Accreditation & Highlights

Accreditation

Austin Jewish Academy first became accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges (SACS) as a not-for-profit K thru 8th grade school in 1999. In May 2006 AJA was re-accredited through SACS and remains a member in good standing.

SACS/CASI accreditation is recognized throughout the nation as a mark of quality education. Their mission is to assist schools in the maintenance of high quality academic programs.

SACS Schools Must:

• Demonstrate commitment to meeting a set of research-based standards
• Engage in continuous school improvement
• Provide quality assurance through self-evaluation and peer review

The SACS/CASI Accreditation Report noted that:
“Austin Jewish Academy has a significant number of strengths and accomplishments which characterize the high quality of the school and its capacity to successfully support student learning.”
Commendations included:

• The leadership of the Board and Principal in the development of a shared vision.
• The AJA Ethical Covenant defining the standard for how students, teachers, and parents in the community interact.
• The infusion of Jewish values throughout the school that reflects the mission of the school to provide a Jewish-centered foundation for students.
• The commitment of the Board, administrative team and faculty that has resulted in the development and implementation of a long-range strategic plan, positive relationships, and support from the school’s stakeholders.
• The engagement of the school in a continuous school improvement process.
• The support of school improvement initiatives from the Board, Principal and teachers.
• The integration of Judaic studies seamlessly woven into all areas of school life in support of the mission and beliefs of the school.
• The integration of the Hebrew language in all grades that can result in a student attaining as many as four high school credits in Hebrew at the end of eighth grade.
• The understanding that AJA’s greatest strength is its teachers. The school is committed to nurturing, supporting and retaining its excellent faculty and staff.
• The participation, support, and dedication of parents in all areas of the school.
• The formation of a true learning community where colleagues come together regularly to learn, make decisions, and solve problems in a meaningful and professional manner.
• The implementation of an appropriate system of employee evaluation that is reflective, informative, confidential, and results in professional growth opportunities.
• The outstanding utilization of continuous and high-quality communication with all stakeholders.
• The incorporation of higher level thinking skills, high expectations, a college preparatory curriculum, and project based learning at all grade levels.
• The development of student portfolios as an on-going assessment tool.
• The development of a pilot program for technology that has impacted learning.
• The implementation of AJA’s multitude of programs and activities that are an integral part of the educational program and are exceptional in the efforts to meet the needs and interests of the students.
• The determination of faculty and staff to provide authentic opportunities for leadership to all students in all grade levels.

Austin Jewish Academy is also proud to be a member of both RAVSAK: The Jewish Community Day School Network as well as the Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education (PEJE).

Campus Highlights

Located on the beautiful 40-acre Dell Jewish Community Campus, our facilities include:

• JCAA fitness center and gymnasium
• Large multi-purpose room and community hall
• Classroom kitchen
• Library
• Computer lab
• Science lab
• Two soccer fields
• Track
• Swimming pool