Frequently Asked Questions
What is AGS?
AGS stands for Academy for Global Studies and is a “small learning community” on the Austin High School campus. AGS engages students in an educational experience that fosters international understanding and welcomes diversity of thought, while preparing students for a globally interconnected world. AGS values all students’ unique talents and encourages and challenges students to become intellectually curious, world language proficient, internationally aware and globally responsive.
AGS stands for Academy for Global Studies and is a “small learning community” on the Austin High School campus. AGS engages students in an educational experience that fosters international understanding and welcomes diversity of thought, while preparing students for a globally interconnected world. AGS values all students’ unique talents and encourages and challenges students to become intellectually curious, world language proficient, internationally aware and globally responsive.
Why join AGS?
You will love the small community feeling at AGS. It is a small program within a larger school. You will see your friends in classes throughout the day and meet many new friends when you go to your elective classes and participate in after-school activities. You will know your teachers well and your teachers will know you. You get to study your subjects with the world in mind, and you get to find connections between your classes. You also have the opportunity to learn from exciting guest speakers, field trips and travel experiences.
Are the classes difficult?
Classes in high school are challenging. However, there is lots of support at AGS and at AHS. Also, your teachers are very accessible and interested if you have questions or need help. Most students find they are able to manage classes and participate in sports, fine arts, band, clubs, and many other activities. Academic and Advanced courses are offered in each academy. Traditional dividing lines among core classes are broken down as students explore how all the courses are interrelated. The result is a broader understanding of the world.
How do I select classes?
AGS will help you select your curriculum each year. Your core classes are mostly pre-determined and then your electives and extra-curricular are your choice. But there is always someone to help answer questions and assist you if you do not know which classes to take or how the class load is laid out.
What are the teachers like in AGS?
Teachers at AGS and AHS are great. Each AGS teacher has a special interest, however, in the educational philosophy of AGS which is influenced by the Asia Society’s ISSN program. Please see the section on the International Studies Schools Network at www.asiasociety.org for more information. Our AGS teachers have fascinating backgrounds and stories and many have been AHS teachers too! We have a wonderful diversity of teachers in our program.
Is AGS a magnet school?
No. AGS is not a magnet school. When approved by the Office of Student Services, AHS will be granting curriculum transfers for students outside of the Austin High attendance zone if they are accepted into the academy model program. Once our curriculum transfer process is complete, all Austin High students (and those offered a curriculum transfer) are given a random lottery number, then placed into an academy following a preference survey collected in January.
What languages do students take in AGS?
AGS requires each student to pick one language when he/she enters the program freshman year. Current spoken world languages at Austin High include Spanish and French. Through the Shared School model, students may also select German or Chinese. Once you have chosen your language, you will take that same language all four years and hopefully be very proficient by graduation.
What can a student expect to learn as an AGS student? Students will learn to be:
You will love the small community feeling at AGS. It is a small program within a larger school. You will see your friends in classes throughout the day and meet many new friends when you go to your elective classes and participate in after-school activities. You will know your teachers well and your teachers will know you. You get to study your subjects with the world in mind, and you get to find connections between your classes. You also have the opportunity to learn from exciting guest speakers, field trips and travel experiences.
Are the classes difficult?
Classes in high school are challenging. However, there is lots of support at AGS and at AHS. Also, your teachers are very accessible and interested if you have questions or need help. Most students find they are able to manage classes and participate in sports, fine arts, band, clubs, and many other activities. Academic and Advanced courses are offered in each academy. Traditional dividing lines among core classes are broken down as students explore how all the courses are interrelated. The result is a broader understanding of the world.
How do I select classes?
AGS will help you select your curriculum each year. Your core classes are mostly pre-determined and then your electives and extra-curricular are your choice. But there is always someone to help answer questions and assist you if you do not know which classes to take or how the class load is laid out.
What are the teachers like in AGS?
Teachers at AGS and AHS are great. Each AGS teacher has a special interest, however, in the educational philosophy of AGS which is influenced by the Asia Society’s ISSN program. Please see the section on the International Studies Schools Network at www.asiasociety.org for more information. Our AGS teachers have fascinating backgrounds and stories and many have been AHS teachers too! We have a wonderful diversity of teachers in our program.
Is AGS a magnet school?
No. AGS is not a magnet school. When approved by the Office of Student Services, AHS will be granting curriculum transfers for students outside of the Austin High attendance zone if they are accepted into the academy model program. Once our curriculum transfer process is complete, all Austin High students (and those offered a curriculum transfer) are given a random lottery number, then placed into an academy following a preference survey collected in January.
What languages do students take in AGS?
AGS requires each student to pick one language when he/she enters the program freshman year. Current spoken world languages at Austin High include Spanish and French. Through the Shared School model, students may also select German or Chinese. Once you have chosen your language, you will take that same language all four years and hopefully be very proficient by graduation.
What can a student expect to learn as an AGS student? Students will learn to be:
- Culturally aware of their city and their world
- Collaborative team members
- Effective users of technology
- Aware of world events and global dynamics
- Proficient thinkers and problem solvers
- Responsible and ethical citizens
- Academically prepared for post secondary education
