Upper School at Hyde Park

Opportunities that Shape Every Aspect of a Student’s Life

Hyde Park’s Upper School is intentionally designed to help students thrive through challenge and opportunity. Every program connects rigorous academics with faith formation, leadership, and service.

College-Level Academics

Students can choose from 19 AP courses, 15 advanced classes, and 7 dual credit courses, often earning 27–32 college credits before graduation. These options allow students to build strong transcripts while exploring subjects that reflect their interests and career goals.

LEAP: Learning Environment for Academic Progress

The two-tiered LEAP program supports students with diagnosed learning differences through personalized instruction and advocacy.

Level 1 provides daily classroom support that teaches academic strategies, organization, and self-advocacy.
Level 2 offers guided independence with accommodations and regular check-ins.

Each student has mentors and teachers who know their strengths and walk with them through challenges.

Fine Arts and Innovation

As an All-Steinway School, Hyde Park’s fine arts program holds a distinctive place in Austin. Students perform on concert grand pianos and practice instruments gifted from the Steinway family. Hyde Park’s One Act Play Team won the 2024 TAPPS State Championship, and its bands record and release music on Spotify. Digital art, media, and guitar classes add to a creative culture that celebrates excellence.

Athletics and Team Spirit

With 19 athletic options, students can compete in multiple sports and train at the highest level. Each athlete is trained by knowlegable coaches who want to see each athlete play to their best potential. Whether an athlete wants to enjoy sports in high school or go on to play at the collegiate level, Hyde Park athletics are here to support all student athletes. Recent victories include state titles in softball (2025) and boys lacrosse (2023). Meanwhile, the new Panther Athletic Center features modern training facilities, renovated locker rooms, and a sports medicine suite.

Leadership and Service

Every student is encouraged to serve and lead through programs like Panther Days, the Day of Service, and GOWEEK, where students participate in local or international missions. Clubs such as DECA, Model UN, Med Club, and Active Minds provide opportunities to apply classroom learning to real-world issues and make a lasting difference.

Guiding Students from Ninth Grade to What Comes Next

From the first day of high school, Hyde Park students begin preparing for what comes after graduation. College counseling is built into every grade level, ensuring each student has the support and direction needed to make wise decisions about academics, career goals, and faith beyond high school.

9th Grade: Building the Foundation — Freshmen meet with counselors twice each year to set academic and college goals. They take the PSAT and P-ACT during the school day, learn how transcripts are built, and begin using the SARA by Ray Dass program. Counselors encourage students to get involved in clubs, fine arts, and athletics to begin building a well-rounded high school résumé.

10th Grade: Exploring Interests — Sophomores meet one-on-one with counselors and families to discuss college and career possibilities. They continue with SARA test prep, take the PSAT and P-ACT again, and learn how to research majors and universities. College representatives visit campus throughout the year, and students are encouraged to participate in activities that align with their personal and professional goals.

11th Grade: Preparing to Apply — Juniors deepen their college planning through workshops on essay writing, résumé building, and recommendation letters. They take the SAT or ACT on campus, and can enroll in a test prep elective for extra support. Hyde Park hosts college planning nights for students and parents, as well as a Mock Admissions Workshop, where families experience the application process from an admissions perspective.

‍12th Grade: Taking the Next Step — Seniors receive personalized guidance through the final stages of college preparation. Counselors assist with applications, essays, scholarship searches, and housing forms, and students can attend College Workdays over the summer to finalize submissions. By graduation, each student has a clear path forward.

96% of Hyde Park graduates attend four-year universities such as the University of Texas, Texas A&M, Auburn, Cornell University, the University of Georgia, and MIT, while others follow unique callings into service, trades, or missions.

“We thank Jesus for Hyde Park Schools and the profound impact it made in the lives of our 4 children, meeting each one where they were — academically, emotionally, and spiritually. Our youngest now teaches at the elementary school and recently shared how she has gained an even deeper appreciation for the extraordinary investment the HP teachers and faculty pour into every student.” — Kerri Gerrie, Hyde Park Parent

“I think teens need strong guidance in developing independence and responsibility as they prepare for life after high school. Whether they're headed to college or straight into a career, teaching them study skills, time-management, and self-advocacy while also developing their ability to self-reflect on their own learning and growth will set them up for success after high school.” — Michael West, Math Department

“Hyde Park had a huge impact on me because it offered a close-knit community where I always felt supported and known. The environment pushed me to grow not just academically, but personally and spiritually through its Christ-centered approach to education. Being part of competitive athletics taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to lead under pressure. Altogether, Hyde Park shaped my character in ways that still guide me today.” — Jax Tate, Class of 2019

Teenagers need encouragement, a role model, and to be held to high standards. Teenagers need their teachers to guide them academically while caring for their hearts.” — Penny Billingsley, English Department Chair

A Christ-Centered Community Where Students Belong

Faith is part of everyday life at Hyde Park. Students gather for chapel each week to worship together and hear messages that connect Scripture to real life. In the classroom, teachers pray with students and talk openly about what it means to live with integrity and courage.

Faculty care deeply about their students, often taking time to check in after a tough week or celebrate a big moment. That kind of support is what families notice first and what students remember long after graduation.

Service and community life bring everyone together. During GOWEEK, students serve across Austin and around the world, learning what it means to lead through compassion. Panther Days, Homecoming Week, and Senior Sunrise and Sunset fill the year with tradition and joy. Clubs like YoungLife, Student Council, and Active Minds give students places to lead, connect, and make a difference.

All of this — every prayer, project, and shared experience — helps students see that they are part of a bigger, Christ-centered community that feels like home.

Safe, Supportive, and Centered on Care

Hyde Park places a high priority on creating an environment where students feel secure and ready to learn. Campuses are equipped with controlled access points, visitor check-in procedures, and safety drills to ensure the well-being of every student.

Emotional and spiritual safety matter just as much. Counselors, teachers, and administrators are intentional about noticing when a student needs encouragement. Students know they can reach out to trusted adults who will listen and help them navigate challenges with wisdom. This is all possible through the small class settings and close relationships within our caring community.

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