The Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA) is a magnet high school in Austin, Texas that is known for both academic rigor and diversity of programming. As the only magnet program of Austin Independent School District (AISD), the LASA program provides opportunities for students to embark on advanced studies for both the liberal arts and the sciences. In this article, we examine how LASA became a distinctive public high school in Texas, spanning all aspects of admission requirements, academic performance metrics, and extracurricular activities.
What is the Overview of LASA in Austin ISD?
What Makes LASA a Unique Magnet High School?
LASA is not just another high school. It is a unique kind of high school, and it is a magnet school both in the sense that it attracts the highest-order, academically capable learners; who wanted to be challenged in both humanities and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math!). These attributes sometimes blend, which is just part of the exciting people and programs that contribute to LASA’s honors level academic experience. By offering an integrated rigorous academic experience, including advanced placement (AP) courses and signature programs, LASA has become one of the nation’s premier high schools and is among the most successful high schools in Texas. The entire atmosphere at LASA has a spirit of creativity and innovation that is focused on nurturing inquiry, ambiguity and critique relative to rigorous academic content.
How Does LASA Compare to Other High Schools in Texas?
LASA is among the best high schools in Texas, and its reputation is based on not only impressive academic statistics but also the academic success of its students. LASA students consistently outscore all of the other high school students in Austin and in the state of Texas when comparing standardized assessments, equivalent tests, etc. Furthermore, the school has realized its commitment to academic prowess on graduation day as a good chunk of LASA students move forward to a prestigious university somewhere in the U.S. This is a unique quality that makes LASA commendable to me and other families searching for a high quality education.
What Curriculum is Available at LASA?
The curriculum at LASA is made up of a rigorous menu of courses, with the intent of providing a full education to students. The programs at LASA allow for students a great variety of educational experiences that include advanced placement courses, in disciplines of math, science, and the arts, and courses designed to enhance student learning, that are unique to LASA. These programs are for a few students who we anticipate will pursue their academic studies with rigor, while still pursuing their interests and talents. The LASA approach to education offers students access to both STEM and liberal arts studies that will afford students a complete education from which to develop skills and opportunities in future fields.
What are the Admission Requirements for LASA?
What Tests are Needed for Admission to LASA?
LASA has a selective admissions policy that requires students to demonstrate their academic ability, and whenever possible, we will consider a variety of factors as part of the Single Admissions Criteria. The good news for students applying to LASA is that standardized testing is required, so all students will have an opportunity to demonstrate their academic readiness through assessments that will assess multiple modalities of academic readiness to apply to a very challenging curriculum. Students that are considering applying to LASA will want to adequately prepare with the understanding that the result of the exam may be a key part of the decision making process for some.
How To Prepare for the LASA Admission Process?
Preparing for the LASA admissions process entails more than preparing for required examinations, but also participating in ways that actively show a student’s strengths and interests. Students who want to be admitted to LASA should also try to take part in extracurricular activities, take on leadership roles, and/or complete projects which engage the community. This approach not only adds to prospective student’s applications, but also fits with LASA’s value of diversity and community engaged learning.
What is the timeline for applying to LASA?
The LASA application timeline is set up so students can have ample time to prepare and submit their materials. The application process most often begins in the fall, and the submission deadline typically occurs in early winter. It is important that students and their families know the timeline and key dates because it is important to submit materials ahead of time. We encourage families to also attend information sessions or open houses, as it is a great way to learn about the school and the application process.
What are the Academic Accomplishments and Test Results of LASA Students?
How do the LASA Test Results Compare to other Schools?
Students at personal computer-assisted instruction school, LASA enjoy some of the highest test results in the state. Because LASA students perform better than those in other high schools across Texas, this establishes academic ability with a long history of excellence. The school’s commitment to excellence is clear through the results of student in local, state, and national assessments. These are results that show potential effectiveness, from an educational standpoint, using, as a case study the education students receive at LASA as an institution committed to developing academically gifted students and preparing them for the rigors of further education.
Which Signature Programs Deepen Learning at LASA?
Signature programs are an important part of the learning experiences of LASA students. Signature programs encompass a broad scope and breadth of content and include the Science Olympiad, robotics, and fine-arts programs. Signature programs allow learners to immerse themselves in their interests, participate in experiential learning, and work in collaboration with classmates. This is all significant advancements to the overall educational experience that the school has chosen to offer its students.
How many LASA graduates go on to continue their education after high school?
There are a significant number of LASA graduates who continue their education beyond high school. Many will continue to study at some of the finest colleges or universities in the state of Texas or throughout the United States. When LASA graduates are asked about their post-secondary success, in very rigorous and demanding college and university programs, they almost unanimously attribute their success to what they received at LASA. LASA graduates are equally emphatic, in that the courses and preparation through the academic foundation that they received in high school led to their success in highly competitive post-secondary educational programs and courses.
What Extracurricular Programs do We Have at LASA?
How Are Students Encouraged to Participate in UIL 5A Sports at LASA?
Extracurricular activities are an important component of the LASA student experience. LASA is large enough to provide many opportunities for students, and as a diverse school, we offer many opportunities for students to select from, including the UIL 5A sports. Athletics are fully embraced by LASA, and because of this we consistently see students able to put in the time and effort because of the focus placed on academics. It is our commitment with the student-athlete to support the development of balanced athletes. We think the academic and athletic opportunities will serve to reinforce students as they develop into well-rounded people who can succeed in the classroom and on the playing field.
What Varsity Sports are Offered at LASA?
LASA has a variety of different varsity sports for a variety of interests (basketball, soccer, track and field, etc.) that fosters and provides access to teamwork and leadership while also growing a sense of community among students. All athletic programs at LASA are designed to allow for movement, or physical activity, while instilling values, like consistency and discipline, in your pursuit of success. They are a valuable way to enhance the student experience.
How Significant are Extracurricular Activities in the LASA Student Experience?
Extracurricular activities are a significant part of the LASA Student Experience and offer opportunities for students to grow as individuals, socialize with friends, and learn how to become leaders. Extracurricular activities are an opportunity for students to engage with their outside interests and create a more meaningful education-from an overall learning perspective. Extracurricular activities, in addition to their academic profiles and college readiness, help students build a rich school culture, flourish academically and socially, create lifelong friendships, and develop skills and experiences that could help them positively in the future.
What is LASA’s Diversity and Student Body Composition?
How is Diversity Promoted with its Students?
Diversity is an essential value of the LASA community. The school promotes diversity and understanding of diverse backgrounds and perspectives at every level of the educational experience. It promotes diversity as part of an educational experience which respects, values and includes diversity, and an educational climate of respect and understanding. it invites and encourages students – particularly from diverse cultures and backgrounds to apply to LASA and attend, in order that the student body reflects the diversity of the Austin community!
What is the size of the graduating class at LASA?
The size of the graduating class at LASA will change by year, but it will always be a cohort comprised of a group of students orientated towards success. The small cohort size of your graduating class will ensure that you have met and relied on your peers for support and assistance. The small class size allows students to establish robust peer networks and have their teachers’ support. Upon graduation, graduates will leave with an excellent shared accomplishment, along with a network of peers who have gone through a similar educational experience.
How Does Diversity in the Student Body Impact the Learning Experience?
The diversity found within the LASA student population tremendously adds value to the learning experience because it fosters collaboration and the sharing of innovative ideas amongst students. Having multiple voices in the classroom highlights a diversity of viewpoints, which fosters critical thinking and discourse, and enables cross-pollination of ideas. Students are exposed to their peers’ experiences and viewpoints which helps to facilitate their transition into the modern global society that our world has become. The benefit of this type of environment is that students are able to be engaged in rich, academic discussions about ideas while being engaged in opportunities for empathy and cultural competence.
FAQs
Q: What is the Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA)?
A: The Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA) is a high school in the Austin Independent School District (AISD). It offers an extended curriculum in liberal arts and sciences for academically advanced students from public and private middle schools.
Q: How does LASA compare to the best high schools in Texas?
A: LASA is ranked as one of the best high schools in Texas and is recognized nationally for its academic excellence, innovative curriculum, and student achievement.
Q: What is the enrollment process at LASA?
A: LASA enrollment is selective. Students must submit letters of recommendation from their teachers, an academic record, and go through an admission process that includes an application and an interview.
Q: What courses are available at LASA?
A: LASA has a rigorous curriculum, which includes 30 advanced placement (AP) in various subjects such as social studies, mathematics, and sciences. Students can earn college credit while in high school.
Q: What options do seniors have at LASA?
A: Seniors at LASA have the option to take advanced placement classes, join a variety of clubs, and study programs about college readiness so they can be prepared to transition to post-secondary education.
Q: Does LASA have sports teams?
A: Yes, LASA has a sport league through the Interscholastic League of the public schools, and that enables students to play sports such as tennis while fulfilling their school commitments.
Q: How does LASA support inclusion and diversity among its students?
A: LASA practices inclusion by welcoming students from many different backgrounds, as well working collaboratively so all students are able to realize their highest potential academically and socially.
Q: What do trustees do with the responsibility of governing LASA?
A: Trustees that serve on the AISD are tasked with overseeing the education systems (such as LASA) serving academically advanced students and providing high-quality instruction to students.
Q: What has LASA received since it was officially founded in 1985?
A: Since officially founding in 1985, LASA has received recognition from multiple sources and has rated it very highly as an excellence of education and its ability to prepare students for higher education.