November Open House
Join us to discover how we're shaping the future of education through world-class academics, exceptional teachers, and a learning environment designed to help every child thrive.
You'll learn about:
-Our internationally recognized curriculum and pathways to top universities worldwide
-Our outstanding teachers, who personalize learning to help students reach their full potential
-Athletics, enrichment programs, and extracurricular opportunities that support the whole child
-The admissions process and how to secure your child's place for the upcoming school years
Barrie Scrymgeour
Principal
The British International School of Houston, Texas provides one-of-a-kind learning experiences that connect students to the world. Under the guidance of our exceptional, internationally experienced teachers, BIS Houston students jumpstart their future by building their love for learning and pursuing their passions.
The British International School of Houston offers an outstanding private education unlike anywhere else. We shape memorable experiences beyond the classroom; deliver excellent preparation for university and life with programmes and curricula widely recognised throughout the world; and enhance our activities with premier resources from MIT, UNICEF, Juilliard and IMG Academy. The great variety and rigour of learning opportunities at BIS Houston well prepares students to thrive – no matter what they want to be or do in life.
We recruit teachers who are global talents to BIS Houston because they not only deliver first-rate education; they inspire our students’ confidence, resilience, and creativity within an internationally minded environment. BIS Houston’s students, in turn, stay motivated by their passion for learning and excitement for the future – and many go on to attend the world’s top colleges and universities.
We have organised the information available for this school into 10 sections and 39 questions. Click or tap on the name of each section to read more.
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Number of students
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1250
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Number of nationalities represented in the school
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80
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Most common nationality
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American
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Ratio of local students to international students
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1:1
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Native English speaking teachers
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Yes
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Language support for students not fluent in English
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Yes
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Additional language classes offered by the school
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French, Spanish, German, Dutch (for native speakers)
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Max. number of students per class
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22
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Average number of students per class
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17
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Does the school employ teaching assistants?
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Yes
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Use of technology in the classroom
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Emerging Technology education, including dedicated STEAM labs to support coding, robotics, AI, and real-world problem solving. Interactive all-in-one smart whiteboards. BIS Houston is recognised as an Apple Distinguished School for its continuous innovation in learning, teaching, and the school environment, using Apple products to inspire, imagine, and impact teaching and learning.
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Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online during emergencies)
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Yes
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Do students practice religion at the school? What religion?
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No
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External examinations or assessments available
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IGCSE, IB Diploma, IB Bilingual Diploma, IB Career-Related Diploma, US High School College Preparatory Diploma, US High School College Preparatory Bilingual Diploma
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Results in these examinations
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IGCSE students achieved:
53% of grades at A-A*, compared to the UK average of 22%
97% of grades at A-C*, compared to the UK average of 67%
100% of students achieved five or more A-C grades, including English and Maths*, compared to the UK average of 67%
IB Diploma results:
Average score of 33.4 points, exceeding the global average of 30.88
83% of students achieved scores at or above the world average
Students achieved a 92% pass rate (global average of 82.61%)
8% of students scored 40 points or more
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Do teachers assign homework to their students?
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Yes
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Approximate hours of homework given
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Homework is assigned in different degrees and quantities in relation to year of schooling.
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Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation
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100%
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Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs
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Yes we have a Student Support Services Team
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Learning support offered
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Our Student Support Services Department brings together global expertise in learning support, wellbeing, counselling, multilingual learners, and inclusive education
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Student access to education psychologist
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Yes we have a Counselling Services Programme team
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Entry evaluation for students
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No
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Waiting list
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Yes, for year groups that are full.
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Deadline for registration (new academic year)
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December 1st
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Students can join after academic year begins
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Yes
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School start time
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8:25am
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School finish time
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3:30pm
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Supervised care before/after school
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Yes
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School bus service available
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Yes
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School provided lunches
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Yes
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Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc)
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Yes
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Uniform required
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Yes
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Facilities at the school
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MIT-inspired Makerspaces
STEM labs
Collegiate-inspired study spaces
Visual Art and Design corridor
Dedicated neighborhoods for year groups
Dedicated High School suites
The Hub study area
33-acre state-of-the-art campus
Juilliard-influenced Performing Arts Centre
Dance and Blackbox studios
600-seat theatre
University-inspired school library
Multi‑station cafeteria including a café
Playgrounds with age-appropriate activities
Emerging Technology Labs
Whole School College Counseling Center
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Sports facilities at the school
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Two NCAA-sized gymnasiums
Six-lane aquatics centre
Tennis courts
Fitness suite
FIFA-regulation soccer fields
Gaga courts
Outdoor recreational basketball courts
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Qualities and characteristics best defining the school
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At The British International School of Houston, students experience an unparalleled educational journey designed to inspire excellence, curiosity, and ambition. The school is dedicated to delivering an exceptional world-class education for students from Pre-K3 through Grade 12. Through exclusive collaborations with The Juilliard School, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), UNICEF, and IMG Academy, students benefit from innovative, interdisciplinary learning experiences that seamlessly integrate STEAM, leadership, creativity, and global citizenship across every grade level. Guided by the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, graduates consistently achieve outstanding academic results and earn admission to many of the world's most prestigious universities.
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Teaching approach of the school
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Internationally recognized curricula, challenging, engaging, and inspiring learning experiences that prepare students for their next stage and beyond innovation. Apply innovative technologies and personalized approaches to spark curiosity and develop forward-thinking learners.
The learner experience brings our vision to life, weaving together academics, wellbeing, leadership, community, and opportunities beyond the classroom. It reflects our shared commitment to nurturing confident, compassionate, and ambitious young people—equipped not only to succeed, but to lead, inspire, and make a meaningful difference in the world.
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Early Years | Ages 3 to 5
In the Early Years (equivalent to preschool and kindergarten stages in the US school system), we begin to nurture the growth of the whole child, strengthening their emotional well-being as well as their cognitive and social growth. In our warm and encouraging environment, we focus on the individual child and build the foundation for a lifetime of learning.
The structured EYFS curriculum from the English National Curriculum allows our youngest learners to enjoy play-based activities that encourage their love for learning. Our programme stimulates knowledge and skills across communication; language; and physical, personal, social, and emotional development, with specific focuses on literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, and expressive arts and design. Students also take specialist lessons in the performing arts, swimming, PE, and languages.
Primary School | Ages 5 to 11
From Years 1 to 6 (equivalent to 1st and 5th grades in the US school system), we believe our young learners’ experiences should be centred around each student discovering who they are and their place in the world, both as a learner and as an individual.
We follow the world-leading English National Curriculum in the subjects of mathematics, English, and science, and we also follow the highly respected International Primary Curriculum (IPC) – where we explore an interdisciplinary array of geography, history, society studies, international studies, and art and design using different themes connected to the world. Our young learners additionally grow through unique classes from our specialist teachers in world languages, physical education, and the performing arts – including our Juilliard-enhanced curriculum in music and dance.
Middle School | Ages 11 to 14
From Years 7 to 9 (equivalent to 6th and 8th grades in the US school system), our Middle School students discover what they like and who they are.
Our Middle School curriculum comes from internationally recognised sources to ensure our students have the required level of knowledge and understanding they need for success in High School. They build key skills in preparation for the IGCSE and International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, Career-related Programmes or High School Diploma. Our curriculum allows students to identify and nurture interests across English language and literature, world languages, humanities, science, math, design thinking, the performing arts, physical education, and enrichment.
High School | Ages 14 to 18
From Years 10 to 11 (equivalent to 9th and 10th grades in the US school system), our younger high school students prepare for globally benchmarked testing through IGCSE-accredited international curriculum from the UK – heightening their academic achievements with these impressive qualifications.
From Years 12 to 13 (equivalent to 11th and 12th grades in the US school system), our students then enter the ‘Academy’ and will choose from one of three rigorous diploma pathways that best fits their future ambitions:
• The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)
• The International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP)
• The BIS Houston High School Diploma
Our Campus
The British International School of Houston’s impressive 33-acre campus in Katy is unlike any other in the Houston area. Our world-class, modern, glass architecture was specifically designed for student’s activities and effective learning across age groups. Our building features a centralised, collaborative workspace that allows students to gather and to feed off each other’s ideas – whether that’s to tackle a problem set, perform lab work, or to focus on study.
BIS Houston’s different spaces have been thoughtfully designed to encourage the growth of your child’s various skills and talents – from public speaking on the stage to teamwork at the round table.
Check out the facilities in this interactive virtual tour.
