Application Steps for Green Tech Academy
Applying for School Year 2026-2027

Note: Videos and more details to come

Step 1: Complete the Campus Green Tech Academy Application

All students — both feeder and transfer — must complete the Campus Application form.

• Parents and students should each answer their portions of the form.

• Transfer students must also sign up for an essay date within the form.

• Feeder students will not be prompted to select an essay date.

This application is the first step toward joining the Green Tech Academy.

Step 2: Request Teacher Recommendations - Link Available Week of 11/3/25

Email the provided link to two of your current teachers and ask them to complete the Teacher Recommendation Form on your behalf.

This step is required in order to earn the points needed to be considered for the Green Tech Academy.

Step 3: Submit Your Intent to Enroll in Green Tech Academy

Once Enroll Austin opens in the Parent Portal, please submit your intent to enroll for the Green Tech Academy.

The sooner you complete this step, the better! This is how families let us know their plans for next school year.

Your responses also help us determine how many transfer seats will be available, based on boundary changes and grandfathering eligibility.

Email Jennifer Rich at  jennifer.Rich@austinisd.org

How to Get Accepted

We evaluate three key components:

• Student Grades
• Teacher Recommendations
• Student On-Site Essays

You can find our Grading Rubric here.

Got Questions?

Email jennifer.Rich@austinisd.org

Essay Information

Essay Information for Green Tech Academy Applicants

Students often find the essay to be the most intimidating part of the application process for our Green Tech Academy. We want to ease their concerns. The purpose of the essay is to help us get to know each student better.

Here’s What to Expect:

• Essay Format: Students will write about one of three prompts, which will be broad and open-ended. They can choose the prompt they feel most comfortable discussing.
• Length: We expect about 2 paragraphs or more, focusing on telling a story related to the chosen prompt.
• Writing Options: Students can handwrite or type their essay when they come to Small.

Helpful Suggestions for a Successful Essay:

1. Outline your thoughts on paper.
2. Plan to write at least 2 paragraphs.
3. Share a story related to the prompt.
4. Create a rough draft.
5. Write your final version.
6. Use spell check and grammar check.
7. Take your time!

Timing: Students will have 2 hours to complete their essays. Most students finish in less time—some in as little as 15 minutes, while others may take the full 2 hours. We honor all accommodations; if your student requires accommodations for the essay, please specify this on the Green Tech Commitment Form when signing up.