Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Dr. Joey Page

APS Superintendent

In November of 2024, Austin Public Schools conducted a demographic, housing, and enrollment analysis to understand our community’s changing landscape better. The School Board reviewed the findings in February. Since then, I’ve been sharing key takeaways that will help shape our District’s future planning, and I’d like to provide a brief overview of that work.

Our district’s growth and diversity set us apart. Since 2010, Austin’s total population has increased by 4.8%, with the most significant growth among residents of color — a rise of 180.1%. By 2029, the Hispanic community in Austin is projected to make up 18.9% of our population. These trends reflect a thriving, evolving community – and highlight the need to support learners from various backgrounds.

We take pride in our district’s diversity – it makes our schools stronger. It drives innovation, fosters understanding, and prepares students for a global world. It also creates unique needs, like access to language support and special education programming. We are committed to ensuring that every student has access to high-quality education, personalized support systems, and opportunities for success. With that in mind, we are building programs that reflect the diverse needs of our learners.

Enrollment at Austin Public Schools has increased 13.1% since 2013, a remarkable shift bringing us to a near 30-year high in enrollment! Among our students, 61.4% are members of an ethnic minority, 40.2% speak a primary language other than English, and 19.9% receive special education services.

Growing enrollment also means increasing demand for educational space. With an overall facility utilization rate of 84.4%, we are nearing full capacity, especially at the elementary and high school levels. While this is a positive sign, it also presents challenges. We are constantly evaluating our buildings to ensure they remain modern, efficient, and capable of meeting the needs of our students.

Future projections indicate a slight decline in overall enrollment over the next decade, impacted by birth rates and other demographic shifts. The District will continue to monitor trends, adapt our resources, and ensure that we remain responsive to the needs of our community.

At Austin Public Schools, we plan wisely for the future. We’re building a district prepared to thrive in the years ahead by engaging our community and investing in our staff and students.

Together, we are shaping a bright future for every student at Austin Public Schools. Thank you for being so supportive as we continue this exciting growth, opportunity, and excellence journey. Learn more at AccelerateAustin.org.