British School of Houston

This school could have so much more potential if it only would stop trying too hard to be a business! Not as warm and fuzzy as the Principal spins it when you turn up to the new parents info session. For the amount paid per term, it's taking the mickey a bit I think. Also don't expect admission or apology of fault on their part. This school is all about covering itself first and foremost (probably a hangover from the highly litigous nature of the USA).
--Submitted by a parent

Having to choose as an expat between Awty and the British School summer 2011 was hard from a distance, but I'm sooo glad I choose for the British School in the end. It's a warm and friendly school and we have all been made so welcome. The teachers are great and whenever I have a concern or question they are spot on. They differentiate in the learning in class and this is good for the individual child so that they get more of a challenge or don't have to work against their limits which is not good when you're settling in in a new country and city. English is not their first language but this was addressed perfectly by the BSH. They are all so happy and I have heard this too from much more new parents. Again I am very glad I made this choice. People changed to the British School last summer after trying for a year at Awty because it was so strict and inflexible as a lot of expatriates are pointed to Awty only, but in the last years the British School is getting better and better - this is no doubt the case for the young kids, but also for the Middle years and Upper School the British School is getting better.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has surpassed expectations especially in the primary. The staff are great - they really know my children and what it is they need. The Deputy Head is great as well. He knows every child and their family and will always stop for a chat. The curriculum and teaching here are wonderful. Every topic they do is great, my children come home every day talking about what they have been 'learning'. When I was at school, it was what we had been doing!
--Submitted by a parent

I would not recommend this school if your child has any educational problems. Although they state they help children, they do not. You have to paid extra for tutoring and any extra support your child may need. Ask for the parent handbook before you sign up - why isn't it on their open pages.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been a long-term student at BSOH, since 2007. When I arrived, the student body was warm and welcoming, teachers were of good quality, but the head teacher seemed distant from the actual school. Over the years, management has changed, as have teachers. At the end of last teacher, far more than half of the secondary school teachers left, leaving the school without some of it's greatest assets: the teachers. With the beginning of the new academic year, many new teachers have been brought on, and are all very enthusiastic and commited to helping the students achieve high grades. However, I have also noticed that there is a divide between the current headmaster and the student body, and many of us do not believe that he is running the school adequately. I would recommend this school to Brit expats in particular as it maintains the education standards and provides plenty of other expat families to meet and socialize with. We're always happy to meet new people BSOH, it's just a shame that the poor leadership has sent a divide between the students and head teacher. I have to disagree with the review below, as none of us are rude or treat any other students badly.

Currently I am a new student at the british school of houston...When you get to a new school your supposed to be welcomed when I got to the school everyone was rude and I was left out. Theres GREAT education but the people are very rude ! The facilities are not good but the supplies is. If your a parent and your reading this and your kid is going into Y8 SWITCH SCHOOLS. Also, they usually refer to last year like in science, history and music. I HIGHLY recomend if your kid is going into y8 to switch schools.

I agree with the previous comment - excellent teachers. However, OVER HALF the secondary teachers left this July - you have to wonder why?
--Submitted by a parent

I was very happy with the teaching and care my daughter received at the British School of Houston. She did the last year of the very demanding IB Diploma and I can happily say that the level of professionalism from all the teachers she had was absolutely fabulous. The BSH has very good teachers who will go that extra mile to make sure your child thrive in their education and life.
--Submitted by a parent

I have little positive to say about this school, teachers have been slightly better than average, the academic programs have been just below average but the head leadership has been very poor. I am pleased we are moving on.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children who have attended the British School of Houston for two years, and over the past year I have seen significant improvements at the school in terms of the leadership, facilities and direction the school is taking. The recent renovation programme has been a huge success and the summer's outstanding GCSE and IB results are a true reflection of the academic standards and focus on learning that exist at the school.
--Submitted by a parent