FAQ

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

There is no prerequisite for children to speak French. Students entering CP (1st) through 4e (8th) without French will be enrolled in our FLE (Français Langue Étrangère—French as a Foreign Language) program to help them transition to the full immersion French classroom.

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.

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 regularly, telling you about what is happening in the classroom. Report cards and parent/teacher conferences are also scheduled regularly throughout the year. The teachers will also contact you if there are any special circumstances concerning your child at any time.

Information will be shared about the afterschool activities we offer at back to school night in August. You will be able to learn more about what is available as well as sign-up for any of the activities. You may also find information about current classes and enrollment on the Extracurricular section of our website.

We are open from 7:55am and we close at 6:00pm. You may drop-off your child any time from 7:55am onward and collect them any time up to 6:00pm. There is no charge for before-school care. After-school care is charged monthly.

School schedules are:

• 8:25am to 3:15pm for PS and MS (Wednesday early dismissal at 2:15pm)
• 8:15am to 3:30pm for GS to CM2 (Wednesday early dismissal at 2:30pm)
• 8:15am to 3:30pm for Middle School (Wednesday early dismissal at 2:35pm)

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.

The School Calendar can be found on our website under Campus Life, and will be posted there when it is available.

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. Many of our parents and students prefer Pediped shoes for the uniform, and the company will give a portion of your purchase back to AIS.

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 and 7th grades) tested. If you opt to have this done by your own physician, please give a copy to the school as soon as possible.

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.

Yes, AIS provides catered lunch for those who decide to opt in. For more information visit our Lunch section.

All children must be fully toilet trained. There are no exceptions to this requirement.