AUSTIN PREP Upper School
GRADES 9–12
To inspire hearts to unite, minds to inquire, and hands to serve.
WELCOME TO AUSTIN PREP
Welcome to Austin Prep, an Augustinian Catholic secondary school. We are grateful for your interest and excited to share our story.
Many people see education as a metaphor: for some it is a challenging obstacle course waiting to be conquered; for others it is an investment that pays dividends over a lifetime. At Austin Prep, education is both — rigorous and rewarding, purposeful and transformational.
In the tradition of St. Augustine — a tradition more than 1,600 years old — Austin Prep is on a Journey. Widely known for his “restless heart,” Augustine of Hippo embarked on a journey for the Truth. At the core of our school is the same pursuit, animated by the Augustinian charisms of veritas, unitas, and caritas — truth, unity, and love.
Our students thrive in a vigorous college preparatory program that blends academic excellence, spiritual formation, artistic expression, and athletic achievement. Last year’s class received acceptances to top universities across the country. Beyond outcomes, our graduates leave with the confidence, compassion, and character to succeed not only in higher education, but in life.
Austin Prep is more than a school; it is a family. Here, students form lifelong friendships, discover their gifts, and grow into leaders who will make a difference in the world.
I invite you to explore our community, join our Journey, and make it yours.
James
Hickey, Ph.D. P’22, ’23, ’24, ’27 Head of School
YOUR JOURNEY
Do you wish to be great? Then begin by being. Do you desire to build a vast and lofty fabric? Think first about the foundations of humility. The higher your structure is to be, the deeper must be its foundation.
— Saint Augustine of Hippo
At Austin Prep, we walk in the footsteps of Saint Augustine, on the journey of the heart, one where mission is central to all we do. Augustine reminds us that education is more than knowledge — it is the shaping of the whole person through humility, reflection, and love.
The Augustinian philosophy infuses every part of the Austin Prep experience. Students are encouraged to live with veritas (truth), striving always to be honest with themselves and others. They are called to embrace unitas (unity), finding common ground across differences and forming bonds of friendship and community. And they are challenged to practice caritas (love), putting service to others at the heart of their journey.
This journey is not measured only by grades or accolades, but by the growth of character. It is present in the way students reflect in prayer, engage in dialogue, serve with compassion, and support one another as companions on the path.
When a student graduates from Austin Prep, their journey does not end — it deepens. The school’s unwritten curriculum of veritas, unitas, and caritas — truth, unity, and love — imprints lasting guidance beyond academics that guide students through life.
ACADEMICS
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At Austin Prep we pride ourselves on educating the whole student. Our liberal arts focus offers students the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects, providing them with the academic foundation for a lifetime of learning.
— Michelle Connor, P’25, ’28, Assistant Head of School, Head of Upper School
Through a rigorous, seven-year liberal arts education, Austin Prep prepares students for success in college and in life. The curriculum emphasizes inquiry across disciplines, encouraging students to see connections between ideas and apply their learning in meaningful ways.
Experiential learning is central to this approach. From science labs to outdoor adventure education, students take on projects that teach practical problem-solving skills, build resilience, and cultivate a willingness to take risks in pursuit of truth.
Social and emotional intelligence are also key components of an Austin Prep education. Students are guided to develop skills such as self-awareness, empathy, collaboration, and leadership. Just as important, they learn essential habits like how to think critically, how to learn independently, and how to manage their time effectively.
The objective of Austin Prep’s academic program is clear: to maximize each student’s potential as a scholar, a citizen, and a servant-leader.
STUDENT LIFE
No one can truly be known except through friendship. “ “
— Saint Augustine of Hippo
Student life at Austin Prep is vibrant and varied, offering more than 65 clubs and activities that nurture interests, passions, and friendships. Whether it’s Math Team, French Club, Astronomy Club, Christian service organizations, or even Harry Potter Club, there is something for everyone.
Global opportunities also expand horizons. When students travel with a purpose, students engage in cultural exchanges and service learning that help them grow as compassionate leaders and global citizens.
Leadership is woven throughout student life. The Unitas Leadership Academy, created by Head of School Dr. James Hickey, helps students build confidence and sharpen critical skills. Using a framework of outdoor education and cooperative adventure, students learn teamwork, problem-solving, case study analysis, and communication.
From cultural celebrations to service projects, from spirited athletics to meaningful conversations, Austin Prep’s community life ensures that no one can ever say, “there’s nothing to do.”
ART & DESIGN
The goal of the Art & Design Department is to instruct and inspire our students to reach new levels of innovation. We teach them to think creatively, and to appreciate practice, production, and performance.
— Marla Pascucci-Byrne, P’30, Art & Design Department Chair
The Arts at Austin Prep are not electives on the side — they are an essential part of the student journey. Whether on stage, in the studio, or behind the camera, students are encouraged to stretch their wings, explore new talents, and discover their creative voice.
Opportunities are as varied as our students’ imaginations. They can produce a film, write a play, or step onto the stage in a theater production. Musicians can learn the guitar, join the band, or take their singing to new levels in choir or musicals. Visual artists may pursue illustration, digital media, or computer science, while writers and photographers contribute to the yearbook. Students with a passion for movement can study dance and choreography, and those drawn to behind-the-scenes creativity can join the theater tech team or design stage sets.
At Austin Prep, the arts are a journey of expression, risk-taking, and confidence. Our community provides the encouragement and support for students to step beyond their comfort zones and share their gifts with others.
ATHLETICS
At Austin Prep, being an athlete means more than competing in a sport—it means belonging to our community rooted in Truth, Unity, and Love. Our student-athletes embrace teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship, and integrity, recognizing that the lessons learned on the field extend far beyond athletics. Through their commitment, they grow as leaders who carry these values into the classroom, their relationships, and every part of their lives.
— Patrick Driscoll ’97, Director of Athletics
Rooted in our mission, athletics at Austin Prep help student-athletes embrace unity, compete with integrity, and grow as leaders through compassion and respect. Coaches are dedicated to both team and individual goals, helping each athlete develop skills, confidence, and character that last well beyond their playing days.
With three athletic seasons and a wide range of varsity and sub-varsity opportunities, Austin Prep offers a place for every athlete—from those trying a sport for the first time to those pursuing the highest levels of competition. Here, every athlete is part of something greater: a community that builds bonds, pursues excellence, and prepares students for success on the field, in the classroom, and in life.
Fall Sports
• Cheerleading
• Cross Country
• Field Hockey
• Football
• Golf
• Soccer (Boys, Girls)
• Volleyball (Girls)
Winter Sports
• Basketball (Boys, Girls)
• Dance Team
• Ice Hockey (Boys, Girls)
• Indoor Track & Field
• Ski Team (Boys, Girls)
• Swimming
Spring Sports
• Baseball
• Lacrosse (Boys, Girls)
• Outdoor Track & Field
• Softball
• Tennis (Boys, Girls)
STUDENT SUCCESS
Success at Austin Prep is nurtured by daily guidance, care for well-being, specialized learning resources, and preparation for the future. This holistic approach ensures that every student is supported not only academically, but also socially, emotionally, and spiritually as they grow into confident young leaders.
Advisory is a student’s first point of contact for guidance and support. Advisors build trust, foster accountability, and help students reflect on growth, strengthen values, and set goals. Advisory provides the social and emotional foundation for success at Austin Prep and beyond. Advisory
The Health & Wellness Office is a safe space where every student can find additional support and resources when challenges arise during the school day. The office runs multiple programs, including opportunities for Upper School students to mentor students in our Middle School. Health & Wellness
Integrated Learning
Launching in 2025–2026, the Center for Integrated Learning supports students who learn differently by building on their strengths and addressing their needs. Programs such as dyslexia support, executive function coaching, small-group sessions, and reasonable accommodations ensure equitable access and help students grow with confidence.
College Counseling
College counseling begins early, with group programs for freshmen and sophomores. By junior and senior year, students receive individualized guidance on applications, essays, interviews, and extracurricular choices. Dedicated counselors and required courses ensure every graduate is ready for higher education.
At Austin Prep, student success means every student is supported, every challenge is met, and every future is prepared with care.
MODERN FACILITIES
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Having our students return from summer break to a refreshed campus with new additions and upgrades is of the utmost importance here at Austin Prep. We believe a consistent reinvestment in ourselves ensures constant growth and long-term success for our School.
—
James Hickey, Ph.D., Head of School
Every space at Austin Prep is a classroom. Our 55-acre campus blends tradition and innovation, giving students access to facilities that inspire learning, creativity, athletic achievement, and spiritual growth.
Highlights include:
• Faith & Community: The Chapel of St. Augustine stands at the heart of campus, providing a spiritual home where the community gathers to celebrate, reflect, and pray.
• Academics: Bright classrooms, advanced science labs equipped with an anatomage table, and collaborative learning environments encourage inquiry and innovation across all disciplines.
• Athletics: A turf stadium and track, baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, and a modern fitness center provide athletes at every level the tools they need to train, compete, and excel.
• The Arts: Performance spaces and studios allow students to bring their creativity to life on stage, in the podcast studio, or behind the camera.
• Student Life: A vibrant dining hall and gathering spaces give students places to connect, share meals, and build friendships beyond the classroom.
Our investment in state-of-the-art facilities reflects more than bricks and mortar — it reflects our commitment to ensuring that Austin Prep students have every opportunity to grow, discover, and thrive.
COLLEGE PREPARATION & OUTCOMES
At Austin Prep, the results of our mission are clear: our graduates are confident, compassionate, and ready to thrive at the nation’s leading colleges and universities.
Our most recent class earned more than $45 million in scholarship offers. In recent years, our graduates have been accepted to prestigious institutions, including Boston College, Boston University, Colby, Dartmouth, Harvard, Holy Cross, NYU, Northeastern, Notre Dame, UCLA, Villanova, as well as the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy. These outcomes are the result of a rigorous academic program, dedicated faculty, and personalized college advising that begins early and builds throughout the high school journey.
Austin Prep graduates are more than scholars — they are leaders, artists, and athletes who carry with them the habits of reflection, inquiry, and service. They step confidently into higher education and beyond, equipped with both the intellectual skills and moral compass to make a lasting impact.
Our alumni continue to excel in diverse fields such as medicine, law, business, engineering, and the arts. They remain connected to the Austin Prep family, returning for Career Day panels, mentoring programs, and community events that inspire the next generation of Cougars.
At Austin Prep, college preparation is not just about applications — it is about preparing students for lives of purpose.
FAITH & SERVICE
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What does love look like? It has the hands to help others, the feet to hasten to the poor and needy, the eyes to see misery and want, and the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of others.
— Saint Augustine of Hippo
Rooted in the Augustinian Catholic tradition, Austin Prep forms students not only in knowledge, but also spiritually and socially, preparing them to make a positive impact in the world. Faith is the foundation that guides us.
Faith life is part of the daily rhythm at Austin Prep. Mass is offered every day in the Chapel of St. Augustine, which stands at the heart of campus as our foundation. The chapel is a focal point for our community — a place where students, faculty, and staff come to reflect, pray, and worship. The year begins with Convocation and ends with prayer and celebration, reminders that in faith there is no end.
Service is also central to the Austin Prep Journey. Upper School students complete a minimum of 10 hours each year, engaging in projects that build empathy, awareness, and purpose. Each Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, students and staff assemble and donate food baskets for families at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, a parish with deep ties to the Augustinian Friars.
Through faith and service, students learn humility, responsibility, and leadership. At Austin Prep, these are not add-ons — they are the foundation of everything we do.
ADMISSIONS & NEXT STEPS
Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a family makes — and we are honored that you are considering Austin Prep. Our admissions process is designed to be personal and welcoming, giving you the chance to experience firsthand the spirit of veritas, unitas, and caritas that defines our community.
The Application Process
1. Inquiry — Submit the Inquiry Form to create your Admissions Portal account.
2. Apply Online — Applications are reviewed with priority given to those submitted by the early deadline of December 15th. After that, applications are considered on a rolling basis.
3. Visit — Schedule a Journey Day to shadow classes and experience life as an Austin Prep student. Journey Days and family tours are offered regularly throughout the week.
4. Entrance Exam — We accept SSAT, ISEE, or HSPT scores. For convenience, Austin Prep also hosts the HSPT on campus. When registering for exams, applicants should enter School Code 40 so that results are sent directly to Austin Prep.
Transfer applicants are welcome, with guidance available for families considering joining the Upper School.
Begin Your Journey
We invite you to attend an Open House, schedule a personal tour, or connect with our Admissions Team to explore all that Austin Prep has to offer. Financial aid and tuition assistance are available to ensure that families committed to our mission can access the value of an Austin Prep education.
Your child’s journey of faith, learning, leadership, and community begins here. We look forward to welcoming you to the Austin Prep family.
Contact Admissions
Austin Preparatory School
101 Willow Street
Reading, MA 01867
781-944-4900
austinprep.org/admissions
Give your child the gift of a Catholic Augustinian education that inspires hearts to unite, minds to inquire, and hands to serve.
Admission is selective and spaces are limited — begin your application today at austinprep.org/admissions.
Contact Admissions
