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Everything Houston families need to know about applying to Grades 9–12 at this IB and French Baccalauréat school.
Quick Answer for Busy Parents
The Awty International School’s Upper School serves Grades 9–12, offering students a choice between the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and the French Baccalauréat (FB) Diploma; Awty is the only school in Houston fully accredited by the French Ministry of Education. The school enrolls students from approximately 50 countries. Secondary school applicants take the ISEE. For the 2027–28 school year, the preliminary application deadline is November 20, 2026, with all requirements due January 14, 2027, and decisions released March 5, 2027.
Why Do Families Choose The Awty International School?
Kathleen “Kay” Awty founded the school as a preschool in 1956; an Upper School was incorporated in 1975, and in 1984 the school merged with the French School of Houston to become The Awty International School. Today, Awty is Houston’s largest private day school and the largest international school in the United States, drawing families both from across Houston and from the roughly 50 countries represented in its student body.
Families are drawn to Awty primarily for its rare dual-track curriculum, offering a genuine choice between the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and the French Baccalauréat—a versatility unmatched by other Houston private schools. Parents also value the immersive, multilingual environment starting in early childhood, the school’s proven track record of placing graduates into top global universities, and a multicultural community that fosters true global citizenship.
Did You Know? Awty’s new Campus Center won both the 2025 AIA Houston Design Award and the 2026 Texas Society of Architects Design Award for its climate-resilient design, including deep overhangs and an expanded stormwater management system.
How Competitive Is Admission to Awty’s Upper School?
Awty describes its admission process as highly selective, though it does not publish an official acceptance rate. Because secondary applicants choose a diploma track during the application process, admission heavily weighs academic fit with either the rigorous IB or French Baccalauréat track alongside transcripts, recommendations, testing, and an interview.
High demand from top local families and global executives makes available seats, especially for non-native language speakers entering upper grades, extremely limited. Candidates must demonstrate top-tier academic readiness, advanced language proficiency, and the adaptability needed to thrive in a demanding international curriculum.
Top Tips for a Strong Application
- Submit your application through Ravenna as soon as it opens on September 1.
- Register for the ISEE; Awty’s test site code is 447771.
- Decide which diploma track, IB or French Baccalauréat, best fits your child before applying.
Best Practices for Elite Families
- Complete the parent statement and student statement thoughtfully.
- Request teacher recommendations and a school administrator reference form with plenty of lead time.
- Ask directly about the differences between the IB and French Baccalauréat tracks during a visit.
The Awty Upper School Admission Process
Creating a candidate account in the Ravenna online portal is the first step in The Awty International School’s admissions process, where families can complete application forms, request records, and schedule admissions events.
- Create account.
- Submit online application.
- Application Fee
- Student Statement
- Parent Statement
- Schedule student interview.
- Delegate teacher & administrator recommendations.
- Current Math Teacher & English Teacher
- Second Language Teacher
- School Administrator Form
- Request transcript & records.
- Signed Transcript Release Form
- Current Year & Previous Academic Year
- Submit ISEE test results.
The Awty School Application Requirements
Student Statement
Submitted via Ravenna for all Upper School applicants (Grades 9–12). Candidates complete student statements detailing their academic interests, extracurricular passions, personal background, and reasons for applying to Awty.
How to write a compelling student statement: Focus on a specific moment of personal growth, curiosity, or community engagement rather than listing accomplishments. Academic tutoring and writing support help students refine their ideas and build a distinct, authentic voice. Learn how to develop an authentic writing voice that helps your statement stand out.
Parent/Guardian Statement
Submitted via Ravenna for all Upper School grade levels (Grades 9–12). Parents provide insight into their child’s personal development, academic trajectory, unique strengths, and alignment with Awty’s international mission through the parent/guardian statement.
How to write a compelling parent/guardian statement: Share anecdotes that demonstrate your child’s maturity and values rather than repeating their resume. Keep your tone authentic and collaborative. Learn how to write a compelling private school parent statement.
Teacher & Administrator Recommendations
Awty requires confidential recommendation forms from the student’s current English teacher, math teacher, and a second language teacher, alongside an official reference form from a school administrator or counselor.
How to get the best recommendation letter: To secure a strong recommendation letter, your child must build genuine relationships with teachers. Recommenders should highlight your child’s leadership, behavior, and academic impact on the school community.
Transcript & School Records
Requested electronically via Ravenna using Awty’s official Transcript Release Form. Applicants for Grades 9–12 must submit official transcripts covering the previous two full school years along with all grade reports from the current academic year.
How to improve academic performance: If grades have been a genuine struggle, improving them before applying requires targeted, consistent support—not last-minute cramming. This is where tutoring and academic coaching help strengthen the student’s key skills months before applications are due, allowing students to demonstrate meaningful, sustained academic growth.
Student Interview
Scheduled via Ravenna after submitting the application. All Grade 9–12 applicants complete an interview with an Awty admissions officer, conducted either in person during a campus visit or virtually for out-of-region families.
How to prepare for the student interview: Approach the interview as a collaborative dialogue. Students should practice articulating their passions, reflecting on past challenges, and expressing specific reasons why Awty’s international curriculum and unique diploma tracks appeal to them. Practice with comprehensive interview preparation to build natural confidence.
ISEE Testing
Applicants entering Grades 9–12 for the International Baccalaureate track submit official ISEE results (Awty site code 447771). French Baccalauréat track candidates take Awty’s internal French entrance evaluation (Test d’entrée), while non-native English speakers may also require supplemental language proficiency testing.
How to strengthen test-taking skills: Effective test preparation involves more than just content review; it builds a deep understanding of exam-specific question formats, pacing strategies, and underlying academic skills. Personalized coaching helps students master these exams with confidence.
Have Questions About Your Child’s Application?
Cardinal Education’s consultants help students prepare for the ISEE and choose the right diploma track.
Student Life at The Awty International Upper School
Student life at The Awty International School is a multicultural blend of rigorous dual-track academics, creative expression, extracurricular activities, and active global community involvement.
Beyond the classroom, students are encouraged to pursue their passions through a wide range of competitive sports, fine arts programs, and diverse student-led organizations, fostering personal growth and intercultural connections.
Academics
Academic life at Awty combines high intellectual standards with flexible international options, allowing students to choose between the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma track or the French Baccalauréat accredited by the French Ministry of Education.
| Metric | Overview & Academic Feature |
| Diploma Tracks | Choice between the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or French Baccalauréat (Général & BFI) |
| French Accredited Track | Accredited curriculum (PK3–Tle) culminating in the French Baccalauréat or International French Baccalauréat (BFI) |
| IB Pathway | Pre-IB coursework in 9th–10th grade transitioning to the 2-year full IB Diploma Program in 11th–12th grade |
| Language Studies | Native & second-language tracks across English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, and more |
| Core Requirements | Mandatory TOK, 4,000-word Extended Essay, and CAS (IB), alongside standardized national exams and Grand Oral (French Bac) |
This dual-program structure prepares students for higher education worldwide by emphasizing analytical thinking, bilingual proficiency, and rigorous independent research.
Arts
The fine arts curriculum provides hands-on creative training across performance and visual mediums, giving students opportunities to showcase their work through exhibitions and productions.
- Visual Arts: Comprehensive instruction spanning digital media, photography studio work, composition, and visual art history.
- Performing Arts: Opportunities for creative expression through theater productions, drama, and music ensembles.
- Creative Process: Focus on skill progression using the creative cycle—planning, experimenting, reviewing, refining, and reflecting.
- Parent & Community Support: Financial and logistical support for arts programming through the Fine Arts Booster Club (FABC).
Students develop creative confidence and technical proficiency while sharing their artistic work with the broader school community.
Athletics
The athletics program focuses on competitive excellence, team sportsmanship, and personal growth across multiple seasonal sports.
| Athletic Metric | Program Statistics |
| Mascot & Identity | Rams / Rambo the Ram |
| Athletic Staff | Dedicated team of nearly 50 coaches, certified athletic trainers, and strength coaches |
| Campus Facilities | Awty Field (soccer pitch, track, tennis courts) & Performing Arts and Athletic Center (PAAC) |
| Specialized Training | Dedicated weight rooms and sports medicine facilities in both primary athletic venues |
The athletic department supports both novice participants and competitive student-athletes competing for regional and state-level achievements.
Student Clubs & Activities
Awty offers dozens of student-led organizations that extend learning beyond the traditional classroom through leadership, interest exploration, and community service.
- Academic & Leadership Clubs: Model United Nations, Student World Affairs Council, Ethics Bowl, Science Olympiad, and Future Business Leaders of America.
- Cultural & Language Groups: Black Leaders Orchestrating Change, South Asian Association, Spanish Club, Arabic Club, and Russian Club.
- STEM & Innovation: Robotics Club, AI in Medicine, Aerospace Club, Programming Club, and STEM Innovation Club.
- Service & Social Impact: Aid 4 Refugees, Red Cross Club, UNICEF Club, Friends of Houston Food Bank, and Girl Up Awty.
These student organizations foster civic responsibility, global leadership, and collaborative project experience across all grade levels.
Notable Alumni of The Awty International School
The legacy of The Awty International School is reflected in the achievements of its graduates across athletics, literature, media, and public service.
- Stuart Holden: Former professional soccer player who competed for the U.S. Men’s National Team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, played in the English Premier League, and serves as a lead soccer analyst for Fox Sports.
- Clint Smith: Renowned author, poet, and staff writer at The Atlantic, best known for his New York Times bestselling book How the Word Is Passed.
- Cristina Alexander: Prominent sports journalist and news anchor for ESPN Deportes and SportsCenter, representing Awty’s international reach in global media.
- Eirin Bruheim: Professional Norwegian equestrian show jumper who has represented Norway in high-level international riding competitions.
- Devin Harris: Managing Director at Brazos River South and active civic leader who serves as President of the Alumni Board at The Awty International School.
These graduates illustrate how a foundation built on academic rigor and a global perspective prepares students to make a lasting impact worldwide.
Admission to The Awty International School is highly competitive, driven by strong local and international demand for its elite academic tracks. One of the most critical decisions families face right at the start of the application process is choosing between two demanding diploma programs: the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the French Baccalauréat.
Cardinal Education’s expert admissions consultants guide families through every step of this rigorous process—helping students strategically select the right diploma track, master the ISEE through targeted test preparation, and craft a compelling, standout application that highlights academic readiness and personal achievement.
Related Articles:
Inside Awty’s New Campus Center: An Award-Winning Hub for STEAM
IB vs. French Baccalaureate: How Awty’s Dual Diploma Tracks Work
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Awty a religious school?
Does Awty require standardized testing?
What is The Awty International School known for?
Do applicants need to speak French to apply to Awty Upper School?
When are the Awty Upper School application deadlines and decision dates?
Awty gave our son a genuinely international education and a real choice between the IB and French Baccalauréat tracks. Cardinal Education helped him prepare for the ISEE and put together a strong application.
— Awty Parent