Upper School
ATA College Prep high school courses are designed to prepare students for advanced thought, independent study, and preparation for leadership. This demands clarity of mind, strength of body, and creativity of spirit. All core courses are honors level. Elective courses, travel, and internships are offered on a rotational basis. Dual credit courses are available through the Early College Start program at Austin Community College.
Graduation Requirements
Humanities / English Literature (4 credits)
Integrated throughout four years of Humanities : English Literature, Literature Analysis, Creative Writing, Multi-Media Journalism, Critical Thinking, Philosophy, Ethics, World Culture & Religions, Methods of Inquiry
Humanities / Social Sciences (4 credits)
Integrated throughout four years of Humanities : World History I World History II, Big History, US History, US Government, International Relations, International Political Economics, World War II, Speech & Debate, Finance, Psychology, Sociology, Special Topics
Mathematics (4 credits)
Algebra, Geometry, Advanced Math, Calculus, Statistics, Economics
Natural Sciences (4 credits)
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy & Physiology, Environmental Science
Foreign Languages (2-4 credits)
Chinese, Spanish
(Dual credit courses in other languages are available through ACC)
Electives (2-4 credits)
Architecture, Coding, Ceramics, College & Career Planning, Drawing, Elements of Design, Graphic Design, Music Theory, Music Application, Painting, Photography, Theatre Arts
Foreign Languages (2-4 credits)
Chinese, Spanish
ATA Player Development (4 credits)
Lower School
Beginning in the lower school (ages 10-14), students move through a gradual process of becoming independent learners. Study skills, note-taking, time management are expressly monitored and strengthened as each year progresses. ATA College Prep middle school courses are designed to stimulate a love of learning and provide a foundation for higher order thinking and communication skills. Students are exposed to rich and thoughtful subject content. Art, music, public speaking, and hands-on projects are creatively integrated within core subject areas. Humanities English Literature and History studies combine reading and writing assignments with interactive discussions to inspire understanding. Math courses focus on history of great mathematicians, number theory, logic and computation to stimulate creative problem solving and prepare for higher math concepts. The focus is on mastery. Natural Sciences survey life, earth, astronomy, chemistry, and physical explorations in a hands-on learning environment to cultivate understanding and appreciation of the world around us.
Course of Study
English Literature and Grammar: Fiction and Non-Fiction, Mythology, Shakespeare, Classics, Short Stories, Poetry, Oral Presentations, Written Communication, Research, Sentence Diagramming, Word Origins
Mathematics: Great Mathematicians, Number Theory, Arithmetic, Algebra, Logic, Geometry
Natural Sciences: Thinking Like A Scientist, History of Science, Great Thinkers & Explorers, Life, Earth, Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry
Social Sciences: Ancient Civilizations, World Geography and Cultures, World History, US History & Civics, Introduction to World Languages and Cultures, Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking