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Academics
Gus Garcia Young Men's Leadership Academy (YMLA) is a community built on ideas, innovation, and an independent spirit. Consistently ranked among the best middle schools in AISD, here on the East Side. YMLA offers a world- class education, rigorous instruction, and robust hands-on learning opportunities. YMLA creates a challenging yet nurturing environment for students to expand and deepen their understanding as they explore the range of their artistic and intellectual talents—from fine arts and music to robotics and culinary arts.
By recruiting the most academically advanced students from public and private elementary schools throughout the city, we create a diverse leadership school with scholars from all over Austin. Diversity in students and ideas is critical to YMLA's strength and success. Students excel on every level: in the classroom, on Pre-AP and Advanced Placement exams, and at our UIL and Athletic competitions . As the only all-boys leadership academy in AISD, we stand among the top for educating the brightest minds, while fostering the next generation of citizens and leaders—thinkers and doers who are prepared to help strengthen their communities and build a better world.
Hands on Learning!
At Gus Garcia YMLA, academics are designed to be engaging and hands-on, giving students real-world experiences that bring learning to life. Our students explore concepts beyond the classroom through immersive field trips, where they can see science, history, and culture in action. In addition, our student centered labs allow students to experiment, investigate, and apply what they’ve learned in a controlled, interactive environment. These experiences not only deepen understanding but also foster curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for learning that goes far beyond textbooks and lectures.
Highlights from 2025: