Advanced Academics in Austin ISD propels students toward college, career, and life readiness. Multiple teams make up the Advanced Academics Department (in alphabetical order): Advanced Courses (formerly Pre-AP), Advanced Placement (AP), AVID, GEAR UP, Gifted and Talented, and International Baccalaureate. 

Advanced Courses (formerly Pre-AP) 

Advanced courses support the diverse College and Career Readiness pathways that our district offers. Advanced Courses are based on the TEKS-aligned grade-level curriculum in which teachers modify teaching and learning using strategies that provide opportunities for students to apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate the content with more depth and complexity.

Advanced Placement (AP) 

The Advanced Placement program is a sequence of college-level courses taught in high schools by high school teachers with specialized training. Some middle schools may also offer AP Spanish Language & Culture. Course offerings vary from campus to campus based on course requests.

• AP courses offered at all Austin ISD high schools
• College Board monitored and authorized curriculum and resources
• Potential college credit based on student's performance on AP exam results

AVID

AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, and our mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. Austin ISD implements AVID at select elementary and secondary campuses. 

GEAR UP

GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. It is a seven year federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education promoting college readiness and success through multiple strategies and activities. 

Gifted/Talented & Talent Explore

Austin ISD offers Gifted and Talented program services on all campuses. GT Advocates on each campus supports teachers, students, and families with resources and information. All campuses in Austin ISD offer Gifted and Talented identification and placement. Parents and caregivers can submit their child’s name to the Campus GT Advocate to be evaluated for Gifted and Talented services. 

International Baccalaureate 

The Diploma Program curriculum is comprised of six subject groups and a core curriculum. The core curriculum consists of theory of knowledge, creativity, activity, service, and an extended essay. Students complete independent research and a project that often involves community service.