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🌿 How to Apply: Your 3-Step Guide to the 
Green Tech Academy

Welcome! We are excited that you’re interested in joining the Green Tech Academy (GTA) for the 2027-2028 school year. To make sure your application is complete, you’ll need to complete three simple steps.

⏰ Important Deadline: All 3 steps must be fully completed by February 7, 2027, or your application will not be considered.

Step 1: Complete the Campus Application (Link coming soon)

📅 Window: November 6, 2026 – February 5, 2027

This is where you officially let us know you want to join GTA!

  • If you are ZONED to our school: Fill out the campus application, and you're good to go—no essay session required.

  • If you are NOT ZONED to our school: When you fill out the application, you will be prompted to pick a date to come to campus and complete a brief on-site writing sample/essay.

Step 2: Submit 2 Teacher Recommendations - Link coming soon

📅 Window: January 5, 2027 – February 5, 2027

We want to hear from the educators who know your student best!

  • Log into our recommendation portal during the open window and submit the email addresses for 2 current or former teachers.

  • We’ll handle the rest! Your teachers will receive a quick 20-question survey rating the student on academic ability, classroom behavior, and overall attitude (on a 1–10 scale).

Step 3: Register with District (Enroll Austin) - Tile in Parent Portal

📅 Window: January 5, 2027 – February 5, 2027

This step makes it official with the district!

  • Feeder / Zoned Students: This is the key step to getting that official checkmark next to your student's name for GTA placement.

  • Out-of-Zone / Transfer Students: Use this step to submit your official transfer request to our school for either Green Tech Academy or Dual Language.

đź“ť Quick Application Checklist

  • [ ] Step 1: Campus Application submitted (+ essay date scheduled if out-of-zone)

  • [ ] Step 2: 2 teacher emails submitted via the app

  • [ ] Step 3: Enroll Austin registration completed

Have questions about the process? Feel free to reach out to our campus main office—we’re happy to help you grow your future with GTA!

 

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.