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Austin International School

United States, Austin

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The school at a glance
Instructs in French, English, Spanish
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 3 - 14 years
Pupil numbers 367
Type Co-educational
Opened 2001
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum French Curriculum, American Curriculum, IB (MYP)
Taught languages French, English, Spanish
Typical class size 18
Strengths STEM, Languages, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Kindergarten, Elementary, Primary School, Middle School
Introduction

Austin International School is a private, trilingual day school in Austin, Texas, serving students from age 3 to 14. The curriculum blends the French National Curriculum with American standards, guided by the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme framework and ACTFL language benchmarks. Students learn in French, Spanish and English, with about 60% of instruction delivered in French. AIS's four-curriculum approach combines the French National Curriculum, Common Core Standards, IB standards and language-acquisition goals to support a smooth transition into either American or French education systems. AIS operates on the Adelphi Lane campus, with expansion planned to Cassady Drive that will add specialty classrooms and a clinic. The Design and Innovation Studio (DIS) anchors hands-on, project-based learning and serves as the MYP design classroom. AIS maintains small class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio, and nurtures a diverse community drawn from 60+ nationalities and 20+ languages, underpinned by a French ministry affiliation.

4001 Adelphi Ln, Austin, TX 78727, United States

The Essentials

Austin International School has 367 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in French, English, Spanish.

Location
4001 Adelphi Ln, Austin, Texas 78727. Main Office: 512.331.7806; info@austininternationalschool.org.

Stages
Maternelle – Early Learning; Élémentaire – Elementary School; Collège – Middle School; International Baccalaureate® (IB MYP) in the Middle School.

Type
Private, trilingual day school.

Pupil Nationality Mix
60+ nationalities represented; 20+ home languages.

Additional learning support
Academic interventions in French, English, and Spanish.

Country affiliation
Affiliated with the French Ministry of Education.

School day structure
Campus open Monday–Friday, 7:50 am–6:00 pm. Drop-off: Maternelle 7:55–8:25 am; CP-CM2 7:55–8:15 am; Middle School 7:55–8:10 am. Class times: PS 8:25 am–3:25 pm (Wed 2:25 pm); CP–CM2 8:15 am–3:30 pm (Wed 2:30 pm); Middle School 8:10 am–3:40 pm (Wed 2:40 pm). Extended care from 3:45 pm (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri) or 2:45 pm (Wed) to 6:00 pm.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are solid navy or white polo shirts or blouses with AIS logos, and navy bottoms. Hoodies are not allowed except AIS-branded middle-school sweatshirts. Lands' End sells polos and PE shirts with the AIS logo, and SquadLocker offers AIS spirit wear.

Food Options
Lunch program is provided through Barnison catering with gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options in a nut-free kitchen; meals are ordered online through Barnison's platform. Pizza Fridays are offered by the AIS PTO.

Governance and Ownership
AIS is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Board meetings are open to the public for observation and community comments.
Fees
Application and Registration Fees
- New student registration fee: USD 1,500 one-time, non-refundable, due at time of enrollment.
- New-student deposit: USD 1,000 per student, non-refundable, due by May 1, 2026; credited toward annual tuition.
- Re-enrolling student deposit: USD 1,000 per student, non-refundable, due by February 6, 2026; credited toward annual tuition.

Tuition (per-grade / per-term amounts)
- No per-grade or per-term tuition amounts are published publicly; a specific tuition schedule by grade and by term is not available in the school's publicly posted tuition information. Because those detailed numbers are not published, per-term and per-grade tuition amounts cannot be listed here.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Families who pay tuition in full by July 10, 2026 receive a 5% discount on tuition.
- The school requires deposits to secure enrollment with the dates and amounts noted above; deposits are non-refundable but are credited toward the annual tuition balance.
- Extended-care and incidental charges are billed through the school's FACTS billing system; extended-care fees are automatically charged to the FACTS account. FACTS provides payment-plan options and supports automatic bank withdrawal (ACH) and credit/debit card payments.
- Early-withdrawal / notice requirements: written notice at least two months (60 days) before withdrawal is required. If two months' notice is given, a family is responsible only for payment for the months the student was enrolled. If less than two months' notice is provided, a penalty equal to two monthly payments plus 5% of the remaining balance applies; penalty amounts are deducted from any refundable balance. Refunds following withdrawal are processed within seven days.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable. The school serves early learning through middle school grade levels as a day school (PS/Pre-K through 8th grade).

Other costs and recurring fees
- Field trips and class travel (examples shown for 2026–2027): CM1/4th Grade class trip to West Texas USD 900; CM2/5th Grade trip to France USD 3,000; Middle School retreat USD 475; 4è/8th Grade trip to Spain USD 3,250. These are listed as additional, grade-specific trip costs.
- AIS Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) dues: USD 90 per family (annual).
- Extended care (example annual figure listed): USD 3,000 annually for extended-care charges (PS/Pre-K3 through CM2/5th Grade noted). Extended-care registration is managed through iClassPro and billed through FACTS. Late pick-up charge: USD 5.00 per minute after 6:00 pm.
- Lunch program: catered lunch service is run through an external lunch vendor (Barnison); families register and pay through the vendor's ordering platform. The vendor's ordering/payment process accepts card payments.
- Uniforms and PE attire: required uniform pieces (navy or white polos, navy bottoms, specified PE uniform for middle school). AIS-branded polos and PE shirts are available through Lands' End and spirit wear through the school's SquadLocker store; families may purchase uniform items from several common retailers. No fixed uniform price list is published.
- Afterschool activities, camps, and enrichment classes carry separate fees (examples include weekly camp prices and activity fees) and are billed separately. Fees vary by provider and program.

Refunds and non-refundable items
- The registration fee (USD 1,500) and the enrollment deposits (USD 1,000) are explicitly non-refundable but are credited against tuition where indicated.
- Early-withdrawal refund processing: when a family provides written notice, refunds (when applicable and after deductions per the early-withdrawal policy) are processed within seven days. Penalties apply if notice is provided less than two months in advance (two monthly payments plus 5% of remaining balance).

Fee payment methods and options
- The school uses FACTS for billing incidental charges and for processing payments; FACTS supports payment plans and multiple payment methods including automatic bank withdrawal (ACH) and credit/debit cards (credit-card convenience fees may apply per the payment processor's terms). Extended-care and many incidental charges are billed and collected via FACTS.
- Lunch and some program-specific payments are handled through third-party vendor platforms that accept card payments.

Notes on unavailable items (summary of limitation)
- A public, detailed tuition schedule showing specific annual and per-term tuition amounts broken out by each grade level was not published in the school's publicly posted tuition materials; therefore specific per-grade and per-term tuition figures are not included above. The tuition, deposit, field-trip, extended-care, PTO, and registration figures above reflect the amounts and terms that are publicly listed for the 2026–2027 academic year where available.
Academics

Austin International School teaches French Curriculum, American Curriculum, IB (MYP) for students aged 3 to 14.

Curriculum
The school teaches in French, Spanish, and English. The program is based on the French National Curriculum and aligned to the Common Core State Standards. A four-curriculum framework supports the program—the French National Curriculum, the Common Core Standards, the International Baccalaureate Standards, and the ACTFL Language Acquisition Standards. The curriculum is delivered through a holistic, multicultural lens and aims to enable a smooth transition into American or French education systems. Small class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio support individualized learning.

Student Teacher Ratio
Small class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio.

Exam Results
MAP Growth assessments measure reading, language usage, mathematics, and general science. AIS students perform, on average, about one grade level ahead of global peers.

Higher Education Progression
AIS alumni pursue higher education at universities around the world.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
AIS provides social and emotional support to all students through classroom, small-group, and individual levels in collaboration with the school counseling team. The approach is preventative and proactive and responsive to the mental, emotional, and social health of students and families. The counseling team includes Adrienne Carter and Ashley Kenebrew, School Counselors. Social-emotional support covers social and emotional wellness, emotional vocabulary and intelligence, coping and self-regulation, relationship building and maintenance, conflict resolution, interpersonal and social skills, and self-management and self-advocacy.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
AIS provides accommodations and targeted academic interventions within the seamless trilingual program. Accommodations are documented in a Student Accommodation Plan based on each child's diagnosis or evaluation and provided by classroom teachers. Academic interventions are delivered through push-in and/or pull-out support by learning specialists in French, English, and Spanish, including areas such as executive function, reading, writing, math, testing, and assistive technology. Structured literacy/dyslexia intervention is available where possible, and English-language supports are provided for non-native speakers. AIS's Special Education Needs policy notes that the school does not discriminate and admits students only if it can fully support them.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
AIS provides language-acquisition support for French, English, and Spanish for non-native speakers in addition to differentiated classroom instruction. Student language ability is evaluated using the CEFR and supports are provided on a case-by-case basis in collaboration with staff and families.

Mental Wellbeing
AIS delivers mental wellbeing support through its social-emotional program and school counseling services. The counseling team provides preventative and proactive support addressing students' mental, emotional, and social health, with counselors Adrienne Carter and Ashley Kenebrew available to students and families.

Safeguarding
AIS maintains health and safeguarding-related processes, including the AIS Wellness and Immunization Form and health forms such as the Medication Information and Administration Permission Form and the FARE Form for food allergies, plus a Central Texas Asthma Action Plan. Vaccination requirements are outlined as part of health policy, and admissions materials reference a Special Education Needs Policy and related safeguarding-oriented provisions.
Parent Experience

History
The school was founded in 2001 by local business leaders to provide an international education that meets the demands of an increasingly diverse and interconnected world. Originally the Lycée Français d'Austin (French School of Austin), it was renamed Austin International School in 2004 to reflect its mission. In 2011 the school purchased a permanent property at 4001 Adelphi Lane. In August 2017 AIS launched its middle school program and in 2023 became a Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) candidate school. Heads of School have included Ariane Baer-Harper (2023–Present) as well as prior leaders, listed on the site.

Community
The AIS community is close-knit and diverse, representing 60+ countries and 20+ languages. AIS celebrates a 25-year anniversary with a year-long calendar of activities, including an Annual Fund, the 25th Anniversary Soirée, a Time Capsule, a Wish Tree project, living history interviews, and monthly alumni spotlights. The community hosts ongoing events such as student track and field meets and language Bees (French, Spanish, and English) to showcase multilingual skills. These activities foster community involvement and cross-cultural exchange.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
All parents and guardians are welcome to join the PTO, an active nonprofit group that enhances the educational experience, strengthens community, and organizes social and fundraising events. The PTO elections are held in May, with a one-year term and a maximum of three terms, and members help direct fundraising and community initiatives. Volunteer opportunities include participating in events such as International Week, FundRun, End of Year performances, as well as routine duties like Pizza Fridays and Bake Sales. For more information, contact ais-pto@austinis.org.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
AIS operates on the Adelphi Lane campus and is expanding to Cassady Drive adjacent to the current campus. The expansion will create dedicated specialty classrooms and expand outdoor learning areas while preserving small class sizes and the trilingual education model. A clinic will be located on the Cassady Maternelle site, and a small commercial kitchen will support meals. Safety measures across both campuses include security film on windows and doors, security cameras, a security patrol, and a cross-campus radio system. Two separate drop-off/pick-up zones will be planned, and a clear path will connect the two campuses to enable shared activities.

Sports Facilities
AIS offers year-round athletic programs as a member of the APSA. Students in CM1–4e participate in Cross Country (CO-ED), Basketball (Boys, Girls), Soccer (CO-ED), Track & Field (CO-ED), Tennis (Boys, Girls), Chess (Boys, Girls), and Volleyball (Boys, Girls).

Academic Facilities
AIS Design and Innovation Studio (DIS) is the STEAM hub of AIS. DIS supports hands-on, inquiry-based learning where students imagine possibilities and bring ideas to life. With IB MYP accreditation, the studio aligns with IB's mission and fosters design thinking—empathize, ideate, prototype, test. DIS serves as the official MYP Design classroom for middle school, while younger students are introduced to design through age-appropriate activities. Tools and technology available in the DIS include a Laser Cutter, X-Carve CNC, 3D printers, power tools, M3 iMacs, Adobe CC, Blender, OnShape, digital cameras and more.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The Extracurricular Program includes Extended Care, Afterschool Activities, and Camps. It provides opportunities for athletic and artistic pursuits beyond the classroom. For more information, contact briana.johnson@austininternationalschool.org.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
AIS offers the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP). The MYP is delivered through language immersion in French and English in the Middle School. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, global contexts, and practical connections between studies and the real world. The MYP includes a Community Service component and a Personal Project in the final year, with inquiry-based learning supported by the Design and Innovation Studio as part of the IB framework.

Arts & Creative
Fine Arts include Music, Theater, and Visual Arts. Middle Schoolers receive specialized music instruction with strings classes and an ensemble program; after-school offerings include Strings Ensemble, Strings I, Piano, and Ukulele. The Design and Innovation Studio supports creativity through STEAM projects, video production, and design work.

Cultural & Language
AIS is a trilingual school with instruction in French, Spanish, and English. About 60% of instruction is delivered in French to meet French Ministry requirements, with strong emphasis on Spanish and English as well. The school community includes 60+ nationalities and 20+ languages. French as a Foreign Language (FLE) support is available for learners new to French.

Social & Hobbies
Chess Club operates as part of AIS Athletics in partnership with APSA, with a chess meet hosted for APSA schools in early 2026. Athletes can participate in Soccer, Tennis, and Cross Country as part of the APSA-aligned athletics program, with meets and practices scheduled through the year. The school also hosts events like Talent Shows and runs seasonal camps and after-school activities that broaden student interests and social engagement.

Community & Service
AIS celebrates community service through the year, including the 25 Acts of Kindness initiative during the 25th anniversary year. The program also features monthly Alumni Spotlights, the Wish Tree project, and a time capsule to capture the school's journey. Volunteer opportunities are coordinated through the AIS PTO and school channels to support events and fundraising.

Leadership & Professional
Briana Johnson serves as Extracurricular Coordinator, overseeing clubs and activities. The PTO coordinates volunteering, fundraising, and leadership opportunities for families, including events and ambassador roles for outreach. The IB MYP Personal Project and community service component foster student leadership and independent inquiry.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
AIS offers a robust athletics program including Soccer, Cross Country, Tennis, and Track & Field, with meets and practices coordinated through APSA. Participation emphasizes teamwork, fitness, and school spirit. The school's social and arts programs—such as music and fine arts—support well-being by providing creative and collaborative outlets.
Languages

Language Provision
French, English, and Spanish are taught at AIS. The core curriculum is based on the French National Curriculum, integrated with Common Core Standards and ACTFL, and the school offers the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme in the middle grades. French as a Foreign Language (FLE) supports grades 1–8 for non-native French learners, and language-acquisition support is provided in French, English, and Spanish for non-native speakers. By around age 11, AIS students typically achieve fluency across all three languages.

Bilingual Teaching
The school teaches in three languages: French, Spanish, and English. The program is a seamless trilingual curriculum for students from Pre-K3 through 8th grade. In middle school, AIS offers two tracks: French and International. The school provides language acquisition support for non-native speakers in French, English, and Spanish.

Immersion Programs
French immersion is central to AIS's program. In elementary grades 1–5, students spend 60% of their time in French. The school offers a French as a Foreign Language (FLE) program for students who need additional French language support in grades 1–8. Daily language immersion across French, English, and Spanish is supported by native-speaking teachers.
Reputation

Accreditations
The school is accredited by the French Ministry of Education and is the only French-accredited school in Austin.
Admissions

Admissions
The school is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS) and by the French Ministry of Education. The French accreditation means the school follows the French curriculum, beginning with students as young as 3 years old. The trilingual program delivers 60% of instruction in French and provides English and Spanish instruction to ensure proficiency in all three languages; students graduate from 8th grade with genuine proficiency in French, English, and Spanish. The school serves Preschool through middle school, and campus tours can be scheduled to learn about the trilingual immersion curriculum and enrollment options.

Scholarships
Need-Based Scholarships: Tuition assistance is awarded based on demonstrated financial need and family contribution, assessed through FACTS Grant & Aid with supporting documentation; decisions are made before enrollment commitments and deadlines apply for returning and new students. French Government Scholarships: French citizens may be eligible for Bourses Scolaires Françaises through the French government; AIS tuition assistance can supplement amounts granted by the French government when an additional need exists; families may apply for both programs, but AIS will review internal tuition assistance applications after families receive the French government scholarship decision.
School Events
The school has not added events
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