About Us

Kari LoyaWelcome from the Interim Head of School

Shalom,

Welcome to Austin Jewish Academy! I am honored to be part of this K-8 pluralistic Jewish Day School, the only one in the fast-growing Austin area. Many have described AJA as “the best kept secret in Austin.” After spending two months here, I can see why. From Shanghai to Tel Aviv, Silicon Valley to New York, and London to Austin, families so often seek the core pillars of an Austin Jewish Academy education: Academic excellence through Project-Based Learning, timeless Jewish values, and a strong community.

Guided by exceptional faculty, students at AJA develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration skills, executive functioning, and agency over their learning through real-world projects ranging from entrepreneurial Market Days to Space Musicals! A robust Judaic and Hebrew Studies program helps students develop a strong moral compass for a meaningful life and for navigating through uncertainty. And through קהילה קדושה (kehillah kedosha) — our sacred community — students develop a deep connection and sense of belonging. Our wonderful location on the 40-acre Dell Jewish Community Center’s campus places our students in the heart of Jewish life in Austin.

I hope you can visit AJA and experience the magic for yourself!

Kind regards,

Kari Loya
Interim Head of School

History

Since opening its doors in 1997, Austin Jewish Academy (AJA) has been committed to preparing young minds both for their academic careers and for their roles as critically-thinking leaders. Austin Jewish Academy is a community Jewish day school open to all students and is affiliated with Prizmah, a non-profit organization that promotes pluralistic non-denominational Jewish education. AJA receives accreditation through Cognia and has a strong, long-standing partnership with Shalom Austin.

Mission Statement

To create a better world by raising students to their full academic, social, physical and spiritual potential, guided by timeless Jewish values and traditions.

Vision Statement

Inspire a community of students to transform the world.