Our History

Martin Middle School, located in the heart of East Austin’s historic Holly neighborhood, has been a pillar of education and community since it opened in 1967. Originally known as Martin Junior High, the school was named in honor of Samuel Lawton Martin (1901–1961), a visionary Austin educator who championed vocational and adult education programs.

From its earliest days, Martin set a precedent for progress and inclusion, becoming Austin ISD’s first fully integrated middle school—welcoming Anglo, African American, and Hispanic students together under one roof. This spirit of diversity, unity, and opportunity continues to define the campus today.

Over the decades, Martin has remained a hub for innovation, creativity, and community connection. Signature programs offer students engaging STEAM-focused learning in robotics, animation, web design, and more. The school is also part of the Eastside Early College High School Vertical Team and the district’s Creative Learning Initiative, ensuring a pathway from middle school to college and career readiness.

In 2022, Austin ISD removed sixth grade from Martin as part of district-wide restructuring—a change that sparked significant conversation among educators and families. Recognizing the importance of a complete middle school experience, sixth grade returned for the 2025–2026 academic year, restoring the school to its traditional 6–8 grade configuration.

Martin is currently undergoing a major modernization project funded by the 2022 Bond Program. With construction beginning in 2025 and scheduled for completion in 2027, the upgrades will include a secure entry vestibule, a mental health center, and comprehensive improvements to HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. These enhancements will ensure that Martin continues to serve as a safe, welcoming, and inspiring learning environment for generations to come.

For more than half a century, Martin Middle School has stood as more than just a school—it is a community anchor, a place where tradition meets innovation, and where every student is encouraged to soar like an eagle toward their dreams.

The mascot for Martin is the eagle.

The school colors are blue and gold.

Overview

Martin Middle School is in Central Austin in the vibrant Holly neighborhood on the banks of Lady Bird Lake. Martin offers career and technology classes as well as AVID college prep. With a rigorous curriculum and higher education and industry partnerships, students develop the skills needed to succeed in the global economy. Students engage in discussions about college and career pathways through community and business partnerships. Martin is part of the Eastside Memorial family of schools, which offers STEM programs at every grade level and is part of the district's new creative learning initiative to offer a quality arts-rich education to every child.

Sobre la escuela

La Escuela Secundaria Martin se encuentra en el centro de Austin, en el vibrante vecindario de Holly, a orillas del lago Lady Bird. Martin ofrece clases de carrera y tecnología, así como preparación universitaria para AVID. Con un plan de estudios riguroso y asociaciones con la educación superior y la industria, los estudiantes desarrollan las habilidades necesarias para tener éxito en la economía global. Los estudiantes participan en discusiones sobre trayectorias universitarias y profesionales a través de asociaciones comunitarias y comerciales. Martin es parte de la familia de escuelas Eastside Memorial, que ofrece programas STEM en todos los niveles de grado y es parte de la nueva iniciativa de aprendizaje creativo del distrito para ofrecer una educación de calidad rica en artes a todos los niños.