The Awty International School

Awty is not an international school but an American prep school with an international character. The entrance exams/admission rules are over the top for international parents. I had 2 kids in the waiting pool and in the end, one got in and there was no spot for the other one. And they had us wait until school started to finally let us know and kept our hopes up all the time! So this year I have two kids at two different schools. They are not really trying to keep families together :-( My daughter goes to the British School and the overall experience there is much better. A more welcoming friendly school and more suited for expats. And more fun for the kids, while the academics are still excellent. So I am moving my other child to the British School as well. At Awty you are just a number, no one cares. All they care about is grades, grades and grades. They are so arrogant. I wrote a letter why I am taking my son off, no reaction nothing!
—Submitted by a parent

As a student who recently graduated, I can attest to the high quality of the education I received. The teachers, from K-12 take an active interest in students and really want to help students succeed both scholastically and general. This is especially true towards the high school years, where I personally developed close relationships with several teachers. Because the school is relatively small, principals have a very strong influence on the actual student body. It is very comforting to know that the high school principal knows every one of his students names. Because of this strong link between the principals and the students, the students have the ability to talk to their principals about almost anything, including being overworked, any problems they might have with teachers, and any other significant problems. Finally, the academic programs are extremely challenging. While the Pre-K and elementary schools are not exceedingly challenging, middle school and high school are much more difficult; especially with the IB program in the 11th and 12th grades.

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

Wonderful school. Great Education. Great environment for students to grow and learn.

this school is very good beter than every school ever my doghter goes ther and she loves it we are from india and my doghthers english wasent good ontill she wented to awty she talks like a bird now and was worid aboat the disiplin and awty has the greatest
—Submitted by a parent

This school is awesome! The education is great and it has great academics. Great teachers too. Delicious lunches.
—Submitted by a student

I attended Awty during 10th and 11th grade as an international student from Europe. The school offers a great opportunity for American students to expand their vision on the world by being introduced to many different cultures. For me, teachers were always there and always willing to make an appointment any time during the day. Some teachers were willing to tutor at seven o'clock when extra help was needed. The language program is exceptionally strong and easy to enjoy. Of course every school has a downside and Awty would be no different. It just depends on what a parent wants. It is true parents are not very involved, but this is often because of their background.
—Submitted by a student

This is our third year at Awty with our oldest now in Kinder and our youngest entering PK3. Preschoolers spend 50% time in English and in French or Spanish. The class sizes are small with a very low student/teacher ratio. The academics are strong even at this young age - last year my 4 yr old was introduced to fractions, for example. Beginning in lower school the academics become quite rigorous, perhaps excessively so according to some parents. It is true that a handful of parents consistently volunteer, but it is important to consider that most of the parents are from foreign cultures where parent involvement in the schools is neither common nor encouraged. Also, the student population is very mobile by its nature. Awty is a true international school celebrating diversity and fostering and demanding academic excellence from its students.
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic environment, academic standards, and curriculum. Prepares students for the most rigorous college experience through the much acclaimed IB program.
—Submitted by a student

Yes it is true that most teachers leave when the bell rings at 330pm. They also have families. I have found however that they are available to meet with students during the day and many even give up their lunch hour to meet with several students. Parents can be unreasonable and demanding. You pay the tuition for the opportunity to have a good education. You don't own the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

AWTY embraces cultural diversity but turns a cold shoulder on children with any other difference. Even if a child has excellent grades and can meet the academic challenges presented, the staff appears biased against children with disabilities. Very disappointing experience.