“Education is one of the greatest social justice issues of our time.”
– Matt Abbott, Wayside Schools Superintendent
Wayside Schools is Unlocking Excellence in ALL Scholars
Wayside Schools serves every scholar – no exceptions. Our educational program nurtures every child and provides the support they need to unlock their full potential and graduate as college-ready scholars.
All Scholars.
At Wayside Schools, all educators, administrators, parents, and students are scholars. We value a growth mindset, lifelong learning, and are all engaged in the education of all scholars. All Wayside educators serve as models for lifelong learning and growth mindset.
At Wayside Schools, scholars are encouraged to reach for greatness each day and teachers are charged to prepare them to be college ready, community engaged, global citizens. The district has grown, but more importantly students have flourished. They are well on their way to becoming chefs, doctors, computer engineers, police officers, and community leaders.
All United.
We are stronger together. We bring all scholars and community partners together to fulfill our mission and work collaboratively to transform obstacles into opportunities.
Wayside Schools is all united in our mission to provide a college-preparatory education to all scholars in Southeast Austin. With over 80 percent of our student population economically disadvantaged, our mission has never been more important than it is now. Our future leaders depend on it.
All IB.
Our network is firmly committed to providing ALL scholars with an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, a rigorous college-preparatory program serving our 11th and 12th grade scholars. After continuous preparation from Pre-K to 10th grade, scholars enter the IB Diploma Program in the 11th grade and can earn up to 24 college credit hours and an additional diploma endorsement that provides them with a significant competitive advantage when applying to top colleges and universities. Learn more about IB here.
Our Mission
Through rigorous academics and an inclusive and caring community, Wayside ensures ALL scholars are college-ready and prepared to be engaged and successful leaders.
Our Vision
All children, regardless of background, are prepared to succeed in college and reach their highest potential.
How Wayside Schools Got Its Start
You may be surprised to hear that Wayside Schools is real. It’s out of the ordinary, imaginative, and full of enthusiasm. But that’s where the similarities end between the free public charter school network and the children’s book series for which the network’s name was inspired. Teachers don’t turn students into apples at these Wayside Schools—they lay the foundation for students to become all-stars.
A Growing Network
The result was a new network name and two additional campuses with three new schools that serve over 2,100 scholars, grades Pre-K3 through 12. It added two schools – Wayside: REAL Learning Academy, an elementary school, and the STEM-focused Wayside: Sci-Tech Middle School and High School.
In 2015, Wayside Schools continued on its mission to serve Southeast Austin students by building its fourth school, an elementary school named Wayside: Altamira Academy. The elementary school serves scholars grades Pre-K3 through 5th in Southeast Austin.
Elementary Schools
Wayside: Altamira Academy →
Wayside: Eden Park Academy →
Wayside: REAL Learning Academy →
Middle School
Wayside: Sci-Tech Middle School →
High School
Wayside: Sci-Tech High School