provides top-notch global education endorsed by the French Ministry of Education and ISAS (Independent Schools Association of the Southwest), promoting critical thinking, instilling confidence, and expanding students’ horizons, establishing a foundation for success in the worldwide community.
Martha Kanaan, the Communications and Marketing Coordinator, highlighted that the exclusive trilingual private school stands out as the sole establishment of its kind in Central Texas. Students ranging from Pre-K3 to eighth grade engage in a comprehensive language immersion program in English, French, and Spanish. At AIS, students don’t just learn languages; they are fully immersed in all three linguistic realms.
“Our aim is to cultivate global citizens who are at ease with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, nationalities, and languages,” Kanaan emphasized. “We envision that by the culmination of their academic journey at AIS, students will possess a heightened awareness of the world, themselves, and their role as global citizens.”
The French and international school is currently undergoing an exciting phase of development and expansion with the introduction of its new International Baccalaureate (IB) and Middle Years Program (MYP), which will make the school accessible to all interested students, irrespective of their language proficiency.
Kanaan elaborated that the decision to welcome students at the middle school level aligns with the school’s strategic growth plan in the Austin area. Recognizing the community’s interest and demand for this type of education, AIS acknowledged the necessity to accommodate students seeking to enroll in higher grades without prior language proficiency.
“By the time students reach second grade, they are already fluent in French, making it nearly impractical to join in fifth or sixth grade due to the predominantly French instruction by then,” Kanaan explained.
To facilitate the integration of non-French speakers, AIS is introducing language support for latecomers. They now offer FLE (French as a Foreign Language) up to 5th grade and are developing foundational language courses in the middle school to allow students to seamlessly transition into the trilingual curriculum at their own pace.
In addition to the immersive international education, Austin International School provides a range of extracurricular activities such as theater, string ensemble, basketball, and soccer, along with after-school programs in cooking, theater, and art, delivered in English, French, or Spanish. A notable outcome of the rigorous trilingual program is that by the time students complete eighth grade, they are proficient in all three languages and have fulfilled their high school language prerequisites.
“Our goal is to celebrate language and promote linguistic skills in children,” Kanaan expressed. “We aim to ensure that our students not only learn French, Spanish, and English but also develop soft skills that can be applied across various aspects of their lives, shaping them into well-rounded individuals.”
Many families at Austin International School have relocated to Texas from diverse countries worldwide, with some specifically moving to Austin for the school. Families sharing a global outlook will discover a tight-knit and diverse community comprising students, faculty, and parents.
For details regarding admissions, parents can explore the school’s website and get in touch with the admissions coordinator. However, to truly grasp the school’s ambiance, Kanaan strongly recommends scheduling a tour. By personally visiting the school, parents can assess if it aligns with their values and aspirations for their children.
“While websites offer information, experiencing our environment firsthand and engaging with our staff is crucial to truly understanding our ethos,” Kanaan emphasized. “There’s a palpable energy that visitors can sense.”
As the private school extends its reach to new demographics, Kanaan reiterated the commitment to providing avenues for students to evolve into well-rounded thinkers.
“Our primary focus is on delivering a comprehensive, holistic education—nurturing children who are globally aware, passionate about arts and sports, and enthusiastic learners,” Kanaan affirmed. “Our curriculum is demanding yet student-centered, designed to be engaging and enjoyable.”
For further insights into the trilingual private school, please visit the Austin International School website.
This content was created by Senior Multi-Platform Journalist Summer El-Shahawy in collaboration with Community Impact’s Storytelling team, based on information provided by the local business as part of its “sponsored content” purchase through our advertising team.