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Dallas International School

United States, Dallas

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The school at a glance
Instructs in French, English
Fees $1,000 - 31,650
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 700
Type Co-educational
Opened 1991
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum French Curriculum, IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages French, English, Spanish, German, Mandarin
Typical class size 15
Strengths Languages, STEM, Sport
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional
Stages Early Years, Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Dallas International School (DIS) is a private school in Dallas serving ages 2 to 18 across campuses. The school blends the French national curriculum with U.S. education practices through a bilingual program, offering the French Program recognized by the French Ministry of Education through 12th grade, and an English-language International Program from grade 5 to 12 that culminates in the International Baccalaureate Diploma, including a Bilingual IB Diploma. DIS has been an IB World School since 2007, and it provides both the French Baccalaureate pathway and the IB Diploma pathway in high school. The Primary Campus includes a library, STEM Lab. The Secondary Campus features a library, art room, and dance studio. The school emphasizes language study (French, English, and third languages such as Spanish and Mandarin), athletics and arts programs. DIS is located across from UT Dallas, with a shuttle service between campuses and meals provided by SAGE Dining Services.

6039 Churchill Way, Dallas, TX 75230, United States

The Essentials

Dallas International School has 700 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in French, English.

Location
Dallas, Texas, United States. The Primary Campus (Lower School) is at 6039 Churchill Way, Dallas, TX 75230. The Secondary Campus (Upper School) is at 17811 Waterview Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75252. A shuttle service operates between campuses.

Stages
Early Childhood; Elementary School (First Grade – 5th Grade); Middle School; High School.

Type
Private international school

Pupil Nationality Mix
Over 30 nationalities represented; 50% of DIS students are citizens of more than one country.

Country affiliation
France

School day structure
Waterview Campus is open to students from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Class start time is 8:15 a.m. Afternoon carpool begins at 3:25 p.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m. Lunch is provided by Sage Dining Services.

Bus service
A shuttle service operates between campuses; buses or vans may be used for school-sponsored events on occasion.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
DIS has a Uniform and Dress Code Policy. Uniforms must be worn during school hours and at designated events; the policy includes a separate PHE uniform for physical education. Uniform vendors are Tommy Hilfiger and Lands' End.

Food Options
DIS operates from two campuses in Dallas. SAGE Dining Services provides meals at both campuses, and meals are included in tuition.

House System
DIS has a House system with a House points system. The House Cup is tracked, with houses including Songhai, Middle Kingdom, Tenochtitlan, and Athens.

Governance and Ownership
DIS is governed by a Board of Trustees that provides strategic direction and oversight. The Head of School is the chief administrative officer responsible for day-to-day operations, including faculty oversight, curriculum, admissions, and finances.
Fees

Annual tuition at Dallas International School ranges from USD 1,000 to USD 31,650 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- Enrollment deposit: USD 1,000 (required with a fully signed Enrollment Contract to hold a place and to qualify for the Early Tuition Rate when returned by the stated deadlines).
- Matriculation fee (first-time DIS students only): USD 1,000, invoiced during the enrollment process.

Tuition fees (annual and per-term split by year group)

Notes on payment structure used below: the school offers two payment-plan styles. Under the two-installment plan, 60% of the annual tuition is due by the June payment deadline (the June installment is stated as due “less the USD 1,000 deposit” already paid) and the remaining 40% is due by the January payment deadline. Under the one-payment plan, the full annual tuition is payable by the June deadline. The numeric “per-term” amounts below show the two-installment split (June installment = 60% of annual tuition minus USD 1,000 deposit; January installment = 40% of annual tuition).

- Early Childhood (EC2 – Kindergarten)
- Early-rate annual tuition: USD 24,800.
- Regular-rate annual tuition: USD 25,500.
- Two-installment plan (Early rate): June due = USD 13,880 (60% of 24,800 = 14,880 less USD 1,000 deposit); January due = USD 9,920 (40% of 24,800).
- Two-installment plan (Regular rate): June due = USD 14,300 (60% of 25,500 = 15,300 less USD 1,000 deposit); January due = USD 10,200 (40% of 25,500).

- Elementary (Grades 1–4)
- Early-rate annual tuition: USD 26,000.
- Regular-rate annual tuition: USD 26,700.
- Two-installment plan (Early rate): June due = USD 14,600 (60% of 26,000 = 15,600 less USD 1,000 deposit); January due = USD 10,400 (40% of 26,000).
- Two-installment plan (Regular rate): June due = USD 15,020 (60% of 26,700 = 16,020 less USD 1,000 deposit); January due = USD 10,680 (40% of 26,700).

- Lower Secondary / Middle (Grades 5–6)
- Early-rate annual tuition: USD 26,100.
- Regular-rate annual tuition: USD 26,800.
- Two-installment plan (Early rate): June due = USD 14,660 (60% of 26,100 = 15,660 less USD 1,000 deposit); January due = USD 10,440 (40% of 26,100).
- Two-installment plan (Regular rate): June due = USD 15,080 (60% of 26,800 = 16,080 less USD 1,000 deposit); January due = USD 10,720 (40% of 26,800).

- Upper Middle (Grades 7–9)
- Early-rate annual tuition: USD 27,850.
- Regular-rate annual tuition: USD 28,650.
- Two-installment plan (Early rate): June due = USD 15,710 (60% of 27,850 = 16,710 less USD 1,000 deposit); January due = USD 11,140 (40% of 27,850).
- Two-installment plan (Regular rate): June due = USD 16,190 (60% of 28,650 = 17,190 less USD 1,000 deposit); January due = USD 11,460 (40% of 28,650).

- High School (Grades 10–12)
- Early-rate annual tuition: USD 30,750.
- Regular-rate annual tuition: USD 31,650.
- Two-installment plan (Early rate): June due = USD 17,450 (60% of 30,750 = 18,450 less USD 1,000 deposit); January due = USD 12,300 (40% of 30,750).
- Two-installment plan (Regular rate): June due = USD 17,990 (60% of 31,650 = 18,990 less USD 1,000 deposit); January due = USD 12,660 (40% of 31,650).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Enrollment timing and early-rate deadlines: returning families must return the Enrollment Contract and USD 1,000 deposit by the stated re-enrollment deadline to qualify for the Early Tuition Rate; new families must return the Enrollment Contract and USD 1,000 deposit by the stated enrollment deadline to qualify for the Early Tuition Rate. The school uses a June and January installment structure for the two-installment plan and an all-in-June one-payment option.
- Standard installment deadlines (two-installment plan): June 15 — 60% of annual tuition due (less USD 1,000 deposit); January 15 — remaining 40% due. One-payment plan: full annual tuition due by June 15.
- Monthly invoicing and invoice disputes: Invoices are generated and sent around the 25th of each month and are due the 15th of the following month; invoice disputes must be raised within 20 days after issuance; past-due accounts are assessed administrative fees and penalties, and late fees begin at USD 50 per occurrence.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable; the school operates as a day school with Lower School and Upper School campuses and does not list boarding services.

Other costs and common additional fees

- What is included in tuition (no additional charge): lunch service, textbooks, French reading-list materials, regular local field trips, standard exam fees (DELF, DNB, FB, IB) and one yearbook.
- Uniforms: Uniforms are required/available and are sold online; uniform purchase cost varies by family depending on items purchased.
- After-hours care and afterschool activities:
- Standard after-school care billing: the standard rate is USD 10.00 per hour for students in Grades GS–CM1; drop-in after-school care rates are USD 30 per day for TPS–MS. A USD 1 per minute charge applies for students remaining in care after 6:00 pm. Afterschool activity and extended-care fees are invoiced through the school's tuition management platform. Monthly invoicing periods for afterschool care follow a month-by-month schedule (invoices issued via the tuition management system).
- Optional afterschool activities are charged separately and invoiced through the tuition-management system.
- Optional extras that may incur charges: additional yearbook copies, certain external trips beyond routine local field trips, and any optional programs or camps.

Refunds and invoice/withdrawal terms

- Disputes and timing: invoice disputes must be raised within 20 days of invoice issuance; after 20 days an invoice may no longer be disputed and the full amount will be owed and subject to service charges. Past-due accounts will incur administrative fees and penalties; late fees begin at USD 50 per occurrence. Specific tuition refund or withdrawal refund language is governed by the school's Enrollment Agreement and Financial Responsibility terms.

Fee payment options and platform fees

- Accepted payment methods and details:
- Written check (mailed or dropped at either campus reception — Churchill Way or Waterview Parkway).
- Online ACH or bank-account check payments through Blackbaud Tuition Management (BBTM): platform fee of 1% + USD 0.30 per transaction applies, with a cap of USD 2.50 per transaction for transactions of USD 220 or more.
- Credit and debit card payments via the tuition-management site (BBTM): convenience fee of 3.12% applies.
- Online bank payment initiated from a personal bank account (the bank sends a check by mail to the school). Automatic payment schedules can be set up within the tuition-management account.
- Invoicing cadence and account management: invoices are issued via the tuition-management platform; families can view upcoming payments and set automatic payments on the platform; the school's accounting office handles disputes and account inquiries during stated office hours. Late fees and penalties apply for missed payments.

If you require these fee figures presented in a different format (for example: grouped by campus, or only regular rates), the numeric annual and installment figures above can be used directly for such conversions.
Academics

Dallas International School teaches French Curriculum, IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
DIS teaches in English and French through a bilingual program that blends the French national curriculum with American education practices and the International Baccalaureate program. The French Program is recognized by the French Ministry of Education through 12th grade. The English-based International Program runs from grade 5 through 12, culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma, with options including the Bilingual IB Diploma and Advanced Bilingual IB Diploma. The school has been an IB World School since 2007 and offers both the French Baccalaureate pathway and the IB Diploma pathway in high school.

Exam Results
In recent years, 100% of DIS students have passed the French Baccalaureate exam.

Higher Education Progression
DIS graduates have a 100% college matriculation rate, enrolling at top US and international universities, including Cornell University, George Washington University, Johns Hopkins University, UT Austin, Purdue University, Rochester Institute of Technology, San Diego State University, Southern Methodist University, Stevens Institute of Technology, Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, University of North Texas, University of Texas at Austin, McGill University, Concordia University, ESCP Business School, IESEG School of Management, ISART Digital, University of York, and dual-degree pathways with Sciences Po Paris and UC Berkeley.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
DIS centers on student wellbeing and social-emotional learning through its core values. The core values are Empathy, Integrity, Resilience, Respect, and Responsibility. Character education helps students understand, care about, and act on these values. A dedicated school counselor supports wellbeing and uses the CharacterStrong curriculum to reinforce core value education. The See Something, Say Something program allows anonymous reporting of bullying or other inappropriate behavior, with rapid review and response. The community follows the DIS Anti-Bullying Policy to guide safeguarding and behavior expectations.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
DIS provides a truly global educational experience with language immersion across five languages to foster multilingual proficiency. In the primary grades, students engage equally in French and English, with the option to introduce a third language from age four. As students move to Middle School and High School, they can follow either the French pathway or the International English pathway, with additional languages available to enrich linguistic development. Beyond the classroom, authentic immersion opportunities include daily interactions, international study trips, and the Global Exchange program. Language study at DIS is designed to support cultural understanding, openness, and global perspectives.

Mental Wellbeing
DIS provides mental wellbeing support through dedicated school counselors at each campus who promote wellbeing and student success. Counselors use the CharacterStrong program to reinforce core values and social-emotional learning. The DIS Core Values emphasize empathy, integrity, resilience, respect, and responsibility to guide behavior and wellbeing. The See Something, Say Something program allows anonymous reporting of bullying or other inappropriate behavior, with rapid review and response. The DIS Anti-Bullying Policy provides safeguarding guidance for the community. Counselors, including Kymberly Brinkley, School Counselor for 5th–12th grade, provide confidential support and strategies to develop emotional intelligence.

Safeguarding
DIS safeguards students through See Something, Say Something anonymous reporting for bullying or other concerns, which is reviewed promptly and acted on as needed. The anonymous reporting form does not capture email addresses to protect confidentiality. The DIS Anti-Bullying Policy provides detailed safeguarding guidance for the community. Students are encouraged to report issues to a trusted adult. Staff and counselors are available to support students and ensure a safe learning environment.
Parent Experience

History
Dallas International School was founded in 1991 to meet the needs of the French expatriate community in Dallas. By blending the curriculum of the French Ministry of National Education with classes taught in English, children were offered the best academics of both countries. Spanish and Mandarin third-language instruction was added by 2006, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program began in 2007. A new secondary school campus opened in January 2012 at 17811 Waterview Parkway near UT Dallas to accommodate growth in the middle and high school. Today DIS educates over 600 students across its two campuses.

Community
DIS offers an international education from age 2 through graduation. The school emphasizes exposure to diverse cultures, ideas, and perspectives and connection with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Students, faculty, and staff hail from countries around the globe, and over 55 cultures are represented on our campuses.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
DIS PTO is a non-profit organization that focuses on fundraising projects, enrichment activities, and coordinated events to strengthen the DIS school community and foster a positive learning environment for its students. All parents, teachers and staff are automatic members. The PTO has several focused initiatives, including developing closer relations among parents, faculty and students; furnishing financial support to the school to further its educational goals and promote welfare of its students; providing a forum in which the opinions of the parents, teachers and the school administration may be expressed and shared; welcoming new families; and serving as advocates for the school. The DIS PTO is 100% volunteer-based and relies on volunteers to be elected onto the Board of Directors as well as manage events and committees. The PTO Board meets monthly to oversee the organization of its various programs and activities. General Member Meetings are held during the school year for all parents, teachers, and staff to attend.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
DIS operates from two campuses in Dallas. A shuttle service connects the two campuses. Meals are provided by SAGE Dining Services. The Primary Campus features playgrounds and outdoor sports areas in an enclosed courtyard, a renovated Library, a Physical Education Center, a STEM Lab, a Music Room, a Mobility Center, two dedicated lunch rooms, and grade-level classrooms. The Secondary Campus includes a renovated STEM Lab, an expansive Library, an Art Room, a Music Room, a Dance Studio, a Multi-Purpose Room that doubles as an auditorium and cafeteria, and bright subject-level classrooms.

Sports Facilities
The Secondary Campus has outdoor athletic facilities including a playground, a full basketball court, a grass track, and a soccer field. The Primary Campus offers outdoor sports areas within the enclosed courtyard for younger students. These spaces support interscholastic athletics. The Athletics program includes soccer, volleyball, basketball, cross country, tennis, track, and golf. DIS is located across from UT Dallas, enabling access to the university's athletic facilities for Physical Education and team practices.

Academic Facilities
The Primary Campus includes a renovated Library, a Physical Education Center, a STEM Lab, a Music Room, a Mobility Center, two lunch rooms, and grade-level classrooms. The Secondary Campus features a renovated STEM Lab, an expansive Library, an Art Room, a Music Room, and a Dance Studio. A Multi-Purpose Room on the Secondary Campus doubles as an auditorium and cafeteria. Bright subject-level classrooms are found across both campuses.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Student Life includes Trips & External Experiences, Student Clubs, and Extension Education. High School students participate in international language immersion trips, career observation weeks, global exchange opportunities, and a robust student-led club program. The Athletics Department offers interscholastic competition in soccer, volleyball, basketball, cross country, tennis, track, and golf. DIS has a global network of sister schools that supports exchanges for students. Trips and exchanges include destinations such as Canada, France, China, and Washington, DC to enrich curriculum and cultural understanding.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
High School extends learning beyond the classroom through language-immersion trips, career observation weeks, and global exchange opportunities. Students also participate in competitions and events that reinforce classroom learning, including Start-Up competitions and other regional opportunities. These experiences support global citizenship and deepen academic inquiry.

Arts & Creative
Visual Arts, Music, and Theatre are offered in rotating modules each semester, enabling students to create, perform, and present artwork. The aims include lifelong engagement with the arts, exploring the arts across cultures and contexts, and developing the skills to create and perform. An annual Music Concert at the UTD Performance Hall and a Talent Show hosted in the Churchill Gym showcase student talents.

Cultural & Language
DIS provides a multilingual education across five languages, with primary grades teaching French and English and options to introduce a third language early. In Middle and High School, students follow either the French pathway or the International English pathway, with additional languages available to enrich study. Authentic language immersion occurs through daily use, language-focused trips, and the Global Exchange program.

Social & Hobbies
A broad range of clubs and activities is available. Upper-school offerings include the Student Government Association, DECA, Investment Fund Club, JWAC- Model UN, Red Cross, Art club, Chess club, Dance club, Debate, and many specialty groups such as knitting, photography, movie clubs, and a school newspaper.

Community & Service
Honor Society chapters include French, Spanish, German, English, Chinese, Math, and National Honor Society, providing recognition and service opportunities. The Red Cross club and other service-oriented groups support community outreach, alongside a thriving student government and business/entrepreneurship activity.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership and professional development are fostered through the Student Government Association and DECA, with opportunities to lead events, compete, and build business and entrepreneurial skills. A wide range of clubs and journalism activities also cultivate communication, collaboration, and project-management abilities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Wellbeing is integrated with athletics and holistic education. The Athletics Department offers interscholastic sports under the banner Allez les Tigres, while the PHE program emphasizes movement and healthy lifestyles. The library supports literacy and learning, and nutritional services promote healthy eating and cultural exposure to international cuisines.
Languages

Language Provision
The school supports five languages to foster multilingual proficiency. In the primary grades, students engage equally in French and English, with the option to introduce a third language as early as age four. In Middle and High School, students can follow either the French pathway or the International English pathway, with additional languages available to enrich their linguistic journey.

Bilingual Teaching
The school offers bilingual education in French and English from Early Childhood through graduation.

Immersion Programs
The school provides a dedicated French Language Immersion Program.
Admissions

Admissions
01 Start Your Journey. The admissions team invites you to learn about Dallas International School and its educational opportunities for your child. You can reach out by email to learn more about the admissions process, or make an inquiry via Ravenna to initiate the conversation. An inquiry via Ravenna helps us gather information about your family and student and begin the admissions process. A Ravenna account is used to start the application workflow.

02 Register with DIS. Submit an inquiry form so that we may learn more about you and your student. We aim to make admissions easier and to get to know you, so fill out the inquiry form to determine if Dallas International School is the right fit for your family. You will use Ravenna to engage with the application process.

03 Schedule Your Visit. The school offers several open houses throughout the fall at each campus. You can schedule a visit or private tour by contacting the admissions team.

04 Submit Your Application. The main admissions cycle runs from the beginning of October through the end of January. To apply, the first step is to register with Ravenna, and you will need to create an account first. Dallas International School provides a bilingual and multicampus program with tracks that include the French Baccalaureate, the IB Diploma, and an accredited US high school diploma.

Scholarships
Financial Aid. An annual financial-aid process begins in early Spring and applies to the tuition for the following school year. Financial aid is available to returning and new students. The complete process requires registering with an external evaluator, Blackbaud Financial Aid Management (BBFAM), in conjunction with Blackbaud Tuition Management (BBTM).

DIS provides on average about $5,000 in financial aid per qualifying student per year. The application requires documents such as a copy of the family's previous tax return, and the deadline for completing all steps and submitting documents is April 30.

Amber Shaikh can be contacted by email for questions regarding financial aid or to receive the step-by-step instructions for the application. The financial-aid decision is communicated after enrollment for the year for which the aid is applied.

French nationals studying at DIS have the opportunity to apply annually for need-based scholarships (bourse scolaire) directly from the French government. Information about the bourse scolaire is available through the French Consulate, and Karine Afopa can provide information by email.
School Events
The school has not added events
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