ATA College Prep was founded on a bold idea: that academic excellence, athletic ambition, and personal growth should thrive together in a highly personalized learning environment.
our mission
To prepare students for college and life by providing opportunities to acquire the necessary skills and inspiration to become lifelong learners, compassionate leaders, and global change-makers.
Our Goals
Curiosity is cultivated, not contained. We help students discover the joy of exploration and mastery.
Excellence isn’t an outcome—it’s a habit. Students are challenged to reach higher in everything they do.
Our students learn to own their education, make decisions with integrity, and understand the weight of responsibility.
Through leadership, service, and reflection, students become confident individuals who contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
With expert guidance, students build the academic foundation, athletic readiness, and personal direction to thrive at the next level.
History
ATA College Prep was founded with a bold vision: to create an educational environment where academic excellence, athletic ambition, and personal growth could thrive together. Established in partnership with the renowned Austin Tennis Academy, the school was designed specifically for grades 6–12, offering a fully accredited curriculum that integrates rigorous academics, competitive athletics, and leadership development.
At the heart of this vision are Founding Head of School Carol Hagar and Austin Tennis Academy Founder Jack Newman. Together, they set out to create a program where students are known, supported, and challenged to become the best versions of themselves—in the classroom, on the court, and in life.
Carol is dedicated to developing well-rounded student-athletes by encouraging individual thought, self-awareness, and personal responsibility through academic challenges, cultural and artistic experiences, and community service activities. Her approach is highly personalized—individualizing each student’s program according to personal goals, learning styles, strengths, and affinities, culminating in the best possible college choice academically, athletically, and culturally.
Before launching ATA College Prep, Carol served for 15 years as the Founding Director of the Austin Area Home School Cooperative, where she brought together hundreds of students and families, organized classes, and built a vibrant community centered on a passion for learning. Her expertise in customizing educational pathways and guiding students through both college and NCAA processes continues to shape the distinctive ATA College Prep experience.
Jack Newman’s leadership and vision through the Austin Tennis Academy laid the foundation for a school where athletic development and academic excellence are fully integrated. His long-standing commitment to training, mentoring, and shaping athletes with strong character has been central to ATA College Prep’s identity from the beginning.
Carol’s influence extends beyond academics—she is a USTA Texas player and committee member, and a proud mother of two accomplished children: Hannah, an artist-musician and Senior Brand Manager at IHG, and Josh, an ATA College Prep graduate and former Notre Dame tennis team captain now working in Chicago’s FinTech industry. Over the years, her “other children”—graduates of ATA College Prep—have gone on to teach, perform, create, lead, and make meaningful contributions around the world.
Today, under the enduring guidance and vision of its founders, ATA College Prep continues to redefine what’s possible for student-athletes, preparing them to lead with purpose and become Citizens of Significance in every area of life.
accreditation & AFFILIATIONS
ATA College Prep is fully accredited through the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission (TEPSAC), a member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and Cognia. Our courses are NCAA approved.
Start Your Journey
Let us help you explore the right path at ATA College Prep.
