British International School of Houston vs The Awty International School

	B British International School of Houston Houston, United States	T The Awty International School Houston, United States
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year $15,540 - 39,500	Fees / year $34,145 - 44,880
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), British Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), French Curriculum, American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,000	Pupils 1,754
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size 8
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, French, Spanish
Opened	Opened 2000	Opened 1956
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The British International School of Houston is located at 2203 North Westgreen Boulevard, Katy, TX 77449, United States. It serves students aged 3–18 (Early Years to High School).	Location 7455 Awty School Lane, Houston, Texas 77055, USA. The school is located in Houston, Texas.
Stages	Stages Early Years Ages 3–5; Primary School Ages 5–11; Middle School Ages 11–14; High School Ages 14–18.	Stages Early Learning Campus: PK3–1st/CP; Lower School: 2nd/CE1–5th/CM2; Middle School: 6th/6ème–8th/4ème; Upper School: 9th/3ème–12th/Tle.
School type	School type International school	School type Independent international school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix In BIS Houston's campus, over 80 nationalities are represented.	Pupil nationality mix More than 1,800 students from more than 50 countries. The nationalities are 40% American, 30% French, with the remaining 30% representing over 50 other nationalities.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Learning differences are acknowledged under the International Baccalaureate framework. The school is independent and international; accommodations may include extra time for tests and examinations and the use of assistive devices. The Learning Support Coordinator provides information to coordinate necessary learning support.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation France
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure The school day runs 7:55 a.m. to 3:35 p.m. for Middle and Upper School, 8:00 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. for Lower School, and 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. for Early Learning.
Bus service details	Bus service details Premium school bus service with air-conditioned buses and 3-point safety belts. 15 pick-up locations across Katy, Katy West, Richmond, Heights, Dairy Ashford, Galleria area, Lakes on Eldridge North, Lakes on Eldridge, Twin Lakes, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Cypress, and more. Enrollment is for the full school year (payments possible by term). Contact bus@houston.nae.school for enrollment and bus policy.	Bus service details Awty contracts with AFC Transportation to provide bus service to and from the school. Buses pick-up and drop-off riders at designated points. Bus fees for 2025-2026 are $3,500 for round-trip ridership and $1,750 for one-way ridership.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Fees and one‑off deposits - Application fee (one‑time, non‑refundable): USD 250. - New student fee (one‑time, non‑refundable on joining): USD 2,500. - Enrolment deposit (yearly; credited against the first tuition instalment; non‑refundable): USD 2,000. Tuition fees by year group (annual and per term) - The school year is organised in three terms. Per‑term values shown below are the annual fee divided by three (three terms per academic year). - Early Years 1 / PK3 / Nursery (mornings or afternoons only, 5 days per week): USD 15,540 per year — USD 5,180 per term. - Early Years 1 / PK3 / Nursery (3 full days per week): USD 16,950 per year — USD 5,650 per term. - Early Years 1 / Nursery; Early Years 2 / Reception (full time, 5 days per week): USD 28,250 per year — USD 9,417 per term. - EY2 / Reception / PK4 (full time): USD 29,250 per year — USD 9,750 per term. - Year 1 (Kindergarten) through Year 2 (First Grade): USD 29,975 per year — USD 9,992 per term. - Year 3 (Second Grade) through Year 5 (Fourth Grade): USD 31,975 per year — USD 10,659 per term. - Year 6 (Fifth Grade): USD 32,950 per year — USD 10,983 per term. - Year 7 (Sixth Grade): USD 33,750 per year — USD 11,250 per term. - Year 8 (Seventh Grade): USD 34,950 per year — USD 11,650 per term. - Year 9 (Eighth Grade): USD 36,500 per year — USD 12,167 per term. - Year 10 (Ninth Grade): USD 36,950 per year — USD 12,317 per term. - Year 11 (Tenth Grade): USD 37,950 per year — USD 12,650 per term. - Year 12 (Eleventh Grade): USD 38,950 per year — USD 12,983 per term. - Year 13 (Twelfth Grade): USD 39,500 per year — USD 13,167 per term. Note: Tuition is subject to annual increases; the enrolment deposit is applied to reduce the first tuition instalment. What is included and excluded from tuition - Included: digital books, IGCSE and IB examination fees (initial exam entries), school‑loaned iPads (Years 1–9), technology fees, use of facilities, and administrative fees. - Not included: personal technology for Years 10–13, school meal plans, transportation (bus) fees, uniforms, residential trips and special events, and extra private music lessons. Additional exam‑related costs (re‑marks, certificate courier costs outside Houston) may incur separate charges. Learning support and EAL (English as an Additional Language) fees - Learning support: additional learning support services are charged at extra cost; fees vary according to the level and type of support recommended by the Learning Support Team and must be approved in advance. - EAL fees (yearly and per‑term breakdown by level): - Years 1–2: Skilled 3–4 hours — USD 3,000 per year (Term 1 USD 1,350; Term 2 USD 1,050; Term 3 USD 600). No cost for up to 2 hours/week when minimal support required. - Years 3–6: Skilled 3–4 hours USD 3,000 per year (T1 USD 1,350; T2 USD 1,050; T3 USD 600); Intermediate 5–7 hours USD 6,000 per year (T1 USD 2,700; T2 USD 2,100; T3 USD 1,200); Intensive 8–10 hours USD 9,000 per year (T1 USD 4,050; T2 USD 3,150; T3 USD 1,800). - Years 7–13: Skilled 4–5 hours USD 3,000 per year (T1 USD 1,350; T2 USD 1,050; T3 USD 600); Intermediate 6–7 hours USD 6,000 per year (T1 USD 2,700; T2 USD 2,100; T3 USD 1,200); Intensive 8–10 hours USD 9,000 per year (T1 USD 4,050; T2 USD 3,150; T3 USD 1,800). Transport and bus fees - The school operates a contracted premium school bus service. Bus fees are billed per term or per year. For the 2025–26 season (published bus rates), the typical costs per student are: full‑time routes USD 1,645 per term (USD 4,935 per year); mornings‑only or afternoons‑only USD 905 per term (USD 2,705 per year). Bus enrolment is for the full school year but may be paid by term; withdrawal from bus services during the school year requires one full term's notice. Other costs and regular extras - Uniforms and dress code: uniforms are not included in tuition. Uniform items are purchased from the school's designated supplier (FlynnO'Hara) and spirit wear is available from the campus Spirit Store; families should budget separately for uniform purchases. Formal dress code guidance and supplier details are provided by the school. - School meals and canteen accounts: meal plans and a la carte purchases are not included in tuition; families set up student meal accounts (MyKidsSpending) and fund them separately. - After‑school activities and instrumentals: co‑curricular and ASA bookings are paid in advance through the school's activity registration system; some after‑school sessions have per‑session fees (for example, certain after‑school sessions listed at USD 10 per session). Summer camp and holiday programme fees are additional (example: regular day camp USD 550 per week; extended day USD 700 per week; registration fee USD 15 per week for Camp Bulldog where offered). - External exam extras: initial IGCSE and IB exam entries are included; re‑marks, certificate courier charges outside Houston, and some external assessment fees are extra. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition billing options: 1‑Payment (annual), 2‑Payment (half‑yearly, with a 2% financing fee), or 10‑Payment (monthly, with a 5% financing fee). For re‑enrolling families the typical schedule is: 1‑Payment due in June; 2‑Payment due in June and November; 10‑Payment due monthly from June through March. - The enrolment deposit is credited against the first instalment. Transportation is billed per term or annually depending on the option selected; ASA and activity fees are invoiced when booked and are payable in advance. Exam fees beyond initial entries and additional learning support charges are invoiced separately. - Finance contacts for billing queries: the Finance Office (Finance Director and Finance Officer) handle all financial matters and can be contacted directly. Payment can be remitted online via the school's payment portal. Refunds, deposits and withdrawal notice - Application fee, New Student Fee, and Enrolment Deposit are non‑refundable. The enrolment deposit is applied to the first tuition payment but is not refundable. - Withdrawal notice: families in their first academic year must submit a withdrawal form before the re‑enrolment deadline in order to avoid further charges; families enrolled for more than one academic year must give one full term's notice of departure. Outstanding fees and costs must be paid before departure; official school records (reports, transcripts, certificates) are released only when all fees are up to date. - Force majeure: in the event of a Force Majeure Event that prevents full or partial reopening, the school is under no obligation to refund any portion of fees paid unless otherwise indicated by the school. Mitigation measures (such as virtual schooling) may be provided at the school's discretion. Boarding - Boarding is not offered at this campus; boarding fees are not applicable. The school operates as a day school with on‑site facilities and transport options. Practical payment notes - The enrolment deposit reduces the first instalment balance; financing fees apply if choosing 2‑ or 10‑payment plans. Parents receive invoices and should contact the Finance Office for invoice copies or billing queries. Payments may be remitted through the school's online payment portal; the Finance Office provides invoice and payment administration.	Fee details Application and Enrollment Fees - Application fee: USD 200 (one-time, for all new students not previously enrolled within the last three school years). - New Student Fee: USD 1,500 (due at time of enrollment; non-refundable). - Registration fee: USD 250 (assessed at enrollment). - Capital Building Fee: USD 1,250 (assessed at enrollment). Annual Tuition — 2026–2027 academic year (by programme / grade group) - PK3 – PK4: USD 30,180 per year. - Kinder/GS – Grade 1/CP: USD 31,240 per year. - Grades 2 – 5 (CE1 – CM2): USD 31,240 per year. - Grades 6 – 8 (6ème – 4ème): USD 35,050 per year. - Grades 9 – 12 (3ème – Tle): USD 38,070 per year. How tuition may be billed (payment schedules / per-term implications) - One-Payment plan: full annual tuition balance due in a single installment (balance payable by June 1). Families enrolling after June 1 pay one month after enrollment. Under this plan the full annual tuition above is billed as one payment. - Two-Payment plan: the annual tuition balance is split into two equal installments: 50% due June 1 and 50% due October 1. Under this plan each installment equals 50% of the annual tuition amount for the applicable grade group. A 5% finance fee applies to unpaid tuition under the Two-Payment plan; Tuition Insurance is required for families using the Two-Payment plan (cost noted below). - Monthly Installment plan: the annual tuition balance is divided into ten monthly installments payable June 1 through March 1. A 5% finance fee applies to unpaid tuition under the Monthly plan; Tuition Insurance is required for families choosing the Monthly plan (cost noted below). - Payment plan change fee: USD 100 per change of payment plan. - Note: fees (application, registration, capital, grade-level trip or exam fees, book fees, bus, etc.) are invoiced separately and are not covered by the tuition-only payment plans; those fees are billed and collected as invoiced by the Business Office. Tuition insurance and finance charges - Tuition Insurance: available to all families and required for those choosing the Two-Payment or Monthly Installment plans. The stated Tuition Insurance cost is 2.25% of the tuition. - Finance fee: a 5% finance fee is applied to unpaid tuition for families on the Two-Payment and Monthly Installment plans. Additional required and typical fees (per year / per item where shown) - Grade-specific trip, exam, and diploma fees (examples and ranges): - 6th Grade (6ème) Awty Connects Week activities: USD 500. - 7th Grade (5ème) Washington, D.C. class trip: USD 2,950. - 8th Grade (4ème) Big Bend class trip: USD 1,200. - 3ème Brevet exam (average): ~USD 170. - 10th grade / 2nde and 11th grade / 1ère Awty Connects Week experiential trips: ranges USD 250 – USD 6,000 depending on chosen activity. - International Baccalaureate fee (Grades 11 and 12): USD 1,100 (2026–2027). - French Baccalauréat exam/registration fees (1ère / Terminale): ranges shown (e.g., ~USD 260 for 1ère; USD 310–600 for Terminale registration/exam). - Senior fee (Grade 12 / Tle): USD 750. - Book fees (ELC and Lower School) — charged by grade group and include required books and supplies (textbook rental policy noted): - PK3 – PK4: USD 240. - Kinder/GS: USD 355. - Grades 1–5: USD 485. - CP – CM2: USD 405. - Middle and Upper School estimated book ranges (depend on electives): MS (6–8) USD 700–850; US (9–12) USD 750–1,100 (estimates; used-book discounts noted where applicable). - Uniforms: all students in Kinder/GS and above must wear the school uniform; average uniform cost is USD 200–250 (full dress and daily uniform required). - Bus service: contracted bus service is available; annual bus fees for 2026–2027 are USD 3,500 for round-trip and USD 1,750 for one-way (route availability is subject to minimum ridership and routing changes). Awty Plus (after-school / activity programme) fees - Awty Plus example fees per semester (packages and single-day options): Activity Package (five-day) — Fall USD 2,375; Spring USD 2,731. Stay & Study/Play (five-day) — Fall USD 1,733; Spring USD 1,830. Single-day activity or stay & study options are listed at lower per-semester amounts. One-on-one music: USD 45 (half hour) / USD 85 (hour). Late pick-up and other occurrence fees apply. Refund policy for Awty Plus: full refund (less USD 100 administrative fee) if a student withdraws before attending the selected activity; no refunds after the first day of class (Awty Plus policy). Boarding - Boarding is not applicable. The Awty International School is an international day school (PK3–Grade 12); it operates as a day school rather than a boarding school. Refund and withdrawal information (tuition and fees) - Enrollment-time fees (New Student Fee and Registration Fee) are due at the time of enrollment and are non-refundable. - The Student/Parent Handbook states there will be no refund of tuition when withdrawal or dismissal occurs because a student's living arrangements violate the School's residence requirement. The Handbook also states that in a force majeure closure the School is under no obligation to refund any portion of tuition paid. These specific Handbook provisions apply to enforced withdrawal and force majeure circumstances. - Awty Plus program refunds: full refund less USD 100 administrative fee if withdrawn before attending; no refunds after the first day of class. How parents are billed and common payment methods - Billing and payment activity is managed through the school's parent portal and tuition-management systems (the school uses a Blackbaud / MySchoolApp integration for parent access and tuition billing). Families receive invoices from the Business Office and fees are charged to student accounts accordingly. - Typical payment methods used with the Blackbaud / MySchoolApp tuition-management workflow include credit/debit card and ACH/eCheck (payment processors commonly assess a convenience/processing fee for credit-card transactions; ACH/eCheck is typically offered with lower or no processing fee). Specific accepted card types and any convenience fee amount depend on the tuition-management processor and the school's chosen settings. Examples of Blackbaud tuition-management implementations list Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express as accepted cards and note convenience fees on credit-card transactions. Billing terms and collection notes - Fees (application, registration, capital, exam, trip, book, bus, Awty Plus) are invoiced by the Business Office and must be paid as invoiced; payment plans described above apply to tuition only, not to separately invoiced fees. Late or unpaid balances are subject to the school's established collection/finance policies as set out by the Business Office and tuition-management procedures. (End of fees overview.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements Day school; no boarding facilities.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The BIS Houston has uniforms and a dress code guidelines. The uniform provider is FlynnO'Hara; Years 12 and 13 follow a dress code similar to professional attire.	Uniform requirement Uniforms must be purchased through Dennis Uniforms or the Used Uniform store. A free P.E. uniform (shorts and a T-shirt) is issued to each student during the first week of school; additional uniforms can be purchased at the School Store.
Food options	Food options Lunch is provided by Flik Independent School Dining with two options: Meal Plan (all-inclusive lunch) and A La Carte Options. Meals include a daily hot entrée, sides, and a beverage; Early Years meal plans require weekly preselection. BIS Houston uses MyKidsSpending to manage meal accounts.	Food options SAGE Dining Services manages the school food service; the daily menu is posted in the myAWTY portal; lunch and snacks are included in tuition; the school maintains a nut-free and peanut-free environment; for students with severe food allergies, Magnus Health documentation and an action plan are required on file at the School Clinic.
House system	House system The BIS Houston uses a house system with four houses: Fire, Water, Earth, and Air.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is part of Nord Anglia Education.	Governance and ownership Independent school governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board hires and oversees the Head of School; the school merged with the French School of Houston in 1984 to form The Awty International School.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school has the English National Curriculum (including the Early Years Foundation Stage), the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), and the International Baccalaureate Diploma or Career-related Programme.	Curriculum details Awty serves PK3–12 with two language programs: the French Accredited Program, which follows the French National Curriculum and culminates in the French Baccalaureate, and the International Program, which leads to the International Baccalaureate Diploma or the United States High School Diploma. Early Learning (PK3–1st/CP) uses French and Spanish immersion to build bilingual foundations. In Lower School, the International Program is taught in English or Spanish, while the French Program follows the French National Curriculum, with Cycle 2 (CP–CE2) leading into Cycle 3 (CM1–6ème); both tracks include daily second language instruction (English for French Accredited Program; French or Spanish for International). The World Language Department offers additional languages (Arabic, Chinese Mandarin, German, Hindi, Japanese, Russian), with courses at different levels and CEFR guiding language learning. In Upper School, graduates earn the American High School Diploma and either the International Baccalaureate Diploma or the French Baccalaureate Diploma; the school emphasizes inquiry-based learning and advisory support as part of university preparation. The program emphasizes multilingualism, with English, French, and Spanish immersion and CEFR guidance across language learning.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio 8:1.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results Awty reports pass rates above 90% in both the International Baccalaureate and French Baccalaureate programs.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates can pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma, the International Baccalaureate Career-related Diploma, or a US High School Diploma.	Higher education progression Graduates matriculate primarily to United States universities; the Class of 2023 US matriculation was 87% with France 6%, Canada 4%, and Other 3%. Notable universities attended by Awty graduates include University of Massachusetts (Boston and Amherst), University of Michigan, University of Pennsylvania, USC, Notre Dame, Wake Forest, and Washington University in St. Louis, among others. All graduates prepare for either the French Baccalaureate or International Baccalaureate alongside the United States High School Diploma.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented Awty supports gifted and talented students through formal honors and societies, including National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, Société Honoraire de Français, National Art Honor Society, National Chinese Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and Tri-M Music Honor Society. NHS/NJHS memberships have specific criteria and service components; SHF recognizes top French-language excellence; NAHS and other honor societies support arts, languages, and academics.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The BIS Houston Global Campus connects BIS Houston students with peers across Nord Anglia Education globally. The platform is purpose-built to support students academically, socially, and emotionally. It fosters cross-cultural understanding, empathy, agency, and collaboration. Global Campus is a powerful extension of the classroom, helping students feel part of something larger than the local community.	Social & emotional learning Awty's Social-Emotional Learning program empowers students with skills, strategies, and resources to meet life's challenges with resilience, solve social problems skillfully, and make meaningful contributions as global citizens of strong character. Research-informed lessons are designed in harmony with the French Program cycle standards and in alignment with CASEL social and emotional learning competencies, the Partnership for 21st Century Learning themes and skills, and the International School Counseling Association standards and competencies. Penny Cleveland, LCSW-S, Head of Wellness Counseling; Bhavin Misra, M.S., RYT, Secondary School Counselor; Claudia Escalante, LPC, Lower School Counselor; and Kimberly Hight, LPC, RPT, Early Learning Counselor, provide guidance and support within the program. The program integrates counseling services with classroom activities and school-wide initiatives to foster social-emotional development across divisions. The School Counselor for each division is available to answer questions and provide additional information.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school provides Learning Support and Counselling Services through its Student Support Services. The English as an Additional Language (EAL) Department offers tailored language support with personalised learning plans and regular assessments. Heritage Language Programmes support students' first languages (e.g., Dutch, German, French, Spanish) as part of multilingual provision.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English is the language of instruction in the classroom. The English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme supports multilingual students with personalised learning plans and regular assessments. EAL provision helps students build confidence and language skills to access BIS Houston's curriculum.	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Wellbeing is a central priority at BIS Houston. Dedicated counselling is available to students, with mindfulness sessions and health-focused professional development for staff. The school emphasises mental health and emotional resilience as part of its education, with a school counsellor providing individual and group wellbeing support.	Mental wellbeing Awty's Wellness Counselors collaborate with the pedagogical team and parents to promote the academic success and social-emotional well-being of students. Throughout the year, the counselors provide observation and consultation for students, faculty, and parents. They offer social-emotional learning opportunities, character education, and special programs that prepare students for the challenges of life. Students are welcome to initiate a meeting with a counselor, and referrals to the counselors can be made by administrators, teachers, and parents. Wellness Counselors provide parents with information and strategies to support their children's development through parenting forums on a variety of topics during the school year, and they are available to meet with families on request. Penny Cleveland, Head of Wellness Counseling, and the other counselors are listed on the Wellness Counselors page.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding As a Nord Anglia Education school, BIS Houston implements the Nord Anglia Education Safeguarding Policy to provide a safe and happy environment and to safeguard students. The Designated Safeguarding Lead is Gemma Averette. Staff are trained on safeguarding and reporting procedures; Texas law requires staff to report safeguarding concerns to CPS or law enforcement within 48 hours. The school maintains safeguarding procedures and policies, including a Suicide Prevention Policy and on-site security.	Safeguarding Abuse prevention training is encouraged for parents. To participate as a volunteer, a background check and volunteer training are part of the onboarding process. Wellness Counselors collaborate with families and the pedagogical team to safeguard students' well-being. The school provides safeguarding resources and can refer families to community resources as needed. Parents and staff may seek guidance through the school's safeguarding and wellness channels.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The BIS Houston campus sits on 33 acres in Katy with glass architecture designed for collaborative learning. A central atrium connects learning activities and glass walls keep student work visible. MIT-inspired Maker Spaces support modelling, prototyping and building creative projects. The Juilliard-influenced Performing Arts Centre offers a 600-seat theatre, a black box space, a choral room and a dance studio. The Agora library provides a university-style space for all year groups, and the BOMA cafeteria includes a Parent Café.	Facilities overview The Awty International School is located on a 15-acre campus in central Houston. The campus includes 120 classrooms, science laboratories, art rooms, computer laboratories, libraries, and a cafeteria. It features two covered basketball/volleyball courts, a state-of-the-art athletics center, two soccer fields, and two gymnasiums. Awty Field provides a soccer pitch, an Olympic-sized all-weather track, and four tennis courts. The Early Learning Campus serves PK3 through 1st grade.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Two NCAA-sized gymnasiums. A six-lane aquatics centre. FIFA-regulation soccer pitches. A fitness suite. Additional spaces support other sports and athletics.	Sports facilities Awty Field contains a soccer pitch, an Olympic-sized track, and four tennis courts. The Performing Arts and Athletic Center (PAAC) houses basketball and volleyball programs. Awty Field and the PAAC each include their own weight room and a sports medicine facility. Two gymnasiums support indoor athletics. Athletic facilities are used for practices and matches by student-athletes.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities MIT-inspired Maker Spaces enable modelling, prototyping and building. The Juilliard-influenced Performing Arts Centre provides a 600-seat theatre, a black box space, a choral room and a dance studio. The Agora is a university-inspired library with a bright common space for all year groups. The campus uses technology in lessons and holds Apple Distinguished School designation for the 2024–2027 term, with a 1:1 iPad program from Early Years through Middle School and MacBook options from Year 10 onward. Central atrium and glass walls connect learners across year groups.	Academic facilities A secondary school building opened in 1996 includes computer laboratories, foreign language laboratories, and a library. The elementary building includes a computer lab, a media room, an infirmary, two art rooms, and a teacher's lounge and workroom. Science laboratories support hands-on learning across the sciences. Libraries and a cafeteria serve academic and community needs. The campus also features language and technology spaces to support learning.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Learning happens everywhere in flexible spaces and outdoors, with spaces designed for learning, play and sports and athletics. Students can engage in public speaking on the stage. The central library brings students together across year groups, supporting collaboration. Apple Distinguished School designation shows technology is integrated into learning across the curriculum; BIS Houston runs a 1:1 device program. Creativity and arts are supported through maker spaces and the Performing Arts Centre.	Extra curricular facilities The Performing Arts and Athletic Center (PAAC) houses basketball and volleyball programs. Awty Field provides a soccer pitch, an Olympic-sized track, and four tennis courts. Awty Field and the PAAC include weight rooms and a sports medicine facility. Two gymnasiums support indoor athletics. Art rooms and a media room support visual arts and media-related activities, and libraries provide spaces for clubs and collaborative work.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Established in 2000 in Katy, Texas. BIS Houston offers education for students aged 3 to 18. The school serves a community of learners from more than 75 nationalities. The British International School of Houston is part of the Nord Anglia Education family, with teachers who are leaders in well-established, globally recognised curricula of British heritage and international scope. BIS Houston is accredited to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and Cambridge IGCSE, and NEASC accredited; it is a COBIS member and has Apple Distinguished School recognition.	History The Awty School was founded by Kathleen "Kay" Awty in 1956 as a preschool. In 1975, an Upper School was incorporated, and in 1984 Awty merged with the French School of Houston to become The Awty International School. Today, The Awty International School is Houston's largest private school and the second largest international school in the United States, serving PK3 through 12th grade with a path to the International Baccalaureate Diploma or the French Baccalauréat, and it is fully accredited by the French Ministry of Education. The campus sits on a 15-acre campus in central Houston and includes facilities such as 120 classrooms, science laboratories, art rooms, computer laboratories, libraries, a cafeteria, two gymnasiums, and extensive athletic facilities. Enrollment has grown from 750 to more than 1,700 over the past 20 years, reflecting its growth and expansion.
Community	Community BIS Houston provides learning experiences that connect students to the world. Teachers are internationally experienced and inspire confidence, resilience, and creativity within an internationally minded environment. The school serves a welcoming community with learners from over 75 nationalities. We collaborate with partners such as MIT, UNICEF, Juilliard, and IMG Academy to enhance opportunities for students.	Community The Awty community includes students from more than 50 countries representing more than 40 languages. Social-emotional learning and character development are highly emphasized within Awty's community. The Awty Experience includes community celebrations such as the International Festival. Our four core values—curiosity, courage, kindness, and community—guide everything we do, shaping what students learn and who they become.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school has a Parent Teacher Organisation (PTO) that is led by several committee members who work with the School Leadership Team to create a welcoming and inclusive community. With a diverse school population, BIS Houston's PTO is a vital part of the school community. The PTO organises events throughout the academic year, and supports new families to help them feel welcome beyond the classroom. Events include whole-school fairs, off-site parent events, courses/lectures for parents, casual coffee mornings, and second-hand uniform sales. The PTO Board includes President Yasmin Wilkinson; VP of Programmes Martha Quintero; VP of Neighbourhood Representatives Susan Lam; Secretary Claire Allard; and Treasurer Olga Takhtarova.	Parent teacher association The Awty Parents and Personnel Association (APPA) is the main parent volunteer organization at The Awty International School and oversees parent involvement at all grade levels. APPA coordinates volunteer activities for The Awty Annual Fund, Awty Gala, Admissions events, Awty Cultural Connections (ACC), Awty Dads Club, Awty Village, Fine Arts Booster Club, and Rams Booster Club. The Awty Annual Fund relies on volunteer teams and raised over $1,000,000 last year. Awty Gala is the school's largest annual fundraising event, organized by dedicated volunteers. ACC coordinates monthly outings to celebrate Houston's arts, culture, and social events.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Model United Nations exposes students to diplomacy, international issues, and diverse cultural perspectives. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award provides a framework for resilience, leadership, and service through age-appropriate activities. Global Campus collaborations connect BIS Houston students with peers worldwide to work on shared projects and global challenges in areas such as UNICEF's Global Challenge and the Share a Dream program. These experiences extend learning beyond the classroom through real-world inquiry and leadership opportunities.	Academic & intellectual Awty offers a broad range of academically oriented clubs across Middle and Upper School. Examples include Math Club, Applied Math Club, Robotics Club, Science Olympiad Club, and STEM Innovation Club. Upper School also features Coding/Programming Club and a variety of language- and culture-related clubs (Arabic Club, China Club, Book Club).
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Students may choose from visual and performing arts activities including dance, crafts, and photography. The Juilliard-Nord Anglia Performing Arts Programme enriches music, drama, and dance. BIS Houston offers vocal groups and ensembles as part of its music program developed with Juilliard. These opportunities foster creative expression and collaboration through performance.	Arts & creative Awty's Arts program includes Performing Arts (Band, Choir, Dance, Orchestra, Theatre) and Visual Arts, with Fine Arts Events and a Fine Arts Booster Club. The Awty Plus program expands arts offerings with Art, Arts Alive!, Storytelling with Arts Alive!, and a range of dance and theatre experiences. Additional music opportunities include One-on-One Music Programs with private lessons.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Model United Nations exposes students to diplomacy, international issues, and diverse cultural perspectives. Global Campus links BIS Houston with Nord Anglia peers worldwide for cross-cultural challenges and collaborative projects. Participation in UNICEF's Global Challenge and the Share a Dream program fosters global citizenship and social awareness. The school embeds UN SDGs and the UNCRC into activities, strengthening international-mindedness.	Cultural & language Awty provides cultural and language opportunities through multiple clubs and language classes. Upper School hosts Arabic Club, China Club, and Spanish Club, while Awty Plus offers Chinese and Persian language programs. Ritmo y Movimiento provides Spanish-language music and movement experiences as part of language immersion.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies After School Activities (ASAs) provide opportunities across interest areas after school every day. The programme includes basketball, soccer, Lego, robotics, tennis, gymnastics, fencing, Karate, and dance. ASAs run from 3:45 to 4:45 pm for Early Years through High School. Sign-ups are managed through SchoolsBuddy on a first-come, first-served basis, with block dates published each term.	Social & hobbies Awty offers a wide array of social and hobby clubs reflecting diverse interests. Middle School clubs include Art Club, Astronomy Club, Book Club, Chess Club, Dungeons and Dragons Club, Environmental Club, History Club, Houston Food Bank, and Yearbook. Upper School offers additional options such as Chess Club, Game Making Club, Creative Writing Club, Cultural Diversity Club, Drama Club, Photography Club, and more.
Community & service	Community & service Global Campus's Social Purpose programme includes learning about the UN SDGs and UNICEF's Global Challenge. The Share a Dream initiative focuses on social outreach across BIS Houston and Nord Anglia peers. BIS Houston also runs Tanzanian expeditions to contribute to local communities and engage in service activities. These initiatives cultivate civic responsibility and teamwork.	Community & service Awty offers community service opportunities through student-led projects and clubs. The Houston Food Bank club is available as part of Middle School activities and participates in service initiatives. Additional service opportunities are available through various student groups and leadership activities.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Model United Nations builds leadership, teamwork, and public speaking. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award encourages resilience, creativity, leadership, and civic competence. Global Games and Nord Anglia collaborations provide opportunities to lead teams in cross-school events. These experiences complement classroom learning by developing practical leadership and collaboration skills.	Leadership & professional Leadership opportunities include the Awty Mentorship Program. Student Government operates at Upper, Middle, and Lower School levels, with Councils that plan events, sponsor activities, and foster collaboration. The school also recognizes student achievement through Honor Societies such as National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, Socie9te9 Honoraire de Frane7ais, National Art Honor Society, National Chinese Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and Tri-M Music Honor Society.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Athletics includes cross-country, volleyball, soccer, swimming, basketball, track and field, tennis, golf, and esports. The Personal Social Health and Emotional (PSHE) curriculum covers psychology, relationships, health, emotional literacy, mindfulness, social skills, and well-being. School assemblies foster student voice and confidence as part of BIS Houston's wellbeing approach. The school prioritizes wellbeing as an essential part of student development.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Awty offers extensive athletic opportunities with facilities such as Awty Field (soccer pitch, Olympic-sized all-weather track, four tennis courts) and the Performing Arts and Athletic Center (PAAC) for basketball and volleyball. The athletics program is supported by close to 50 coaches and a certified athletic trainer, emphasizing leadership, teamwork, and resilience. The overall program promotes physical health, competitive spirit, and community engagement as part of a well-rounded student experience.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Heritage Language Programmes are offered for Dutch, German, French, and Spanish. Dutch and German heritage programmes are available for native-speaking students from Years 1 to 11; French heritage language programme is available for students in Years 1 to 11 who can read and write in French; Spanish heritage language programme serves Spanish-speaking students from Years 1 to 9. In Primary and Middle School, heritage language and cultural enrichment is provided for at least one hour per week. The school also runs an EAL (English as an Additional Language) programme with 1–10 hours of instruction per week, depending on level, with proficiency assessed against CEFR levels.	Language provision Other languages offered through the World Language Department include Arabic, Chinese Mandarin, German, Hindi, Japanese, and Russian.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching The school has bilingual tracks in English plus French or English plus Spanish. In Maternelle (PK3/PS and PK4), immersion is French with daily instruction in English. In Kindergarten, the language of instruction alternates daily between French and English as students develop fluency in both languages. CP through CM2 deliver core subjects in French, while certain specialty classes (art, physical education, music, creativity, design and innovation) are taught in English, in addition to daily English Language Arts. In higher grades, English continues to be studied and students participate in a diverse international community.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs The school offers language immersion programs in English, French, and Spanish, with opportunities to study these languages at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. A third language is available at the Early Learning and Lower School levels as an extracurricular option through Awty Plus; starting in Middle School, students add a third language during the regular school day. In the French Accredited Program, a third language (LV2) is compulsory starting in 6ème. In the International Program, a third language is mandatory.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards null
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations The Awty International School is accredited by the French Ministry of Education and participates with AEFE and Mission Laïque Française; it is also associated with the International Baccalaureate (IB), the Council of International Schools (CIS), NAIS, and AAIE.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Enquire. Contact BIS Houston by phone, email, or the online enquiry form. The Admissions Team will guide you through next steps and answer questions, including entry requirements. To apply, prepare your child's drawing or writing task as defined in Entry Requirements; teacher evaluation forms for your child's year; and transcripts from the current and previous school year. 2. Discover BIS Houston. Visit BIS Houston to see the campus and classrooms and speak with teachers for firsthand information. 3. Apply. Submit your online application. Applications are accepted throughout the school year, and places are offered based on availability. The Admissions Team can answer questions and explain BIS Houston's entry requirements. You will need to prepare the drawing or writing task, teacher evaluations, and transcripts as part of the application.	Admissions 1. Submit the online admissions application via Ravenna. Create a family account and a profile for each applicant. Enter the intended entry year and select the program track or diploma focus. Applications for 2026-2027 open September 1, 2025, with deadlines of October 31 (PK3–5th/CM2) and November 21 (6th/6ème–12th/Tle). 2. Submit the online application along with the parent statement (for all grades) and, for 6th–12th, the student statement. Pay the $200 non-refundable application fee. Ravenna will guide you to upload required materials and to verify guardian contact information; all other requirements are due by mid-January. 3. Arrange and complete the required standardized admissions tests. PK4–5th graders takeWPPSI or WISC, while 6th–12th graders take the ISEE. Tests are scheduled through Collaborative Academic Testing Service (CATs) or ERB; review the admissions checklist for specifics. 4. Attend admissions events and book tours through Ravenna. In-person tours are available to families who apply and can be booked after submission; tours run September through December. Ravenna also lets you schedule admissions events and view decisions. 5. Files are reviewed by the Admissions Committee and decisions are communicated in early March. If relocating and space is limited, inquire with Admissions about openings; late applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis if openings exist. 6. If your child is in the waiting pool, you will be contacted immediately if an opening becomes available; the waiting pool is not ranked and stays open until the first day of school. If admitted, respond with enrollment by the stated deadline (March 25, 2026). 7. Legacy considerations apply: qualified applicants whose parent is an Awty alumnus, an employee, or already has a child enrolled may receive special consideration in the admissions process. 8. Financial aid decisions are separate from admissions. The school offers need-based aid to admitted students; there are no merit scholarships. Applications for aid are submitted through Blackbaud Financial Aid, with a February 15, 2026 deadline. For French citizens applying to the French Accredited Program, the French Bourse via Houston's French Consulate is available.
Scholarships	Scholarships FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS BIS Houston awards financial aid based on demonstrated financial need. BIS Houston partners with TADS, a third-party financial aid assessment service. To submit a financial aid application, parents should complete the Parents' Financial Statement (PFS) and submit required supporting documents. For the 2026-2027 school year, applications open on February 1, 2026 on the TADS Family Portal with the school partner code 200293. A Financial Aid Committee reviews completed TADS applications and recommends awards, which require additional approval. Incomplete TADS applications are not reviewed. All financial aid information is confidential and financial aid only covers partial tuition. The review process begins in February each year and continues until funds are exhausted; priority review is given to re-enrolling families who submit their TADS applications in February. If a family receives an award, there is a deadline to accept and return an enrollment contract. Financial aid is awarded for one school year and there is no guarantee for subsequent years. For new families, a student must apply and be accepted before the financial aid application is reviewed. If awarded, the family will be notified by the Admissions Coordinator and given a deadline to enroll. For re-enrolling families, awards are not given to families with past due balances. TEFA funding is available; families must also apply for TEFA via Odyssey and share TEFA decisions with BIS Houston. Steps for TEFA: 1) Submit Financial Aid information via the TADS Family Portal; 2) Apply for TEFA funding through Odyssey; 3) Share TEFA results with BIS Houston. TEFA and Financial Aid are coordinated with BIS Houston. HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP: We welcome applications from any student who will be in high school in the 26/27 school year (Year 10 to Year 13).	Scholarships The school offers need-based financial aid to admitted students; no merit scholarships are offered. Financial aid applications are submitted through Blackbaud Financial Aid, with a February 15, 2026 deadline. Aid decisions are communicated as part of the admissions process and aid is typically awarded on a year-to-year basis. For French citizens applying to the French Accredited Program, the French Bourse through Houston's French Consulate is available.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Waiting pool exists. If an opening becomes available, the Admissions Office will contact you right away. The waiting pool is not ranked and stays open until the first day of school. Families should re-apply for the following academic year if no spot is offered.
	View full profile →	View full profile →