, is a national organization dedicated to reducing violence. It provides interested students with an opportunity to learn about organizing for social action and making a positive difference. Travel with a purpose has always been popular among Austin Prep students. For instance, Middle-Schoolers regularly travel to the Charterhouse School outside London where they meet and collaborate with students from around the world, expand their cultural horizons and become global citizens. Kids interested in becoming more effective leaders should look into the Unitas Leadership Academy, established last year by our Headmaster James Hickey. The ULA assists students in their study, application, and growth of the complexities of leadership. The program utilizes the framework of outdoor adventure to challenge thinking patterns, problem solve, analyze case studies based on actual events, advance teamwork principles, hone communication skills, and foster a “think tank” of student input for Austin Prep. In short, no one at Austin Prep can ever say: There’s nothing to do!
“The goal of the Art & Design Department is to instruct and inspire our students to reach new levels of innovation. We teach them to think creatively, and to appreciate practice, production, and performance.”
– Marla Pascucci-Byrne, Art & Design Department Head
Art & Design The Arts at Austin Prep are very much hands-on. For example, how would you like to… Shoot a film? Write a play? Learn the guitar? Join the band? Become a fearless public speaker? Learn computer programming? Write a screenplay? Learn to paint? Take your singing to a whole new level? Act in a theater production? Learn to play a keyboard? Join a chorus? Study computer science? Become an illustrator? Learn dance and choreography? Join the Tech Team? Learn musical theory? Work on the yearbook? You don’t need prior experience for most Art and Design electives and activities, just a genuine interest and a willingness to do your best. The Austin Prep community is supportive, the perfect place to step outside (maybe way outside) your comfort zone and try something new.
“Advisory is my favorite part of my job. It’s a privilege to be able to walk with students as a companion and a guide for four years. Building these relationships helps us educate the whole person.” – Kayla Greenwood, Upper School Theology Teacher
Advising The Austin Prep environment is challenging, as it should be. But every Austin Prep student is supported by a network of teachers, coaches, advisors, wellness staff and peers. Taking the lead are the advisors who meet several times a week with students, beginning in the sixth grade. Academic issues, social or personal problems, spiritual questions, motivation, sexuality — no problem is out-of-bounds. No request for help goes unanswered. Of course, most counseling is proactive. We know every student well and are always ready to provide whatever kind of help is needed, from how to study more effectively and manage your time, to how to get the most out of every part of your Austin Journey. College counseling conversations begin in ninth grade and intensify in the eleventh and twelfth grades. You’ll find that Austin Prep offers more comprehensive advisory services than most other independent Catholic schools. In one form or another, it always has.
Fall Sports
Winter Sports
Spring Sports
Boys Soccer: Grades 6 - 12, Middle School, Junior Varsity, and Varsity
Boys Hockey: Grades 7 - 12,, Freshmen, Junior Varsity, and Varsity
Boys Lacrosse: Grades 6 - 12, Middle School, Junior Varsity, and Varsity
Girls Soccer: Grades 6 - 12, Middle School, Junior Varsity, and Varsity
Girls Hockey: Grades 7 - 12,, Junior Varsity and Varsity
Girls Lacrosse: 8 - 12 Grade, Junior Varsity and Varsity
Cross Country: Grades 6 - 12, Co-ed
Boys Basketball: Grades 6 - 12, Middle School, Freshmen, JV and Varsity
Boys Baseball: Grades 7 - 12, Freshmen, Junior Varsity and Varsity
Boys Football: Grades 7 - 12, Freshmen, Junior Varsity, and Varsity
Girls Basketball: Grades 6 - 12, Middle School, Freshmen, JV and Varsity
Girls Softball: Grades 6 - 12, Middle School, Junior Varsity and Varsity
Girls Volleyball: Grades 8 - 12, Junior Varsity2, Junior Varsity, and Varsity
Swimming: Grades 6 - 12, Co-ed
Outdoor Track & Field: Grades 6 - 12, Co-ed
Cheerleading: Grades 8 - 12, Competitive Team
Indoor Track & Field: Grades 6 - 12, Co-ed
Tennis: Grades 6 - 12, Girls Tennis and Boys Tennis
Golf: Grades 8 - 12, Co-ed
Cheerleading: Grades 8 - 12,, Competitive
Flag Football: Grades 6 - 8, Middle School
Field Hockey: Grades 6 - 12, Junior Varsity and Varsity
Dance Team: Grades 8 - 12, Competitive
Baseball: Grades 6 - 8, Middle School
Archery: Grades 6 - 8, Co-ed Middle School
Ski Team: Grades 8 - 12, Co-ed
Don’t hesitate to ask our Admissions Office to connect you with specific coaches!
“I was able to play three sports at Austin and my coaches instilled a strong work ethic and time management skills that allowed me to enjoy a balanced life at school. Winning the state championship senior year with my teammates was a highlight we’ll never forget.” - Logan Bravo ’18, Harvard Varsity Baseball ’22
Athletics
“At Austin Prep, we are very proud of our Athletic programs and have a long tradition of success. Every coach is committed to the development of our student-athletes, ensuring they succeed not only as athletes, but as young adults. We understand that sports provide a forum in which students learn team work, commitment, integrity and responsibility. Our Athletic programs develop student-athletes who are selfless teammates, possess an unparalleled work ethic, consistently display the highest levels of sportsmanship, and are dedicated to a common goal. Austin Prep athletes understand that though they are associated with a specific sport, they are part of something much larger and more important – the Austin Prep Community. As an Austin Prep Cougar, our athletes understand the responsibility of representing our school and our beliefs both on and off the fields, and on and off campus. As an alumnus, I am proud of our athletic history and excited for the role I play in the future of Austin Prep Athletics.” says Patrick Driscoll ‘97, Director of Athletics Unlike many schools, Austin Prep teams are about mind, body and spirit with a focus on learning values and habits that will inform your life for years to come. And happily, when done well, the byproduct of that approach often leads to championships. And a lot of fun.
“The faculty and staff of Austin Prep create an environment where children can thrive academically, learn the values of truth, unity and charity, and develop the skills they need to be successful students and responsible citizens.” – Bob Trant, P’19, ’21, ’23
AUSTIN PREPARATORY SCHOOL 101 Willow Street Reading, MA 01867-1599
Contact Us Phone: 781.944.4900 Email: admissions@austinprep.org
History of Austin Prep: 1961
Founding by Augustinian Fathers of the Province of Thomas of Villanova
2017
2011 1987
50th Anniversary
Middle School opens
1992 1966
First graduation class
Austin Prep admits women
2015
Athletic Stadium Complex Opens
2013
James Hickey, Ph.D. is appointed Headmaster and the 10:1 Student Advisory Program is initiated
2016
The Unitas Leadership Academy is Established
Richard J. Meelia ’67 Hall is blessed by Cardinal O’Malley
2020
Baseball & Softball Stadiums and Tennis Complex
2018
New Dining Hall and David E. Nelson ’81 Fitness Center are Dedicated
Austin Preparatory School is an independent, Catholic school in the Augustinian tradition serving young men and women in grades 6-12