Kealing Middle School

Kealing Middle School has a rich history and tradition of providing an excellent education for all children. 

Named for Hightower Theodore Kealing, an African-American educator, writer, editor and activist in Austin in the 19th century, the school opened in the fall of 1930 as the first junior high school for African-American students in Austin.  The first principal was Professor I.Q. Hurdle, who served from 1930 to 1939.  Principal T.C. Calhoun then led Kealing until 1971, when the school was closed as part of Austin’s desegregation efforts.

After serving as an annex for the Austin Independent School District (AISD) and community programs, Kealing’s building was devastated by fire.  In 1986, the school reopened as a junior high school, both for students in the Kealing neighborhood and for students throughout AISD who were accepted into its rigorous and innovative academic magnet math and science program.  In 1993, the magnet program expanded to include a focus on the liberal arts as well.  In the fall of 2004, Kealing opened its sixth grade program and became a middle school.  

Staff, parents and community members work together to support students in the STAR (Success Through Academics and Responsibility) Program and the Magnet Program – daring to excel and fulfilling its mission of “One School, Multiple Programs, Success for All.” 

Principal: Robin Lowe (ph. 414-2410)
Magnet Program Director: Beth Cooper (ph. 414-2448)
STAR Program Director: LaNica Failey (ph. 841-6111)

Our Mascot: The Hornet
Our Colors: Crimson & Cream
Enrollment: 1196 students

Grades Served: 6th, 7th, and 8th

For more information, please see the 2010-2011 Kealing Middle School Parent-Student Handbook.

Campus Advisory Council