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In 19th century Texas, educating young people – in the absence of public funds – fell to the family or the church. In 1881, voters created the Austin Public School system; the inaugural academic year commenced on Sept. 12 under the leadership of Superintendent of Schools John Winn and 30 teachers.
The following year, there were 1,250 students enrolled at 26 public schools across Austin; by 1942, there were 32 schools and 16,128 students.
Today, the Austin Independent School District (1955) employs 5,503 educators to teach a diverse student community totaling 73,384. According to its 2024-25 academic calendar, school will commence on Aug. 20.
– Hannah Van Sickle, The Austin 100