As part of National School Choice Week, Austin ISD held a rally at Gus Garcia Young Men's Leadership Academy to highlight choices available to the district's students. 

The Garcia YMLA drumline kicked off the event, followed by Superintendent Paul Cruz, who announced a change at the school.

Beginning in the fall, AISD will offer transportation to any student within the district who attends the school.

"This is a different opportunity to get more students into this amazing school," Cruz said. 

Cruz also spoke about some of the other choices available districtwide, including AISD's six early college high schools.

He also emphasized the variety of choices—Montessori, Middle School Dyslexia Project, Career Launch, Pre-K for 3- and 4-year-olds—and that the district accepts transfers from students who may live outside AISD boundaries.

Eighth-grader Artist Tyson, an out-of-district transfer student to Garcia YMLA, spoke about the positive environment at the school.

"Something that we get that you don't obtain in other schools is brotherhood," he said. "And they actually listen to me here. They ask us for our opinion. Not a lot of people listen to kids these days."

Artist also said he appreciates the unique skills he's learning.

"They teach us how to tie our own ties, and how to use proper etiquette and how to talk to a lady," he said. "They want you to grow. At Gus Garcia, they teach you how to be a man."