Thank you for taking the time to visit Austin International School (AIS)! We hope your tour gave you a meaningful glimpse of the vibrant, diverse community that makes our school special
From the classrooms you observed to the conversations with our staff, we trust you experienced firsthand the tapestry of global perspectives that make up our AIS family As the only school in our area accredited by the French Ministry of Education, the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS) and the Internation Baccalaureate organization, we are also proud of ho our community represents over 60 nationalities and 2 languages, creating a truly international learnin environment
We are particularly excited about the addition of our new Maternelle campus on Cassady Drive This expansion represents our commitment to providing exceptional early childhood education in a space specifically designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and joyful learning for our youngest students This opens rooms at our elementary and middle school campus for art, student support, and French as a Foreign Language (FLE)
At AIS, we believe that true engagement flourishes when everyone feels a sense of belonging and purpose We hope you observed during your visit how our mission guides every decision and interaction As we often remind ourselves: "We can't change the direction of the wind, but we can adjust our sails to always reach our destination "
If you have any additional questions about our admissions process, curriculum, or community, please don't hesitate to reach out We're here to support you as you make this important decision for your child's education and future as a global citizen
Thank you again for your interest in Austin International School We look forward to the possibility of welcoming your family into our community and discovering how your unique talents and perspectives could contribute to AIS
Warmly,
Ariane Baer-Harper
Julia Odelowo Head of School Director of Enrollment Management
A Message from our Head of School
Twenty-five years ago, local business leaders founded Austin International School with a simple idea: children should learn languages naturally while building friendships across cultures. Today, that vision lives in every corner of our campuses.
Walking through our halls, you'll hear students switching effortlessly between French, English, and Spanish because we foster an environment for them to seamlessly switch between the three languages. Our community includes families from over 60 countries, making classroom discussions about world events feel personal and real.
This milestone year brought significant achievements. We earned IB World School authorization, joining the ranks of schools accredited by both the International Baccalaureate and the French Ministry of Education. Our new Cassady campus opened its doors, purpose-built for our youngest learners. To commemorate this special year, we're also proud to introduce our new 25th anniversary logo, which you'll see all year throughout our community as we celebrate this historic milestone.
We've grown from a small French school into something unique in central Texas. Parents choose AIS not just for language immersion, but for the way their children develop empathy, adaptability, and genuine curiosity about the world, while developing critical 21st century skills in science, math, humanities and the arts. Our students continually score above the national average in MAP test scoring. We are proud to say our students and teachers are committed to excellence.
The families who took a chance on us 25 years ago built something lasting. The teachers who've refined our seamless curriculum created something special. And the students who've walked these halls have proven that when children learn alongside peers from all over the world, they become global citizens.
Here's to 25 more years!
Ariane Baer-Harper Head of School
Our Vision, Mission, and Values
Our Vision
A community fostering respect, leadership, and empathy through interculturalism and the joy of learning.
Our Mission
Through a rigorous, trilingual program, we fuel inquiry and inspire each other to develop critical thinking skills in a community where curiosity is valued, adventurousness is encouraged, and diversity is honored.
Our Core Values
Our community encourages and values:
Adaptability
We consider different perspectives and approaches to the challenges we confront.
Inclusiveness
Autonomy
We learn to work and explore independently while developing our strengths and recognizing areas for growth.
We demonstrate how each member of our community is valued by actively welcoming, building up, and advancing a diverse mix of individuals.
Responsibility
We show respect and care for our global and local societies, as well as for our shared environment.
Creativity
We take creative risks that help us learn and grow, both as individuals and in teams.
Kindness
We are friendly, generous, and considerate with one another, always striving to do the right thing, even when it is difficult.
Our Story
Seamless Trilingual Education
Our close-knit and diverse community of students, staff, and parents is a microcosm of Austin
A group of local business leaders founded the school in 2001 to provide a high quality international education that meets the demands of an increasingly diverse and interconnected world. Originally the Lycée Français d’Austin (French School of Austin), the school was renamed Austin International School in 2004 to better reflect our mission. After a successful decade, the school purchased a permanent property at 4001 Adelphi Lane in 2011, and after fifteen years working to refine our elementary school’s unique Seamless Curriculum, AIS launched its middle school program in August 2017, becoming an MYP IB candidate school in 2023, and reaching full IB authorization in 2025.
Français d’Austin
AIS moves to 4001 Adelphi Lane
AIS receives full accreditation from ISAS, joins NAIS, TPSA, and TEPSAC
Our 6 grade program is accredited by the AEFE th
Cassady Campus opens for Maternelle and AIS is authorized as an IB World School
AIS launches its Middle School program
AIS is accepted as IB® candidate school
AIS becomes a DELF and DELE test center
AIS
What is Seamless Trilingual Education?
Seamless instruction is the intentional and meaningful teaching of our AIS Learning curriculum by a collaborative team using multiple languages The objective is for students to master end-of-year skills in each language In essence, a team of teachers acts as one teacher in as many ways as possible
To achieve this, we communicate, collaborate, compromise, and create together, holding what we know about teaching and what we are accustomed to in the classroom with open hands This often means listening, adapting, and remaining open to new methods, strategies, and ideas for the ultimate benefit of our students
Teaching teams decide together how skills will be introduced, reinforced, reviewed, and assessed. They create resources and assessments, agree upon activities and strategies, and support student success in all three languages through effective planning and mutual support.
Seamless Practices and Procedures are best practices, instructional methods, shared routines, and common expectations agreed upon by the teaching team Examples include shared student portfolios, teacher-student conferencing, class rules, morning routines, procedures for lining up and turning in homework, common expectations for handwriting and participation, and workshop models such as Writer's Workshop and Reader's Workshop
Social-Emotional Learning
At Austin International School, we believe that emotional and social wellbeing are fundamental to academic success and personal growth. Our commitment to nurturing the whole child is reflected in how we have seamlessly integrated social-emotional learning (SEL) into every aspect of our daily routines.
From the moment students arrive, they are greeted with warmth and encouragement. Throughout the day, teachers incorporate emotional check-ins using visual aids to help students identify and express their feelings. Our curriculum weaves SEL concepts into all subjects literature discussions explore characters' emotions, while history lessons examine the social impact of events.
Our classrooms are thoughtfully arranged to foster interaction and cooperation, with flexible seating and quiet areas for self-regulation. During lunch and recess, teachers guide students in practicing active listening, respectful communication, and conflict resolution.
By weaving these practices into our daily routines, AIS creates a nurturing environment where students feel safe, valued, and equipped to navigate their emotions and relationships. This holistic approach enhances academic performance and prepares our students to become empathetic, resilient, and socially responsible global citizens.
French is a Romance language spoken by over 220 million people worldwide. It is an official language in 29 countries, most of which are members of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), the community of 84 countries which share the official use or teaching of French
French is both a working language and an official language of the United Nations, the European Union, UNESCO, NATO, the International Olympic Committee, the International Red Cross and international courts most spoken language in the E.U. most useful language in business million students study French in the world
2nd 3rd 100
Through French, English and Spanish, your child will connect with nearly 2 billion speakers worldwide. Research shows multilingual professionals earn 5-20% higher salaries, and 90% of global companies actively seek employees with these valuable language skills
Studies show students learning multiple languages perform up to 12% higher on standardized tests. By mastering three world languages through our seamless immersion approach, your child will develop the skills and cultural understanding to thrive in our interconnected world.
French to American Grade Levels
Objectives
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ÉLÉMENTAIRE OVERVIEW
Objectives
Elementary students continue developing the five foundational skills from early childhood These years deepen understanding and build independence
Thinking Skills
Students analyze patterns, construct reasoned arguments, evaluate their own work, and develop awareness of their learning strategies
Communication Skills
Children present confidently to varied audiences, read critically across genres, write independently for different purposes, and create visual symbols to communicate complex ideas
Social Skills
Students take ownership of their actions, respect diverse viewpoints while defending their own, justify group decisions, and adapt to different roles
Self-Management Skills
Children independently manage materials, time, and deadlines. They understand how choices affect others and articulate connections between physical, mental, and emotional health.
Research Skills
Learners formulate investigative questions, design experiments, distinguish between source types, avoid plagiarism through effective note-taking, and select appropriate presentation formats.
By CM2, students demonstrate the comprehensive competency and self-directed learning needed for middle school, embodying the attributes of the AIS Profile of a Graduate.
COLLÈGE OVERVIEW
Objectives
Middle School develops foundational skills into advanced competencies through the IB Middle Years Programme and French national curriculum Students focus on inquiry, international-mindedness, and holistic growth
Thinking Skills
Students practice critical, creative, and transfer skills as they analyze problems, generate solutions, make connections across disciplines, and reflect on their learning
Communication Skills
Students communicate and collaborate in multiple languages and formats, exchanging ideas with diverse audiences through presentations, essays, and digital projects
Social Skills
Students work effectively in diverse teams, practice empathy, resolve conflicts respectfully, and take informed action in their communities.
Self-Management Skills
Students manage their time and tasks, build resilience, practice mindfulness, and make thoughtful decisions about their learning and well-being.
Research Skills
Students formulate inquiry questions, evaluate sources for credibility and bias, synthesize information ethically, and communicate findings to specific audiences.
Students apply these skills across all MYP subject groups from sciences and mathematics to individuals and societies, languages, arts, design, and physical and health education.
Service Learning
Students make a positive impact through service projects that build design thinking, teamwork, and problem solving. In Fall 2025, students proposed revitalizing AIS garden beds with native plants to reduce water usage and improve campus beauty designing, budgeting, and collaborating to bring their vision to life.
Athletic Teams
At Austin International School, our athletic programs bring out the champion in every student. Our coaches are committed to developing not just skilled players, but confident young people who understand teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
As a proud member of the Austin Private School Association (APSA), AIS competes yearround across multiple sports. Students in grades CM1 (4th grade) through 4ème (8th grade) have the opportunity to join teams in:
Cross Country
Basketball
Soccer
Track & Field
Tennis
Volleyball
Whether your child is discovering their athletic passion or refining their competitive edge, AIS provides the coaching, facilities, and supportive community to help them thrive.
Visual & Performing Arts
Visual and performing arts play an integral role in the student experience at Austin International School. From Preschool through Middle School, students enjoy a range of artistic projects that inspire their creativity and foster interdisciplinary connections.
In Maternelle, art projects are a daily part of the curriculum, enhancing students’ learning, fine motor skills, and creativity. Through songs and dramatic play, they develop self confidence while reinforcing lessons in French, English, and Spanish.
With dedicated art studios for both Elementary and Middle School, students deepen their self-expression while exploring a range of mediums and artistic concepts through projects connected to their curriculum. In the International Baccalaureate MYP Programme, students develop creative and analytical skills, challenge perceptions, and grow as they create, perform, and present art in ways that engage and convey feelings, experiences, and ideas.
Middle School performances are a highlight for the whole school community, when the students’ work culminates in a series of trilingual shows throughout the year. These showcase their collaborative efforts in costume and set design, choreography and dancing, script writing and acting, and are highly anticipated school community events.
Austin International School also offers a wide range of afterschool activities where students of all ages can delve deeper into art and music, with classes including Art, Choir, Drama, Piano, Strings Ensemble, and Ukulele.
Field Trips
Austin International School carefully crafts day trips, local excursions, and international travel experiences to enhance the global education your child receives at every phase of their academic journey.
Beginning in preschool, students explore places like the aquarium and dinosaur park, fostering their curiosity about the world. In CM1 (4th grade), our first overnight trip to West Texas introduces independence as students delve into nature and space through visits to the McDonald Observatory, regional hikes, and explorations of local museums and galleries.
As your child enters middle school, they participate in Outdoor School at the beginning of each school year. This cornerstone program welcomes incoming 6th graders and new students into our community while emphasizing team building and collaboration. Through exciting challenges, students push their boundaries, overcome fears, and discover new capabilities as they support classmates, forge friendships, and tap into their own resilience.
Our 5th graders embark on a transformative two-week exchange program in France, immersing themselves in the local culture and lifestyle. For our graduating 8th graders, the journey continues with a trip to a Spanish-speaking country, where they put their immersive language skills to the test by living within the community, attending school, and exploring for two enriching weeks.
Through these experiences, students develop into confident global citizens ready to navigate and contribute to our interconnected world.
French Immersion Experience
Each year, our 5th grade students embark on an unforgettable journey to France that brings their elementary French studies to life. Students stay with carefully selected host families and attend local schools, practicing their language skills in authentic daily settings from morning markets to neighborhood activities while experiencing francophone culture firsthand.
Guided excursions to significant cultural and historical sites connect classroom curriculum to realworld landmarks, transforming abstract lessons into tangible, memorable experiences. This meaningful reciprocal exchange program welcomes partner students to Texas as well, creating lasting international friendships and deeper cross-cultural understanding on both sides.
West Texas Experience
Each year, our students embark on a five-day journey to West Texas, where they connect classroom learning with the region's remarkable natural landscapes and rich history This immersive experience combines academic exploration with personal growth, allowing students to discover the unique geography, culture, and heritage of this distinctive part of our state
Students engage with world-class scientific facilities, historic sites, and stunning natural environments that bring their studies in astronomy, geography, and Texas history to life Living and learning together throughout the week, students strengthen their sense of community through collaborative activities and shared discoveries while developing greater independence and confidence away from home
Spanish Immersion Experience
Each year, our 8th grade students embark on a memorable journey to Spain or another Spanishspeaking country as a meaningful capstone to their time at AIS The experience begins with guided travel through culturally rich regions, where students explore historic sites and vibrant cities that bring their Spanish studies to life
Students then spend extended time living with carefully selected host families, participating in daily routines alongside a peer their own age and attending local schools This authentic immersion allows them to practice their language skills in real-world settings from family meals to neighborhood activities while experiencing Spanish-speaking culture firsthand
Recommended Language Proficiency
The following guidelines outline recommended language proficiency benchmarks for students at each grade level. These standards support progressive development in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, providing educators and families with clear expectations for age-appropriate language skills. While individual students progress at different rates, we use these benchmarks as a framework for curriculum planning, assessment, and identifying students who may benefit from additional support
FLE: Beginner: One-year course to provide specialized support
English: Intermediate
Spanish: No language requirement
Cycle 3
CM1: Cours moyen première année (4th Grade)
CM2: Cours moyen deuxième année (5th Grade)
French: Intermediate and Advanced
FLE: Beginner: One-year course to provide specialized support
English: Intermediate and Advanced
Spanish: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
Collège (Middle School)
Cycle 4
6e - Sixième (6th Grade)
5e - Cinquième (7th Grade)
4e - Quatrième (8th Grade)
French: Intermediate and Advance
FLE: Beginner: One-year course to provide specialized support
English: Advanced
Spanish: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
French as Foreign Language
Our French as a Foreign Language (FLE) program welcomes students in grades 1-5 who are new to French, creating a bridge to our trilingual community.
How It Works
Children join either our FLE 1 group (grades 1-2) or FLE 2 group (grades 3-5), where they receive specialized instruction in French language alongside gradeappropriate math, science, and social studies. Meanwhile, they continue attending English and Spanish classes with their grade-level peers, forming friendships and feeling fully part of our school from day one.
We focus on practical communication skills through realworld activities rather than memorization. Children learn to understand, speak, read, and write in French through games, projects, stories, and everyday conversations that make language learning natural and enjoyable.
Throughout the year, we see remarkable progress. From August to October, students build basic vocabulary and familiarity with French sounds. Between October and March, confidence grows as they begin expressing more complex thoughts. By spring, these same students who started with no French are actively participating in conversations, reading stories, and writing in their new language.
For students who complete FLE but need additional reinforcement, our French Accelerated Support Track (FAST) provides continued guidance, ensuring every child develops the confidence and skills to succeed in our trilingual environment
Our teachers work closely with families throughout this journey, providing regular updates and celebrating each milestone along the way
IB Middle Years Programme
The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) is a challenging framework that encourages students aged 11-16 to make practical connections between their studies and the real world At Austin International School, we've embraced the MYP because it nurtures curious, knowledgeable young people who are empowered to make a difference
How the MYP Works
The Programme comprises eight subject groups Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, Arts, Physical and Health Education, and Design all connected through global contexts that give learning real-world relevance. Rather than studying subjects in isolation, students explore interdisciplinary units that help them understand how knowledge connects across disciplines.
Developing the Whole Student
What sets the MYP apart is its emphasis on developing internationally minded students who can think critically and communicate effectively Through Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills, students build competencies in research, self-management, communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills that serve them throughout their academic careers and beyond The Community Project (in year three) allows students to pursue their passions independently, developing the confidence and self-direction they'll need for future success This project encourage students to take ownership of their learning while making meaningful connections to their communities
Preparing for the Future
The MYP provides an excellent foundation for the IB Diploma Programme and other rigorous academic pathways. More importantly, it develops principled, open-minded individuals who are prepared to engage thoughtfully with an increasingly complex world. Our MYP students graduate ready for academic success, and for lives of purpose and contribution.
Design & Innovation Studio
The Design and Innovation Studio is a technology hub on campus where students put ideas from the classroom into practice. Using the design thinking process, AIS students solve realworld challenges in teams, while having access to a range of tools including 3-D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers, video and sound recording equipment, power drills, and more. These challenges are designed to test students’ problem-solving and critical-thinking skills while providing an opportunity for them to meet their service learning requirements.
Logo Project: 6ème (6 grade) th
Students design a logo by first sketching it on paper, then they develop the skills to create the logo digitally using vector programs. Once the students have finalized their digital logo, they use a laser cutter to create a stencil, and the project culminates with stenciling the logo onto a t-shirt, creating a beautiful finished product showcasing the students’ creative and technical skills.
Educational Toys: 5ème (7 grade) th
Students go through the design process by creating educational toys for the AIS Maternelle program This project allows 5ème students to identify needs by consulting with Maternelle faculty, observing their classrooms, and previewing existing toys before innovating their own designs The 5ème students balance many considerations, including safety, size, and engagement, while creating new designs that can build fine motor skills, support social development, and strengthen understanding
Plastic Alternatives: 4ème (8 grade) th
Utilizing knowledge from their Science course, students will explore alternatives to petroleum based plastics, creating new materials from natural ingredients such as avocado pits, cactus juice, and eggshells. Through experimentation, students will test their biomaterial products for durability, safety, and functionality.
Family Testimonials
We stumbled across an advertisement regarding AIS back in 2006 Our first daughter at the time was only two years old, but we were thinking ahead We didn’t know then that having all three of our children attend AIS (two through 5th grade and one through 8th) would be the best decision we would make for their early education
The language immersion, the small classroom size, the incredible and caring teachers, and the multicultural community all set the stage to help them grow and thrive in today’s ever changing world They have been set up for success academically and socially because of AIS Our children are all proud alumni of AIS and we are forever grateful to AIS for all it has given to our family
Holly & Chris Johnson
“When we first chose AIS, it was for its commitment to celebrating diversity and fostering a truly international perspective values that deeply align with our own. We wanted our children to grow in an environment where inclusion is lived daily, and where critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and strong communication are nurtured as essential skills for a rapidly changing world.
What we found was so much more than a school it became our village. AIS has supported not just our children, but our entire family, especially through challenging times like COVID, when they ensured our kids could safely stay connected and continue learning.
Our two daughters have now been at AIS for six and four years, and we’ve watched them grow into confident, curious, and compassionate learners. They are learning to think, read, and communicate in three different languages, and it’s remarkable to see how this shapes their ability to view the world from multiple perspectives. They think deeply, ask thoughtful questions, and approach problems creatively. Most importantly, AIS fosters this natural curiosity it doesn’t stifle their strong spirits, but instead celebrates their individuality and sense of wonder.
Over the years, we’ve navigated undiagnosed learning differences, emotional challenges, and societal changes. Through it all, the AIS community its values, teachers, support staff, and administration has stood beside us with genuine care and dedication. When challenges have arisen, AIS has listened, responded, and adapted to meet the needs of its students.
We are incredibly grateful for the impact AIS has had on our family and look forward to next year when our youngest daughter joins the AIS community. Thank you for being a huge part of our village!
