The Awty International School

I guess you could call me a disgruntled former parent. I was once a student there, and wanted an Awty education for my own children, so I started them in pre-k and stayed 3 years. Without getting into all the particulars that left me on the outside, I'll say this: * The school didn't raise any flags about performance (French proficiency in our case) until it was too late * They were unwilling to inconvenience themselves to take remedial action * They showed no loyalty to my family * They didn't put a priority on the child's best interests * They lied about teacher's evaluations of my child * They encouraged me to quit the school * They insisted I couldn't afford to stay and later denied me any financial aid * They hid behind policy and testing and were clearly more interested in protecting their metrics and their endowments than they were in serving a loyal Awty family Some of these things were done by administrators who are now gone, but not all of them. And the Proviseur and the Headmaster didn't do anything to make it right when we escalated to them at the end.
--Submitted by a parent

I am French and had all kind of tests on my son for his admission to the school...I found it hard to believe that a little boy has to pass so many tests at this age...If ths school was so great, and promissing why wouldn't take no chances to prepare the any toddler for a better education...I believe the school have a great program but don't take no chances for those who could be greater....
--Submitted by a parent

I have been an Awty parent for 7 years now, and could not imagine my children attending a better school in the Houston area. They have a well rounded and complete education that challenges them academically as well as in extra curricular activities. I am confident that my children will leave Awty with native skills in at least two languages, which will prepare them well for college and for the future.
--Submitted by a parent

This is by far (way far) the best school in Houston and clearly one of the best in the US. No other school prepares children for the world the way Awty does. The curriculum is rigorous and demanding. Children are challenged. I am exceedingly happy with the school.
--Submitted by a parent

Our children have been at Awty International for over six years. It had a wonderful cultural and language environment and our children leave Awty speaking multiple languages. However, we were very disappointed in the 5th grade. Two of the fifth grade teachers were repeatedly rude to students, to parents...and it was defended by the Awty administration. Many long term students and parents are voting with their feet and leaving Awty for better private and public schools in the city. This would not be tolerated in other schools and is an inappropriate way to prepare the students for middle school....
--Submitted by a parent

The Dutch program of Awty receives support from the Dutch Ministry of Education only when the child attends three or more hours of classes. During a meeting in the beginning of the schoolyear the parents are invited and the Dutch Board explaines the parents this point. We receive every four years a Dutch Inspector of Education who writes a report about the Dutch program. For more questions about this you can contact the Dutch teachers at Awty.
--Submitted by a teacher

Entered Pre-K4 and will graduate May 2010. I have nothing but positive things to say about this school, its facilities, faculty and students. While expensive, and uncharactaristic of an 18 year old to admit, I deffinitely will send my future children to Awty.
--Submitted by a student

I am a Dutch parent, my two children attended the AWTY Dutch Plus programme. I do not question the dedication of the Dutch teacher, because I noticed that she is very enthusiastic. I only want to warn other parents who consider to enrol their children for this programme. This AWTY Dutch Plus programme does not receives any support or funding from the Dutch Ministry of Education. Awty decided not to do so because they could not guarantee some of the quality rules. Therefore there is not a check from the Dutch board of inspection of Education. This results in the fact that the quality of this programme can not be assured. I received this remark from the Dutch Ministry after my return to the Netherlands!
--Submitted by a parent

this school is great and I wouldnt want to go to school anywhere else... this is my 7th year at awty and I hope to stay until I graduate.... the education is amazing... 6th graders are learning 8th grade math and so forth... we have short tests... we are discilpined very well and the parents do alot... the teachers are amazing... they help us with problems and take us in at lunch if we dont understand the lesson.... we have fund raisers for the congo every year all year long.... if your child doesnt go here... you should go to awty.org and inlist them now....
--Submitted by a student

Awty is an excellent school. My child has been following the French curriculum since Pre-K 3, but this is our first year at Awty (3rd grade/ CE 2). Compared to friends/ children in other private and public magnet schools, my daughter is ahead. Even after following the French curriculum (only 1 hour per day of English), my daughter is on par or ahead of children we know in other schools in English language arts. Awty is very large compared to her old school but still has a very warm and nurturing environment. The student to teacher ratio is small which I feel is crucial. The staff is caring and extremely accommodating. The academics are somewhat rigorous, but not too much so for above-average children. My daughter is very happy and loves going to school. I could go on and on. Great school!
--Submitted by a parent