Sci-Tech High School
Secular
Updated July 2026
Wayside Schools is a network of free public charter schools in Southeast Austin serving students from Pre-K3 through 12th grade. The network is dedicated to providing a rigorous, college-preparatory education that prepares all scholars for success in college and beyond.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
Wayside Schools operates on the belief that all children are capable of success and deserve a college-preparatory education regardless of their background. The educational model emphasizes a culture of care, joyful learning, and a growth mindset, with a mission to transform obstacles into opportunities through rigorous academics and an inclusive community. Administrators focus on instructional leadership, spending significant time in classrooms to coach teachers and facilitate inquiry-based learning.
Programmes
The academic program spans from Pre-K3 through 12th grade, with a strong focus on college readiness and STEM. The curriculum includes dual credit opportunities for high school students to earn college credits, and the network utilizes an International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Instruction is designed to be inquiry-based, with a focus on critical thinking and data-informed practices.
Outcomes
The network is committed to college readiness, reporting that 100% of its seniors are college-accepted. Students have the opportunity to earn free college credits through dual credit courses while in high school, and the network provides ongoing support to alumni for up to six years post-graduation. Wayside: Sci-Tech Preparatory has earned SACS CASI accreditation, confirming its alignment with high-quality standards for college preparation.
Student support
Learning support
Wayside Schools provides instructional coaches to support teachers in developing their expertise and fostering a growth mindset. The network also employs specialized staff, including a Director of Special Services, a Dyslexia Coordinator, and a Network Behavior Specialist, to ensure students receive necessary support services.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
Wayside Schools is an open-enrollment public charter network that accepts applications year-round, with an enrollment lottery held each spring. Prospective families must submit an application for each student and provide documentation including birth certificates, immunization records, proof of residency, and previous academic transcripts for grades 6-12. The network offers free full-day Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 programs for qualifying families based on income or language, as well as a low-cost tuition-based option.
Calendar
The school operates on an annual academic calendar, with specific schedules for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years available in both English and Spanish on the network's website.
Facilities
About the campus
The network operates five campuses in the South Austin area: Altamira Academy, Eden Park Academy, and REAL Learning Academy (all serving Pre-K3 through 5th grade), as well as Sci-Tech Middle School (grades 6-7) and Sci-Tech High School (grades 8-12). Facilities include gymnasiums used for sports and school activities, and the network provides free transportation and meal services to its scholars.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a range of athletic opportunities, including the Future Ravens League for elementary students and the HCAL League for middle and high school students. Sports include volleyball, basketball, soccer, and varsity cheerleading. Students also participate in academic competitions, such as the M^3 math challenge, and have opportunities to letter in their sports.
- Matthew AbbottChief Executive Officer, Superintendent
Matthew Abbott serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent of Wayside Schools. He is a strong advocate for education as a social justice issue and is committed to ensuring all scholars are on the path to college.
- Francisco GarciaChief Operating Officer
Francisco Garcia serves as the Chief Operating Officer for the network.
- Marcia MolinarChief Talent Officer
Marcia Molinar serves as the Chief Talent Officer for the network.
- Susan PommereningChief Academic Officer
Susan Pommerening serves as the Chief Academic Officer for the network.
- Choi HicksSenior Director of Schools
Choi Hicks serves as the Senior Director of Schools.
- Elizabeth WronaSenior Director of Development
Elizabeth Wrona serves as the Senior Director of Development.
- Stephanie KiddDirector of Special Services
Stephanie Kidd serves as the Director of Special Services.