Liberal Arts and Science Academy
In Austin, Texas, the United States, there is a selective public magnet high school called the Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA). It does not charge tuition and is accessible to all Austin residents. LASA consistently ranks among the top public schools in Texas; in 2023, U.S. News & World Report gave it a #4 ranking, so admittance to LASA is competitive.
From visual arts and philosophy to robotics and stem cell research, LASA offers students a demanding yet supportive atmosphere in which they can explore the breadth of their artistic and intellectual abilities and deepen their understanding.
Students must finish a minimum of 15 magnet classes in order to graduate with LASA's magnet endorsement. These classes include four years of English, three years of social studies, four years of math (or until they finish multivariable calculus), and four years of science.
Thirty Advanced Placement examinations are covered in Advanced Placement (AP) courses offered by LASA. At LASA, a few AP courses are required of students, including AP World History, AP English, and AP Physics. In the ninth grade, students may start enrolling in AP courses.
Specialized electives like Medical Microbiology, Modern Physics, Astronomy, How To Be An Adult, and Amateur Radio are also available at LASA High School. Modern physics, forensic science, and astronomy are among the twenty elective scientific courses offered by LASA. Women's literature, amateur radio, creative writing, and constitutional law are examples of humanities electives.
A number of factors are taken into consideration when determining admission:
- Grades
- Results on standardized tests
- Essay
- Recommendations from teachers
- Extracurricular activities
- Prizes received
- Creative projects
- An admissions exam - now the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)
Founded: 1985
Address: 1012 Arthur Stiles Rd, Austin, TX 78721, USA
Phone: 512 414 5272
Grades: 9-12
Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
Website: https://lasa.austinschools.org/
