Quick Facts

Ascension Academy

College preparatory school

CEEB Code: 440122

806.342.0515

Tim Oditt
Head of School

Katy Reid
Director of Admission
kengler@ascensionacademy.org

Elisa Johnson
Academic Dean
ejohnson@ascensionacademy.org

Jackie Chase
Dean of Students
jchase@ascensionacademy.org

Sunnye Jones
Director of College Guidance
sjones@ascensionacademy.org

Kathi Lewis
Middle School Counselor
klewis@ascensionacademy.org

Austin Johnson
Athletic Director
ajohnson@ascensionacademy.org

9301 Ascension Pkwy.
Amarillo, TX 79119

About Ascension Academy

Ascension Academy is an independent, college-preparatory, faith-affirming school for students grades six through twelve. Founded in 2000, Ascension is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). The school is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools(NAIS) and the Texas Private School Association (TPSA).

Mission Statement

Ascension Academy provides students with an exemplary college preparatory education in a challenging, faith-affirming environment to maximize the potential of every student.

The Student Body

Enrollment:

Middle School: 83
High School: 82
Total: 165

Faculty

Full Time: 21
Part Time: 11
‍With Advanced Degrees: 20
Student Teacher Ratio 5:1
Average Classroom Size 11

Ethnicity

43% of our students self-report
from diverse ethic back-grounds.

Male: 52%
Female: 48%

Variable Tuition

41% of our current students qualify for a variable tuition rate.

Admission

Selection of students is based on a student’s history of academic ability and demonstration of previous motivation and effort. An admission committee makes a determination after evaluating previous grade reports, standardized test scores, admission test and essay, teacher recommendations and personal interview.

The Four Pillars of Ascension Academy

Scholars

Ascension Academy is committed to offering an exemplary college-preparatory education to its students. We offer a number of AP, Dual-Credit, and Pre-AP courses on our campus. All core classes are vertically aligned beginning in middle school. Our students have earned such prestigious recognition as National Merit Scholar, National Hispanic Scholar, Texas Aerospace Scholar, and National AP Scholar. We are a member of Cum Laude Society and National Honor Society and induct members each spring.

Advanced-Placement (AP)
Courses Offered

Biology
U.S. History
Calculus AB
AP Capstone Seminar
AP Capstone Research
Spanish
Chemistry
Computer Science
English Language/Composition
English Literature/Composition
U.S. Government & Politics
Latin
Physics 1

Dual-Credit Courses Offered On Campus

Spanish
English IV (Composition)
Biology Life Science
College Algebra & Trigonometry
Speech
U.S. Government
U.S. History
World Civilizations

Academic Performance Outcomes (Class of 2022)

Memberships and Affiliations

Cum Laude Society
‍
National Honor Society
‍
National Jr. Honor Society

SAT Average Scores: 1272 (645 Reading, 627 Math)
College Readiness Index (CRI): 88%

Artists

The opportunity for creative expression is both valued and encouraged at Ascension Academy. Our high school students are required to take 2 years of Fine Arts and may choose from a number of different classes. Most of our students are enrolled in multiple fine art disciplines.

Memberships and Affiliations

International Thespian Society

Fine Arts Courses Offered

Orchestra (various levels)
Band (various levels)
Choir (middle and high school)
Theater (required for 6th grade)
Theater Performance (middle and high school)
Technical Theater
Theater Intern (with instructor approval)
Film 1 & 2
Studio Art (various levels)
Senior Portfolio (with instructor approval)
Independent Study (with instructor approval)

Athletes

At Ascension Academy, we recognize the need for our students to develop physically as well as mentally. In addition, we know that athletics offers abundant opportunities for character development—from team work to perseverance to humility. We offer a number of sports and both the middle and high school levels. Our high school students compete in the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS). In addition, many of our students participate in off-campus activities and may earn credit for those with administrator approval.

Athletic Teams

Cross Country
Volleyball (girls only)
Basketball
Swimming
Track & Field
Tennis
Golf
Fencing
Bowling
Cheerleading (non-competitive)
Rock Climbing

Selection of Off-Campus Sports

Dance
Gymnastics
Ice Hockey
Bowling
Archery
Karate
Aerial Arts

Leaders

Leadership is a significant quality that we intentionally develop in all of our students. Our curriculum includes a service learning component, though most of our students go well beyond the required commitment. In addition, we encourage our students to engage in a number of competitive events that take them beyond the classroom in order to foster a deeper understanding of their responsibilities to their community and society as a whole.

Membership and Affiliations

TAPPS Academic Competitions
National Junior Classical League
National Science Bowl
Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering
Journalism Educators of America
Speech and Debate
Citizen Bee
Model UN
Scripps Spelling Bee
Math Counts
LeadershiopAmarillo & Canyon

Places Our Students Have Served

Snack Pak for Kids
Boo at the Zoo
Amarillo Symphony Belles & Beaus
Lonestar Ballet Ushers and Usherettes
Buddy Walk
Special Olympics
Family Support Services
Race for the Cure
High Plains Food Bank
Guyon Saunders Resource Center
Faith City Ministry
Salvation Army
Storybridge
Church Camps
Local, National, and International Missions and more

Collegiate Success
Post Graduate Destination (Past 6 Years)

Abilene Christian University
Amarillo College**
Angelo State University
Arizona State University
Austin College**
Ave Maria University
Baylor University
Carroll College
Clemson University
Colorado College of Mines
Colorado State University
George Mason University
Johnson & Wales University
Marquette University
Minot State University
Mississippi State University
New York University (NYU)
Oklahoma State University
Princeton University
Pepperdine University
Rice University
Simpson College
Southern Methodist University (SMU)
Southwestern University
St. Edward’s University
St. John’s College

St. Mary’s College (TX)
Stanford University
Tarleton State
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University, Galveston
Texas Tech University**
University of Advancing Technology**
University of Alabama**
University of Arizona
University of Arkansas
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign**
University of New Mexico
University of North Texas**
University of Oklahoma
University of Texas, Arlington
University of Texas, Austin
University of Texas, Dallas
University of Wisconsin, Plateville**
Washington and Lee University (VA)
Washington College (MD)
West Texas A&M University**
Wichita State University
Whitman College**
Yale University

**Indicates Class of 2022 Attendance

Ascension Academy graduated students throwing their caps.

Graduating student giving a speech for her graduation.

School Profile 2022- 2023