FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Frequently asked questions

  • As a parent, how can I get involved in BIS Houston’s learning community?

    With such a diverse school population, the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a vital part of the school community at the British International School of Houston. The PTO brings together the whole community by organising and hosting various events throughout the academic year and supporting new families to ensure they feel welcomed beyond the classroom. 

    The PTO works in collaboration with our parent community and typically organises the following types of events: 

    • whole-school fairs that enrich the experience for the community  
    • parent events, held off site 
    • courses or lectures for parents 
    • casual coffee mornings that provide an opportunity to meet staff and other parents 
    • second-hand uniform sales

    Parents are also warmly welcomed to use our on-site café until 9:30 am daily and after-school from 3 to 4:30 pm. Parents should not be in the coffee shop at other times, as students will be using this space.

  • Is there before- and after-school care at BIS Houston?
    Yes, ‘BIS Houston Kids’ is our structured provision for students who arrive early or stay longer after school.

    BIS Houston Kids is programmed from 6:45 am to 8 am during mornings and from 3:30 pm to 6 pm during afternoons.

    For more information about BIS Houston Kids, or for enrolment details, please contact donna.burt@houston.nae.school.  
  • Do you have extracurricular activities at BIS Houston?

    Yes, from Early Years through the IB Programme, the British International School of Houston offers a wide range of optional opportunities for student participation.

    The development of young people takes place both inside and outside the classroom and a rich selection of after-school activities extends your child's learning experience each term. We believe that our school’s role is to nurture confident, knowledgeable, independent young people, who understand that their actions can make a difference to their school as well as local and global communities. We provide opportunities for all our students to enrich their lives and the lives of others, in addition to the outstanding academic outcomes based on our gold standard curricula.

    Learn more about our extracurricular activities.

  • Does BIS Houston offer transportation services?

    Yes, the British International School of Houston offers premium school bus service for our students through A Ambassador Transportation.

    The luxury bus features include: 

    • Wi-Fi service
    • Air conditioning
    • Three-point safety belts

    Contact: bus@houston.nae.school

    For more information, or if you wish to enrol your child for the school bus service, please review the bus policy found on our Parent Essentials page and email bus@houston.nae.school for an enrolment form. Enrolment is for the whole school year but may be paid by term. Withdrawal during the school year requires a completed withdrawal form, submitted with one full term’s notice.

    Learn more about our transportation.

  • Will there be healthy food options available for my child at BIS Houston?

    Yes, your child will have access to good nutrition and healthy eating options at BIS Houston. We believe that mealtimes are hugely important for a child's learning and development.

    Our new school lunch menu, provided by Flik Independent School Dining, features a nutritious, delicious range of foods.

    Learn more about our school lunches.

  • What’s the average class size at BIS Houston?
    BIS Houston’s class sizes are small, relative to students' ages and their curriculum. Because of our small class sizes, we're able to always personalise learning to the style that helps your child learn best.
  • How many nationalities attend BIS Houston?

    Your child will be part of an inclusive and supportive international community that embraces diversity at the British International School of Houston. Students represent over 80 nationalities, and it’s common for many to speak between three and four languages fluently.

  • What curricula does BIS Houston follow?

    From Nursery through Year 1 (equivalent to preschool and kindergarten stages in the US school system), BIS Houston’s Early Years students follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework from the UK.

    From Years 2 to 6 (equivalent to 1st and 5th grades in the US school system), BIS Houston’s Primary School students follow the English National Curriculum and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC).

    From Years 7 to 9 (equivalent to 6th and 8th grades in the US school system), BIS Houston’s Middle School students follow preparation for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or Career-related Programmes.

    From Years 10 to 11 (equivalent to 9th and 10th grades in the US school system), BIS Houston’s younger high school students prepare for and experience globally benchmarked testing through International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) exams from the UK.

    From Years 12 to 13 (equivalent to 11th and 12th grades in the US school system), BIS Houston’s students can follow the requirements of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP), or the BIS Houston High School Diploma.

    Learn more about our curricula.