Please read on for the questions most frequently asked about our program.

When is my child eligible to enroll?

Children must turn three by December 31 in the year that they enroll and must be potty trained.

My child doesn’t speak French – can he or she enroll?

In preschool there is no prerequisite for children to speak French. For students entering in Kindergarten and above, enrollment is based on the level of language skill development in their native language and/or English.

We don’t speak the languages offered at AIS. How can we help and support our child?

Our community is very diverse and many families do not speak the languages offered, especially French. Therefore much on-site help and support is offered to families at AIS through study hall, individual or small group tutoring and directed study after school. We are also able to provide additional support during the school day for those who would benefit from this.

How often will I be updated about my child’s progress?

Austin International School believes in the importance of communication between home and school. Therefore your child’s teachers will update you regularly about your child’s progress. A newsletter will be sent every two weeks telling you about what is happening in the classroom. Report cards and parent/teacher conferences are scheduled regularly throughout the year. The teachers will also contact you if there are any special circumstances concerning your child at any time.

Where can I find a copy of the curriculum?

AIS follows a harmonized curriculum using the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) and the French curriculum framework. Information about the curriculum by grade level can be found here.

Where can I find out about after-school activities?

Information will be shared about the after-school activities we offer at orientation night in August. You will be able to learn more about what is available as well as sign-up for any of the activities.

What time does the school open and close?

We are open from 7:15 a.m. and we close at 6:00 p.m. You can drop-off your child any time from 7:15 a.m. onwards and collect them any time up to 6:00 p.m.. There is no charge for before-school care. After-school care is charged monthly.

School schedules are:

8:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for PS and MS

8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for GS and CP

8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. for CE1 to CM2

What are the lunch options?

Your child may either enroll in our hot lunch program or you can send a packed lunch. Hot lunch is provided from an external caterer. Food can be heated in microwaves if necessary. Your child will also need a snack from home twice a day.

What should my child bring to school for the two-day classroom visit?

Pre-school children will need a blanket for nap, a soft toy (optional), a change of clothing and underwear, lunch each day and two snacks each day. Please also remember to bring your school-visit paperwork on or before your child’s first visit day.

What school supplies should my child bring on the first day of school in the fall?

Pre-school children should bring the same items they brought for their class visit. There are no supplies for Kindergarten children. For grades CP-CM2 a required supplies list will be sent to you in your welcome packet in August.

Where can I find the school calendar for the next school year?

The school calendar can be found on our web site under “School Life”, and will be posted there when it is available.

Where can I purchase a school uniform for my child?

Suitable items for your child to wear to school can be purchased from many places including Target, Old Navy, or Walmart. We can also recommend the company French Toast.

Does my child have to have the vision/hearing and scoliosis screening?

All new students from MS (4 years old) to CM2, as well as all students of MS (4 years old), GS (Kindergarten), CP (1st Grade), CE2 (3rd grade) and CM2 (5th grade) are required to have their vision and hearing (plus scoliosis for 5th grade) tested. If you opt to have this done by your own physician, please give a copy to the school as soon as possible.

What happens if I decide to defer enrollment until the following year?

If you decide to defer enrollment until the following school year, we are able to keep your application on file and your child’s name on our wait list until March of the following year. We will then contact you to confirm if space is available.