AJA News
-
Celebrating Creativity and Community Through Art
Our AJA artists have been exploring the power of art to express individuality, celebrate differences, and strengthen our community! Across grade levels, students have been studying self-portraits and…
-
Seventh Grade Engineers Take a Seat: The Cardboard Chair Project
Seventh grade engineering students recently wrapped up an exciting cardboard chair project that challenged them to put their creativity, problem-solving, and engineering skills to the test. Their challenge…
-
Middle School Trip to Candlelight Ranch
Connection & Adventure Our middle school students began the school year with an exciting trip to Candlelight Ranch, where they had the opportunity to build relationships, challenge themselves,…
-
Fun Facts About Our New HOS: Dr. Karyn Rayburn
Dr. Karyn Hopper Rayburn begins her first year as Head of School at AJA and her 27th year in education. She holds a PhD in linguistics and a…
-
Guardians of the Earth: 1st Grade PBL Spring 2026
How can we take care of plants and animals? That was the driving question behind AJA’s first graders’ project-based learning unit — and they answered it in a…
-
Q&A with Kathleen Rosenmann on MS Science
Beloved former AJA teacher, returning to AJA to teach middle school science and engineering. Kathleen Rosenmann’s return to Austin Jewish Academy marks both a homecoming and an exciting…
-
Q&A with New HOS, Dr. Karyn Rayburn
Get to Know AJA’s Incoming HOS Austin Jewish Academy is pleased to welcome Karyn Rayburn as our incoming Head of School, beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year. With…
-
Engineering the Heart: Bringing the Circulatory System to Life
Middle school students recently took their understanding of the circulatory system to the next level through an engaging Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Engineering activity that brought science…
-
AJA Lions Shine at District Track Meet
The AJA Lions Track Team delivered an outstanding performance at this weekend’s District Track Meet at St. Stephen’s, showcasing determination, teamwork, and impressive achievements across all divisions. The…
-
Building Pride and Understanding:A Meaningful Conversation on Jewish Identity
Our middle school students recently had the unique opportunity to learn from two visiting Israelis spending their gap year traveling across the United States to speak with students…
-
Purim Joy Filled the Halls at AJA
AJA Purim Carnival Purim at AJA was filled with laughter, excitement, and plenty of festive chaos in the best possible way. The morning began with the entire school…
-
“Joyful Rigor” with Incoming HOS, Dr. Rayburn
Joyful Rigor About fifty parents gathered recently for an engaging and thoughtful parent education workshop led by our incoming Head of School, Dr. Karyn Rayburn. In her presentation,…
-
A Basketball Championship Run to Remember
Way to Go AJA Lions! Our school celebrated an unforgettable showing at the District Basketball Championships, with three teams advancing to championship games and every athlete leaving it…
-
Students Earn $3K During Annual Market Day
Our campus was absolutely buzzing during Market Day, and calling it a success feels like an understatement. Held at the Tocker Engagement and Education Center, the event transformed…
-
AJA Presents Bohemian-Style “The Lion King, Jr.”
“The Circle of Life” at AJA Our students delivered an unforgettable theatrical experience with their incredible performances of The Lion King, Jr. From the very first notes of…
-
AJA Welcomes 150 Middle Schoolers at Winter Dance
Snowflake Soirée Austin Jewish Academy recently hosted its annual middle school dance, the Snowflake Soirée, welcoming more than 150 students from across the Austin area for an evening…
-
Fourth-Grade Havdalah Ceremony
Our fourth graders recently celebrated a meaningful milestone by leading a beautiful and engaging Havdalah ceremony for their families. This special evening highlighted not only their growing Jewish…
-
How AJA Celebrates Tu B’Shvat
Tu B’Shvat Austin Jewish Academy marked Tu B’Shvat with a meaningful afternoon of special programming that brought students together to celebrate nature, growth, and responsibility for the world…
-
AJA to Accept Texas Education Vouchers
Austin Jewish Academy has registered to participate in the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program. TEFA (sometimes referred to as vouchers) is a new statewide initiative that provides…
-
Liora Susswein: AJA Alumna Spotlight
Liora Susswein remembers Austin Jewish Academy as the place where her confidence, creativity, and Jewish identity were given room to grow. A K–8 alum (2008–2018), she’s now a…
-
Incredible Portfolio Day 2025!
On the Friday before winter break, AJA students proudly shared their learning during our annual Portfolio Day—an event that highlights both academic growth and personal reflection. Portfolio Day…
-
Hanukkah at Austin Jewish Academy
At Austin Jewish Academy, Jewish life isn’t something students visit occasionally—it’s part of the rhythm of each day. Hanukkah is a good example of how learning, tradition, and…
-
Austin Jewish Academy Announces New Head of School
After more than six months of careful planning and a comprehensive national search, Austin Jewish Academy is pleased to announce the selection of its next Head of School.…
-
Kindergarten PBL: Giving Thanks/Giving Back
Our Kindergarten students have spent the past several weeks immersed in a heart-warming PBL titled “Giving Thanks / Giving Back.” Their project centered on exploring gratitude, expressing appreciation,…
-
Putting Jewish Values into Action
This week, AJA 3rd and 4th-grade students brought their learning to life as they put key Jewish values into meaningful practice through on-campus field trips to Shalom Austin.…
-
AJA Grandparent Interview: Lisa Friedlander
Rooted in five generations of Jewish life and community in Houston, Lisa Friedlander has spent a lifetime immersed in Jewish education, tradition, and connection. From her own early…
-
Emily Kolodney: Alumna Interview
Emily Kolodney’s AJA journey is rooted in community, joyful Jewish learning, and the kind of confidence that comes from being truly seen and supported. A proud alumna, Emily…
-
Second-Graders Becoming Super Citizens
Second-graders proudly took the stage this week to share the culmination of their Project-Based Learning unit on Kindness, showcasing both their academic growth and the compassionate character they…
-
Lady Lions JV Volleyball Crowned Champions
On Saturday, November 8th, the AJA Lady Lions JV Volleyball team captured the championship title in an unforgettable match against St. Andrew’s. The girls came out strong in…
-
Why Middle School at a Jewish Day School is So Important
The Times of Israel recently published this article on the importance of Jewish Day Schools for middle-schoolers. The author, Dr. Daniel Weiss, facilitates a PRIZMAH weekly discussion with…
-
Honoring Our Heroes: AJA Veterans Day Program
On Tuesday, our school community came together for a heartfelt Veterans Day program honoring the brave men and women who have served our country. The ceremony began with…
-
A Spirited and Meaningful Kabbalat Shabbat
Last Friday’s Kabbalat Shabbat was a truly special morning that beautifully blended joy, pride, and reflection. In addition to our regular service, we were joined by several special…
-
AJA Celebrates Sukkot!
This week, our AJA community came together to celebrate the joyful holiday of Sukkot! On Friday, students gathered to sing festive songs, shake the lulav and etrog, and…
-
Middle School Students Build Community at Candlelight Ranch
Earlier this week, AJA’s 6th and 7th graders kicked off the school year with an unforgettable three-day trip to Candlelight Ranch near Marble Falls. This annual tradition is…
-
Learning, Leadership, and Adventure: A Look Inside AJA Middle School
At Austin Jewish Academy, Middle School is a time for discovery — of new ideas, new skills, and new strengths. Whether exploring the natural world at Candlelight Ranch,…