Saint John, Austin, Texas facts for kids

Saint John (also known as Saint John's) is a neighborhood in Austin, Texas. It is located in the 78752 zip code. This area is split by Interstate 35, a major highway.

The neighborhood's western border is Middle Fiskville Road and Twincrest. To the south, it is bordered by U.S. 290. Anderson Lane forms the northern border, and Cameron Road is to the east. Saint John is part of City Council District 4 in Austin.

History of Saint John

The Saint John neighborhood is named after a special place called the St. John's Industrial Institute and Home for Negro Orphans. This institute was built in 1906. It was a home and school for African-American children who did not have parents.

The St. John Regular Missionary Baptist District Association ran the institute. This group was formed by African-American ministers from Wheatville. The association also held an annual "encampment" (a large gathering or camp meeting) at the institute's site.

The land where the institute stood was later sold. It was developed into a shopping center called Highland Mall. Now, Highland Mall is being changed into a new campus for Austin Community College. Part of this land has become a park called "St. John's Encampment Commons." This park remembers the history of the original institute and the encampments.

Education in Saint John

Public Schools Serving Saint John

Students in the Saint John neighborhood attend schools in the Austin Independent School District.

Younger students go to one of three elementary schools:

• Brown Elementary School
• Pickle Elementary School
• Reilly Elementary School

After elementary school, students attend Webb Middle School. For high school, students are zoned for one of three high schools:

• Juan Navarro Early College High School
• McCallum High School
• Northeast Early College High School

Recreation and Community Life

The Saint John neighborhood offers several places for fun and learning.

You can find St. John Park within the neighborhood. There is also the Virginia L. Brown Recreation Center, which is a great place for activities. The St. John Branch of the Austin Public Library is also located here, where you can find books and other resources.