Austin Jewish Academy

Congratulations to these AJA Alumns!

A full-circle moment for our AJA community - we welcomed back our alumni as graduating seniors for a joyful Senior Walk through the halls where their journeys began. Cheered on by current students and teachers, they reminded us all of the lasting impact of an AJA education.

From left to right, their next steps include: a gap year in Israel followed by the University of Texas, a year in Israel, plans still to be determined, the University of Colorado Boulder, Tulane University, Israel followed by the University of Texas, Japan, the University of Texas McCombs School of Business, Elon University, the University of Colorado Boulder School of Engineering, the University of Texas McCombs School of Business, and (not pictured) Texas A&M University, where one graduate will pursue a degree in mathematics.

Our middle schoolers went on an unforgettable 4-day trip to in Key Largo, FL — and the learning never stopped! Students snorkeled through mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs, studied zooplankton under microscopes, investigated microplastics, and even got to swim with dolphins at Dolphins Plus. Every lesson from our Life Science curriculum came alive in the real world. Watching them connect classroom concepts to living ecosystems was truly something special. So proud of these curious, hard-working scientists

What a way to close out the school year! What a way to close out the school year! AJA's third graders explored the underground world of Inner Space Cavern, taking a flashlight tour through stunning rock formations and winding passageways while bringing their geology learning to life. Fourth graders celebrated at Activate Games, working together through interactive challenges that put their teamwork and problem-solving skills to the test. Both trips were a wonderful way to honor a year of hard work, growth, and friendship — and to send students off with some lasting memories made alongside their classmates.

AJA students had an incredible two days of Field Day during the last week of school! Kindergarten through 4th grade took over on Tuesday, with 5th through 7th graders celebrating on Wednesday. Students rotated through a huge variety of activities — from Gaga Ball and Capture the Flag to Kickball, Soccer, Basketball, airplane flying contests, and more — with a much-needed splash in the pool to cool off from the Texas heat. The energy, sportsmanship, and school spirit on display were wonderful to see. A big thank you to Coach Bobby for organizing such a memorable event, and to all the teachers and staff who helped make these two days a highlight of the end of the school year!

AJA’s 6th and 7th graders took the stage for an inspiring Texas Changemakers Poetry Slam, performing original poems about influential leaders who embody courage, justice, perseverance, and service. Through powerful spoken word performances, students connected the stories of changemakers to their own lives, discovering that leadership begins with using your voice with purpose.

A special highlight of the event was a visit from Grammy Award-winning artist, Saul Paul who encouraged students throughout the slam and led the community in an energetic performance of his song "Rise." From poetry and improvisational rap to dancing the Texas Two Step together, the event became a joyful celebration of creativity, confidence, and community. We are so proud of our students for sharing their hearts, stories, and vision for making a difference in the world.

AJA’s 5th graders recently combined history, reflection, and service through their meaningful PBL experience, Matzah Ball Soup Kitchen for the Soul. Inspired by their study of the Great Depression, students explored how storytelling, perseverance, and compassion can create real change in the lives of others.

As part of the project, students wrote personal narratives focused on hope, resilience, and growth while also helping organize a student-run soup kitchen inspired by Depression-era relief efforts. Families gathered to enjoy a wide variety of homemade soups prepared by students and families, creating a beautiful evening centered on kindness, community, and care for others.

Most importantly, students saw firsthand how their voices and actions can make a difference. Thanks to the generosity of our community, the class raised $514 for to help support children facing hunger. We are so proud of our 5th graders for embracing empathy, reflection, and service with such maturity and heart.

AJA’s 3rd graders recently took families on an unforgettable journey through the universe during their *Spectacular Space Musical & Art Show*, an incredible PBL experience that blended science, music, movement, research, and art. From the moment students entered to Space Oddity wearing their handmade paper mâché planet costumes, the audience was transported into a creative and colorful solar system brought to life entirely by student imagination.

Throughout the performance, students sang space-themed songs, shared original student-created music, presented fascinating research about planets and space phenomena, and kept the audience laughing with space jokes along the way. The event also featured a stunning display of student-created space artwork that showcased the curiosity, creativity, and hard work poured into every part of the project.

This inspiring PBL experience beautifully combined scientific learning with creativity and performance, making space truly come alive for the entire community. Congratulations to Ms. Hill and our amazing 3rd graders for reaching for the stars and absolutely landing.

Our National Junior Honor Society students recently partnered with Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service (JFS) to create and decorate Shabbat boxes for hospital patients and members of the broader community. Before beginning the project, students reflected on the meaning of bracha (blessing) and how acts of kindness can become blessings in themselves. Through creativity, compassion, and service, our students brought warmth, connection, and the spirit of Shabbat to others in a truly meaningful way. We are so proud of the way they continue to live out the values of service, character, and tikkun olam.

Our sixth and seventh graders just returned from their MS end-of-year trip to the Marine Lab in Key Largo, Florida. Highlights of the trip included witnessing a pregnant seahorse give birth, spotting dolphins and sharks, and completing a micro-plastics lab to assess the number of micro-plastics in seawater. We are thrilled that our students – next year’s AJA student leaders – had the chance to bond as a group in this unique setting.

AJA’s Kindergarten students recently celebrated a beautiful milestone as they proudly received their very first Siddur during a special ceremony at Temple Beth Shalom. The celebration marked the culmination of a year spent learning about tefillah, exploring the meaning of prayer, and deepening their connection to Jewish tradition.

Throughout the year, students reflected on why Jewish people pray, shared their favorite prayers, and even imagined prayers they would add to their own Siddurim. During the ceremony, the Kindergarteners confidently led their families in prayer using their new Siddurim, showcasing not only what they had learned, but the joy and connection they have developed along the way.

A special thank you to Rabbi Hall for helping make this meaningful experience so memorable. We are so proud of our Kindergarten students for reaching this important and heartwarming milestone in their Jewish learning journey.