The Austin Preparatory School of Reading is adding an outdoor athletic stadium with support from state finance and development agency MassDeveloment.  

MassDevelopment has issued a $5.96 million tax-exempt bond on behalf of the school to fund the construction of the stadium. The bond will also refinance two former loans that went towards renovating school buildings and purchasing technology equipment. The project is projected to support 21 construction jobs.

"MassDevelopment is pleased to support Austin Preparatory School’s new athletic facilities," MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones said in a statement. "Students will enjoy valuable opportunities for leadership, development, and enhanced well-being through athletics."

The Austin Preparatory School, founded by the Augustinian Friars of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova, began as an all-male high school in 1963. The school expanded to include a middle school in 1987 and began admitting women in 1992.  It currently enrolls 700 students and is an incorporated Catholic independent school led by a board of trustees.