Austin Preparatory School was founded by the Augustinian Fathers of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova in 1961 and opened to students in September 1963. Austin is, in fact, an abbreviated version of Augustine, so our name does carry on the legacy and acknowledges our debt to St. Augustine and his followers, the Augustinians. Saint Augustine is the School’s patron saint, and we strive toward the Augustinian ideal of: “One mind, one heart, intent on God.”

 From the Austin Archives

1961

At the invitation of Cardinal Cushing, Austin Preparatory School established by the Order of Saint Augustine, Province of St. Thomas of Villanova.

1962 

Construction on the new campus begins on a 50 acre tract of land in Reading, MA.

1963

Vibrant fall colors on the 50 acre wooded campus greet the new Austin students as the Augustinians welcome 176 freshman and 24 sophomores for their inaugural year.

1966

Austin Prep graduates its first class of 18 students.

1969 - 1973

Facing declining numbers in vocations, the Augustinians map out plans to close several of their schools, including Austin Prep.  Amidst growing concerns, a group of parents set out to broker a deal with the Order to save the School. The Augustinians, hoping to keep the School alive agree to a buyout and the school is transferred to a new lay Board of Trustees.  The transfer is complete in 1973 and Austin opens for the new school year as a fully incorporated Catholic independent school, while the Augustinians continue to provide staff, their numbers are vastly decreased, by the mid 1980's there will be additional changes in leadership and Augustinian presence.

1986

Dr. Frank P. Gifune, Jr. is appointed the first layman to serve as Headmaster for Austin Prep.

1987

To insure enrollment numbers stay in a sustainable range for future admission cycles, the Board approves the addition of a Middle School.  Still an all boys school, Austin now serves young men in grades 6 through 12.

1989

Paul J. Moran is appointed the second lay Headmaster by the Board, a post he continues to enjoy today!

1992

Amid concerns of declining enrollments, Catholic schools across the country look for new ways to bolster their numbers.  Austin makes the decision to opens its doors to young women for the first time in the School's history. Austin’s first alumna graduates in 1993.  Today the School's enrollment is nearly 50/50.

1994

Once again, on the cutting edge of educational advances, Austin reorganizes class schedules into 90-minute academic periods.

1998

Capital Campaign for the Multi-Purpose Facility kicks off, the goal is 1.25 million dollars.

2000

April – Groundbreaking ceremony kicks off the new construction on Austin's campus.  The first major construction project since the original construction of the campus in 1961!

2001

As the Capital Campaign surpasses its goal of $1.3 million, Austin opens the doors of its newest building, the Multi-Purpose Arts and Athletics Facility.

2002 - 2004 

The Austin Open, Austin's annual summer golf fundraiser, targets the Science Division as recipient of funds raised at their next three tournaments.  As the funds are raised, the entire Science Division undergoes renovations, and welcomes state of the art laboratories, technologies, and classroom space!

2007

Construction begins on the renovation of Austin’s former monastery wing, St. Augustine Hall, creating a new, purpose-built library and generous space for music and art instruction.

2008

St. Augustine Hall opens in September, the Arts @ Austin welcome a new and beautiful Art Wings, Music Wing, and Art Gallery!  Also opening to rave reviews is the renewed and enlarged Fr. Arthur Smith, OSA Library and Media Center.