History & Philosophy
History
Over a decade ago, school founder, Dana Baruch and a determined group of pioneering families rallied many in the Jewish community to help them realize their dream of creating a new manner of school for Austin, Texas. What they imagined, as Baruch writes, was "a school steeped in progressive, student-centered, integrated, educationally sound philosophy and practice, that nurtures students' intellects as well as their hearts and spirits; a place where students could encounter their education, general and Jewish studies, as Jews all day. A school where Jewish values would guide the way, whether in the classroom, the office or the boardroom; a school that valued each individual student as well as the community of learners; an environment that sought out and supported inspirational educators who would guide students as they became open and expansive thinkers, powerful learners, proud and knowledgeable Jews."
Imbued and inspired by this vision, Austin Jewish Academy, then known as the Austin Jewish Community Day School, opened its doors in 1997. Since then, the children of these founding families, and scores of others in the community, have benefited from what this small band began and from what so many others have committed to seeing grow, thrive and flourish.
In 2006 the school graduated its first class that began AJA in kindergarten. As they were heading to top-notch high schools throughout the city, the first class of AJA grads, the Class of 2002, was completing its freshman year in prestigious universities across the country and across the continents. AJA grads have been admitted to colleges such as Yale, Emory, and of course The University of Texas. Considering that AJA has only been delivering a K thru 8 curriculum since 2001, the list of accomplishments and accolades the school's former students have garnered is indeed impressive.
Today, Austin Jewish Academy is a lively, bustling school chocked-full of caring mitzvah makers, diligent academic competitors, and future community builders.
 
Philosophy
Austin Jewish Academy (AJA) is a K-8th grade school committed to academic distinction through a program of general and Jewish scholarship. Within a progressive and nurturing environment, AJA prepares students to meet the responsibilities and challenges of our complex world by recognizing the strengths and needs of each learner and by teaching the enduring ethics and values of our Jewish heritage. At AJA, academic excellence is built upon high expectations based on individual student profiles, a meaningfully integrated curriculum, a culture of collaboration, and a commitment to community outreach. Guiding the actions of our faculty, staff, students and parents is an Ethical Covenant promoting integrity, caring, responsibility and respect. Together, these factors ensure Austin Jewish Academy graduates are today’s accomplished, innovative thinkers and tomorrow’s compassionate problem-solvers and leaders.