News

MLF America is a vital part of the mlfmonde network (including OSUI, MLCI, and AFLEC) under the Mission Laïque Française. As a non-profit association recognized for its public utility, the Mission Laïque Française leads a network of 112 French educational institutions abroad, educating more than 60,000 students across 39 countries worldwide.
MLF America specifically manages all activities of the French Lay Mission in the American zone (United States, Canada, and Haiti) while providing a permanent connection to headquarters services in Paris. Its primary goals include:

Better serving member schools by improving services in all areas, including partnerships with the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) and the French Ministry of Education
Developing professional development programs that support schools in their innovative projects

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Austin International School Expands Campus with Dedicated Maternelle Building

AUSTIN, TX - April 17, 2025 - Austin International School (AIS), the only French-accredited school in Austin, Texas, announces the acquisition of an adjoining property to become its dedicated Maternelle building. The newly acquired space, a recently vacated preschool, will house AIS's early childhood education program serving Pre-K3 through Kindergarten students.

"This expansion represents a significant milestone in our school's growth," said Ariane Baer-Harper, Head of School. "Having a dedicated space for our youngest learners will enhance our ability to deliver the highest quality French immersion education from the earliest years."
The new Maternelle building will open in August for the 2025-2026 academic year, providing state-of-the-art facilities specifically designed for AIS's youngest global citizens. Enrollment is now open, with limited spaces available in select grades.

A Unique Trilingual Education
What sets Austin International School apart is its innovative trilingual education model—a rarity even among international schools. Students become fluent in French, English, and Spanish through daily immersion, with native-speaking teachers guiding them in each language. This distinctive approach doesn't merely teach languages; it cultivates true global citizens who navigate seamlessly between cultures.
Research consistently shows that multilingual education enhances cognitive development, problem-solving skills, and cultural awareness—advantages increasingly critical in today's interconnected world. By age 11, AIS students typically achieve fluency across all three languages, positioning them for exceptional academic and professional opportunities worldwide.
"Our students don't just learn multiple languages—they think, create, and connect in them," noted Ariane Baer-Harper, Head of School, at AIS. "When you walk through our hallways, you'll hear children as young as four shifting effortlessly between French, English, and Spanish. It's a remarkable cognitive achievement that builds foundations for lifelong success."

Community Open House
AIS invites prospective families and media representatives to attend an Open House on Wednesday, April 23rd, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM at its original campus. During this event, the school will unveil architectural renderings and detailed information about the new Maternelle space. While the Open House will highlight the Pre-K3 through Kindergarten programs, representatives from all grade levels will be available.

About Austin International School
Austin International School offers a French immersion, trilingual program (French, English, Spanish) for students from Pre-K3 through 8th grade. As the only French-accredited school in Austin, AIS provides an international education that prepares students to become global citizens. The school follows French academic standards while incorporating American educational best practices and is in the final stages of applying for and receiving the IB MYP accreditation. 

For more information: www.austininternationalschool.org

Contact:
Nikl Burke
Director of Advancement & Communication
nikl.burke@austinis.org
512.331.7806
 

Thank you to Grainne P'Reilly from Leading Your International School for the excellent article about Austin International School featured on LinkedIn.

For Immediate Release

Austin International School Hosts High-Profile French Delegation for International Community
Showcase and Trilingual Library Opening

AUSTIN, TX - August 20, 2024 Austin International School is set to welcome an esteemed delegation of French officials for a landmark event that highlights Austin's thriving international community and the school's commitment to global education.

Event Details

● Date: Wednesday, Sep 4, 2024
● Time: 5:30 - 8:30pm
● Location: Austin International School, 4001 Adelphi Lane, Austin, TX 78727

Distinguished Guests
The event will be graced by the presence of several high-ranking French officials:

• Roland Lescure, French Congressman representing French citizens living in North America (United States of America and Canada), Minister Delegate for Industry and Energy
• Valérie Baraban, Consul General of the French Embassy in Houston

Event Highlights
The evening promises to be a celebration of international cooperation and educational excellence. Visiting French dignitaries will engage in a meet and greet with representatives from ten French organizations that serve Austin's diverse international communities, fostering connections and dialogue. The highlight of the event will be a ceremonial ribbon-cutting for Austin International School's new trilingual library and expanded facilities, with the honored guests taking center stage in this momentous occasion. This gathering serves as a vivid showcase of Austin's unwavering commitment to global education and international cooperation, underlining the city's growing role as a hub for multicultural exchange and learning.

This high-profile visit underscores Austin's growing importance on the international stage and its thriving multicultural community. The presence of such distinguished French officials provides a unique opportunity to strengthen Franco-American ties at a local level and highlight the vital role of international education in fostering global understanding."We are honored to host these esteemed representatives of the French officials," says Ariane Baer-Harper, Head of School for Austin International School. "Their visit not only celebrates our new library but also recognizes the vibrant French and international community in Austin. It's a testament to our city's global outlook and the importance of multilingual education in today's interconnected world."

Media are invited to capture the following:

• Arrival and reception of the French delegation
• Interactions between French officials and representatives of local French organizations
• Ribbon-cutting ceremony led by French dignitaries
• Tours of the new trilingual library and expanded facilities
• Interviews with French officials, school leadership, and community representatives

About Austin International School
At AIS, we believe in nurturing the whole child. Our diverse programs support students' growth in many ways. We offer engaging arts classes to spark creativity and competitive sports to promote physical health. We also prioritize students' social and emotional well-being. To ignite curiosity, we provide hands-on learning experiences and exciting field trips, both local and global. This approach helps our students develop into well-rounded, enthusiastic learners.

For more information or to arrange coverage of this event, please contact:
Tiffany Beaufreton
French Affairs, Austin International School
Phone: 512.749.8397
Email: tiffany.beaufreton@austininternationalschool.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Austin International School Launches MYP IB Program to Enhance Trilingual Curriculum and Global Education
Initiatives
Austin, Texas - March 15, 2024 Austin International School (AIS) proudly announces the launch of the Middle Years Programme (MYP) of the International Baccalaureate (IB), further enriching its esteemed trilingual curriculum. As a premier educational institution dedicated to fostering linguistic proficiency and global citizenship, AIS continues its commitment to providing a seamless trilingual education in French, Spanish, and English while expanding opportunities for students through the internationally recognized IB framework. 

Building upon its French accreditation maintained by the French Ministry of Education, AIS has consistently strived to offer a holistic educational experience that prepares students to thrive in an interconnected world.
Historically, one challenge has been attracting new students beyond the primary years, particularly those who may not already be fluent in French. The introduction of the MYP IB program not only addresses this challenge
by offering an English-speaking track but also positions AIS as a leader in education, deeply rooted in global perspectives and interdisciplinary learning.
 

"The addition of the MYP IB program marks an exciting chapter in the evolution of Austin International School," said Ariane Baer-Harper, Head of School at AIS. "Our commitment to linguistic diversity and academic excellence remains unwavering, and the MYP IB program serves as a catalyst for empowering our students to become compassionate, lifelong learners equipped to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected
world."
The MYP IB program at AIS will provide students with a rigorous and inquiry-based curriculum that fosters critical
thinking, intercultural understanding, and personal development. By integrating the MYP framework into its
existing French curriculum, AIS offers students a unique educational experience that seamlessly combines
linguistic proficiency with global perspectives, preparing them to succeed in an ever-changing landscape.
For more information about Austin International School and its programs, please visit www.austinis.org.
About Austin International School
Austin International School (AIS) is a leading trilingual institution in Austin, Texas, dedicated to providing an
exceptional education in French, Spanish, and English. Accredited by the French Ministry of Education, AIS
offers a comprehensive curriculum that fosters linguistic proficiency, critical thinking, and global citizenship.
Nikl Burke
DIrector of Advancement and Communications
Austin International School
512.331.7806
nikl.burke@austinis.org
www.austinis.org

4001 Adelphi Lane, ATX, 78727 - 512.331.7806 - www.austininternationalschool.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Austin International School Hosts Unforgettable Solar Eclipse Viewing Event

Austin, TX - April 4, 2024 - Austin International School (AIS), the premier trilingual educational institution in Austin accredited by the French Ministry of Education, is thrilled to announce its eagerly anticipated Total Solar Eclipse viewing event, set to mesmerize students and staff on Monday, April 8th. This event marks a unique opportunity for AIS to further its commitment to providing exceptional educational experiences and fostering a global perspective among its diverse student body.

"We're thrilled to offer our students the chance to witness such a rare astronomical event," expressed Ms. Hasha, President of AIS's Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO). "Safety is our top priority, and we're grateful for the support of our parent volunteers in making this event both educational and enjoyable."

The event will feature engaging activities, including a live broadcast of the eclipse and post-eclipse observation sessions utilizing solar telescopes generously provided by Mr. Nathan Morgan, a dedicated AIS parent and member of the Austin Astronomy Association.

"We're excited to offer our students this hands-on learning opportunity," remarked Cédric Hervé, Lower School Principal at AIS. "Events like these not only enrich their educational experience but also foster a lifelong curiosity about the world around them."

AIS encourages parents, students, and the wider community to join in this extraordinary event. Detailed safety guidelines and further information about the solar eclipse can be found at [Nasa Link].

About Austin International School:
Austin International School (AIS) is the leading trilingual school in Austin, accredited by the French Ministry of Education, catering to students aged 3 years to 8th grade. Committed to academic excellence and cultural diversity, AIS provides a unique educational experience preparing students to excel in a globalized world.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Nikl Burke
Director of Communications and Advancement
dac@austininternationalschool.org