British International School of Houston vs Lycée International de Houston
British International School of Houston and Lycée International de Houston are both in Houston, about 7 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes. British International School of Houston also offers EYFS, IPC, Cambridge IGCSE, IBCP and British, and Lycée International de Houston also offers French and American. Published annual fees are $15,540 - 39,500 at British International School of Houston and $26,935 - 54,133 at Lycée International de Houston, which puts Lycée International de Houston roughly 47% higher. British International School of Houston takes pupils from 3 to 18, and Lycée International de Houston from 1 to 18. British International School of Houston is the larger school, with around 1,000 pupils to Lycée International de Houston's 149. Both keep typical class sizes around 18.
EYFS (Early years foundation stage), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), British Curriculum
Curriculum
French Curriculum, IB (DP), American Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
1,000
Pupils
149
Typical class size
Typical class size
18
Typical class size
18
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English, French, Spanish
Opened
Opened
2000
Opened
2017
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
The British International School of Houston is located at 2203 North Westgreen Boulevard, Katy, TX 77449, United States. It serves students aged 3–18 (Early Years to High School).
Location
15950 Park Row, Houston, TX 77084, Energy Corridor
Stages
Stages
Early Years Ages 3–5; Primary School Ages 5–11; Middle School Ages 11–14; High School Ages 14–18.
Stages
Preschool through 12th grade (PK3–12)
School type
School type
International school
School type
Private international day school
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
In BIS Houston's campus, over 80 nationalities are represented.
Pupil nationality mix
50+ nationalities represented.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
Learning Support provides individualized academic guidance, language support (ESL, FLE, IEP), study hall, and inclusive services for multilingual learners and students with learning differences.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
AEFE network (French Ministry of Education)
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
Premium school bus service with air-conditioned buses and 3-point safety belts. 15 pick-up locations across Katy, Katy West, Richmond, Heights, Dairy Ashford, Galleria area, Lakes on Eldridge North, Lakes on Eldridge, Twin Lakes, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Cypress, and more. Enrollment is for the full school year (payments possible by term). Contact bus@houston.nae.school for enrollment and bus policy.
Bus service details
Bus services available via TMI Transportation
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Fees and one‑off deposits - Application fee (one‑time, non‑refundable): USD 250. - New student fee (one‑time, non‑refundable on joining): USD 2,500. - Enrolment deposit (yearly; credited against the first tuition instalment; non‑refundable): USD 2,000.
Tuition fees by year group (annual and per term) - The school year is organised in three terms. Per‑term values shown below are the annual fee divided by three (three terms per academic year).
- Early Years 1 / PK3 / Nursery (mornings or afternoons only, 5 days per week): USD 15,540 per year — USD 5,180 per term. - Early Years 1 / PK3 / Nursery (3 full days per week): USD 16,950 per year — USD 5,650 per term. - Early Years 1 / Nursery; Early Years 2 / Reception (full time, 5 days per week): USD 28,250 per year — USD 9,417 per term. - EY2 / Reception / PK4 (full time): USD 29,250 per year — USD 9,750 per term. - Year 1 (Kindergarten) through Year 2 (First Grade): USD 29,975 per year — USD 9,992 per term. - Year 3 (Second Grade) through Year 5 (Fourth Grade): USD 31,975 per year — USD 10,659 per term. - Year 6 (Fifth Grade): USD 32,950 per year — USD 10,983 per term. - Year 7 (Sixth Grade): USD 33,750 per year — USD 11,250 per term. - Year 8 (Seventh Grade): USD 34,950 per year — USD 11,650 per term. - Year 9 (Eighth Grade): USD 36,500 per year — USD 12,167 per term. - Year 10 (Ninth Grade): USD 36,950 per year — USD 12,317 per term. - Year 11 (Tenth Grade): USD 37,950 per year — USD 12,650 per term. - Year 12 (Eleventh Grade): USD 38,950 per year — USD 12,983 per term. - Year 13 (Twelfth Grade): USD 39,500 per year — USD 13,167 per term.
Note: Tuition is subject to annual increases; the enrolment deposit is applied to reduce the first tuition instalment.
What is included and excluded from tuition - Included: digital books, IGCSE and IB examination fees (initial exam entries), school‑loaned iPads (Years 1–9), technology fees, use of facilities, and administrative fees. - Not included: personal technology for Years 10–13, school meal plans, transportation (bus) fees, uniforms, residential trips and special events, and extra private music lessons. Additional exam‑related costs (re‑marks, certificate courier costs outside Houston) may incur separate charges.
Learning support and EAL (English as an Additional Language) fees - Learning support: additional learning support services are charged at extra cost; fees vary according to the level and type of support recommended by the Learning Support Team and must be approved in advance. - EAL fees (yearly and per‑term breakdown by level): - Years 1–2: Skilled 3–4 hours — USD 3,000 per year (Term 1 USD 1,350; Term 2 USD 1,050; Term 3 USD 600). No cost for up to 2 hours/week when minimal support required. - Years 3–6: Skilled 3–4 hours USD 3,000 per year (T1 USD 1,350; T2 USD 1,050; T3 USD 600); Intermediate 5–7 hours USD 6,000 per year (T1 USD 2,700; T2 USD 2,100; T3 USD 1,200); Intensive 8–10 hours USD 9,000 per year (T1 USD 4,050; T2 USD 3,150; T3 USD 1,800). - Years 7–13: Skilled 4–5 hours USD 3,000 per year (T1 USD 1,350; T2 USD 1,050; T3 USD 600); Intermediate 6–7 hours USD 6,000 per year (T1 USD 2,700; T2 USD 2,100; T3 USD 1,200); Intensive 8–10 hours USD 9,000 per year (T1 USD 4,050; T2 USD 3,150; T3 USD 1,800).
Transport and bus fees - The school operates a contracted premium school bus service. Bus fees are billed per term or per year. For the 2025–26 season (published bus rates), the typical costs per student are: full‑time routes USD 1,645 per term (USD 4,935 per year); mornings‑only or afternoons‑only USD 905 per term (USD 2,705 per year). Bus enrolment is for the full school year but may be paid by term; withdrawal from bus services during the school year requires one full term's notice.
Other costs and regular extras - Uniforms and dress code: uniforms are not included in tuition. Uniform items are purchased from the school's designated supplier (FlynnO'Hara) and spirit wear is available from the campus Spirit Store; families should budget separately for uniform purchases. Formal dress code guidance and supplier details are provided by the school. - School meals and canteen accounts: meal plans and a la carte purchases are not included in tuition; families set up student meal accounts (MyKidsSpending) and fund them separately. - After‑school activities and instrumentals: co‑curricular and ASA bookings are paid in advance through the school's activity registration system; some after‑school sessions have per‑session fees (for example, certain after‑school sessions listed at USD 10 per session). Summer camp and holiday programme fees are additional (example: regular day camp USD 550 per week; extended day USD 700 per week; registration fee USD 15 per week for Camp Bulldog where offered). - External exam extras: initial IGCSE and IB exam entries are included; re‑marks, certificate courier charges outside Houston, and some external assessment fees are extra.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition billing options: 1‑Payment (annual), 2‑Payment (half‑yearly, with a 2% financing fee), or 10‑Payment (monthly, with a 5% financing fee). For re‑enrolling families the typical schedule is: 1‑Payment due in June; 2‑Payment due in June and November; 10‑Payment due monthly from June through March. - The enrolment deposit is credited against the first instalment. Transportation is billed per term or annually depending on the option selected; ASA and activity fees are invoiced when booked and are payable in advance. Exam fees beyond initial entries and additional learning support charges are invoiced separately. - Finance contacts for billing queries: the Finance Office (Finance Director and Finance Officer) handle all financial matters and can be contacted directly. Payment can be remitted online via the school's payment portal.
Refunds, deposits and withdrawal notice - Application fee, New Student Fee, and Enrolment Deposit are non‑refundable. The enrolment deposit is applied to the first tuition payment but is not refundable. - Withdrawal notice: families in their first academic year must submit a withdrawal form before the re‑enrolment deadline in order to avoid further charges; families enrolled for more than one academic year must give one full term's notice of departure. Outstanding fees and costs must be paid before departure; official school records (reports, transcripts, certificates) are released only when all fees are up to date. - Force majeure: in the event of a Force Majeure Event that prevents full or partial reopening, the school is under no obligation to refund any portion of fees paid unless otherwise indicated by the school. Mitigation measures (such as virtual schooling) may be provided at the school's discretion.
Boarding - Boarding is not offered at this campus; boarding fees are not applicable. The school operates as a day school with on‑site facilities and transport options.
Practical payment notes - The enrolment deposit reduces the first instalment balance; financing fees apply if choosing 2‑ or 10‑payment plans. Parents receive invoices and should contact the Finance Office for invoice copies or billing queries. Payments may be remitted through the school's online payment portal; the Finance Office provides invoice and payment administration.
Fee details
Application and required one-time fees - Application Fee (new students): USD 320 (non-refundable). - Registration Fee (annual, non-refundable): USD 475. - Building Fee (one-time, non-refundable): USD 1,000. - New Student Fee (one-time for students not enrolled in the prior two years, non-refundable): USD 1,500. - Technology Fees (one-time, non-refundable) by division: PK3–Kindergarten USD 880; Grades 1–5 USD 980; Grades 6–8 USD 1,080; Grades 9–12 USD 1,180.
Annual tuition — 2026/2027 (by grade / program) - 18 months to PK2 (until 3:15 PM; lunch & snacks included): USD 13,880 per year. - 18 months to PK2 (until 6:00 PM; lunch & snacks included): USD 15,880 per year. - PK3: USD 25,880 per year. - PK4: USD 26,988 per year. - Kindergarten: USD 28,028 per year. - Grades 1–5: USD 31,088 per year. - Grades 6–8: USD 34,198 per year. - Grades 9–12: USD 35,238 per year.
Billing schedule and payment terms - One-payment plan: full annual tuition due in a single payment by June 1, 2026 (for the 2026–2027 year). - Three-payment plan: tuition may be paid in three installments; a finance fee applies. Installment dates for 2026–2027 are: Installment 1 — June 1, 2026; Installment 2 — October 1, 2026; Installment 3 — December 1, 2026. - Ten-payment plan: tuition may be paid in ten monthly installments from June 1, 2026 through March 1, 2027; a finance fee applies. Families who enroll after the plan start date will have the schedule adjusted to their enrollment date. - Payment Plan Change Fee: USD 250 assessed each time a family requests a change to a different extended payment plan.
Per-payment examples (installment amounts exclude any finance or processing fees) Three-payment (approximate per installment; amounts shown are annual tuition divided by 3): - 18 months–PK2 (3:15 PM): USD 4,626.67 per installment. - 18 months–PK2 (6:00 PM): USD 5,293.33 per installment. - PK3: USD 8,626.67 per installment. - PK4: USD 8,996.00 per installment. - Kindergarten: USD 9,342.67 per installment. - Grades 1–5: USD 10,362.67 per installment. - Grades 6–8: USD 11,399.33 per installment. - Grades 9–12: USD 11,746.00 per installment.
Ten-payment (approximate monthly amount; annual tuition divided by 10): - 18 months–PK2 (3:15 PM): USD 1,388.00 per month. - 18 months–PK2 (6:00 PM): USD 1,588.00 per month. - PK3: USD 2,588.00 per month. - PK4: USD 2,698.80 per month. - Kindergarten: USD 2,802.80 per month. - Grades 1–5: USD 3,108.80 per month. - Grades 6–8: USD 3,419.80 per month. - Grades 9–12: USD 3,523.80 per month.
Additional required and regular fees (2026/2027 amounts and typical ranges) - Educational Integration Trip (Grades 6–12): USD 580. - School trip (Grades 5–12; week trip): USD 2,000. - Exam fees: Brevet (9th / 3ème) approx. USD 180; French Baccalauréat (11th / 1ère) approx. USD 290–400; Terminale registration/exam range USD 190–440. - International Baccalaureate (IB) fee: USD 1,500 (per student for IB-related fees where applicable). - Senior fee (12th/TLE): USD 1,200. - Curriculum materials / books (one-time per year, rented textbooks where indicated): PK3–K USD 480; Grades 1–5 USD 580; Grades 6–8 USD 780; Grades 9–12 USD 880. Unreturned or damaged textbooks are charged to the student account. - Learning support (where the school determines special accommodations are necessary): typical costs per term range USD 5,000–10,000. - Bus / transportation (2025–2026 reference shown; ranges may continue into 2026–2027): approximately USD 4,880 per student per semester depending on route and ridership; routes are subject to minimum ridership and possible adjustment. - Uniforms (average cost): USD 200–250 for formal + daily uniform set; PE uniform: USD 40–80. - Optional language classes (extra-curricular paid classes): tuition ranges USD 2,500–5,000.
Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. Lycée International de Houston is a day school (boarding facilities: DAY). There are no boarding fees.
Refund information - All fees are due at the time of enrollment and are non-refundable; fees labeled as non-refundable (application, registration, building, new student, technology, curriculum materials where indicated) are explicitly non-refundable. Installment/finance fees apply where indicated for extended payment plans.
Fee payment options and where to confirm accepted methods - The school states that it offers a variety of payment options but the published tuition and fees page does not list specific accepted payment methods (for example: credit card, bank transfer, ACH, wire, or check are not itemized on the fee page). Families should confirm accepted payment methods and any processing or finance fees directly with the school's admissions or business office. Contact: +1 (832) 474-1013; admission@lihouston.org.
Other notes relevant to billing - Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) acceptance is noted beginning in the 2026–2027 school year for eligible families. Acceptance of TEFA funds does not change admissions or financial aid processes.
(Values and schedules above reflect the school's published figures for the 2026–2027 academic year and listed associated payment-plan dates and required fees.)
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The school has the English National Curriculum (including the Early Years Foundation Stage), the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), and the International Baccalaureate Diploma or Career-related Programme.
Curriculum details
LIH High School offers two internationally recognized pathways: International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) and the French Baccalaureate. The IB Diploma Programme is delivered in English by a qualified faculty. The French High School Program leads to the French Baccalaureate and includes a bilingual French International Baccalaureate (BFI) option, which incorporates American AP courses in its American/BFI track. The International Program prepares students for the IB Diploma, while the French Program provides the bac pathway. LIH emphasizes multilingualism as a core element, with instruction in English and French and additional language offerings in Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, and German.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Graduates can pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma, the International Baccalaureate Career-related Diploma, or a US High School Diploma.
Higher education progression
LIH graduates leave High School with a globally recognized diploma, strong academic and organizational skills, confidence in multilingual and multicultural settings, and the ability to think independently and adapt to complex challenges; they are well prepared for university studies and international careers.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented students receive enrichment and advanced learning opportunities within the daily curriculum, with LIH offering enrichment and challenge within the Learning Support framework.
Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Enquire. Contact BIS Houston by phone, email, or the online enquiry form. The Admissions Team will guide you through next steps and answer questions, including entry requirements. To apply, prepare your child's drawing or writing task as defined in Entry Requirements; teacher evaluation forms for your child's year; and transcripts from the current and previous school year.
2. Discover BIS Houston. Visit BIS Houston to see the campus and classrooms and speak with teachers for firsthand information.
3. Apply. Submit your online application. Applications are accepted throughout the school year, and places are offered based on availability. The Admissions Team can answer questions and explain BIS Houston's entry requirements. You will need to prepare the drawing or writing task, teacher evaluations, and transcripts as part of the application.
Admissions
1. Applications for the 2026 2017 school year open on September 1, 2025. Applications are accepted one year ahead of the intended year of entry, and all deadlines must be observed. Early submission helps ensure a timely review by the admissions team, especially for families relocating to Houston. Admissions are selective and align with the school0as academic expectations and educational philosophy. LIH reviews applicants without discrimination on race, religion, national or ethnic origin, or socioeconomic status.
2. Preschool (18 months PreK-2) deadline is October 31; decision is January 15. The Preschool program covers 18 months through PreK-2. The deadline and decision timeline guide the Preschool admissions process.
3. Elementary (1st 0a 5th grade) deadline is November 28; decision is February 13. The Elementary admissions timeline follows these dates.
4. Middle School (6th 0a 8th grade) deadline is December 26; decision is February 27. The Middle School admissions timeline follows these dates.
5. High School (9th 0a 12th grade) deadline is December 26; decision is February 27. The High School admissions timeline follows these dates.
6. Rolling Admissions: LIH International School of Houston offers rolling admissions throughout the year. Families are encouraged to apply by our published priority deadlines; however, relocations to Houston after those timeframes may occur. Applications from families relocating to Houston after priority deadlines are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, depending on space availability. The admissions team works closely with relocating families to ensure a thoughtful and timely review whenever possible.
7. 214. LIH is located at 15950 Park Row, Houston, TX 77084.
Scholarships
Scholarships
FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS BIS Houston awards financial aid based on demonstrated financial need. BIS Houston partners with TADS, a third-party financial aid assessment service. To submit a financial aid application, parents should complete the Parents' Financial Statement (PFS) and submit required supporting documents. For the 2026-2027 school year, applications open on February 1, 2026 on the TADS Family Portal with the school partner code 200293. A Financial Aid Committee reviews completed TADS applications and recommends awards, which require additional approval. Incomplete TADS applications are not reviewed. All financial aid information is confidential and financial aid only covers partial tuition. The review process begins in February each year and continues until funds are exhausted; priority review is given to re-enrolling families who submit their TADS applications in February. If a family receives an award, there is a deadline to accept and return an enrollment contract. Financial aid is awarded for one school year and there is no guarantee for subsequent years. For new families, a student must apply and be accepted before the financial aid application is reviewed. If awarded, the family will be notified by the Admissions Coordinator and given a deadline to enroll. For re-enrolling families, awards are not given to families with past due balances. TEFA funding is available; families must also apply for TEFA via Odyssey and share TEFA decisions with BIS Houston. Steps for TEFA: 1) Submit Financial Aid information via the TADS Family Portal; 2) Apply for TEFA funding through Odyssey; 3) Share TEFA results with BIS Houston. TEFA and Financial Aid are coordinated with BIS Houston. HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP: We welcome applications from any student who will be in high school in the 26/27 school year (Year 10 to Year 13).
Scholarships
Need-based financial aid is available. Aid decisions are based on an assessment of each familys financial situation and focus on need; LIH does not provide scholarships based on academics or extracurricular activities. Families must re-apply annually, and past aid does not guarantee future support. French families can apply for need-based tuition assistance from the French government through the Bourses Scolaires program, which may cover up to 100% of tuition; eligibility includes being registered with the French Consulate and being at least 3 years old by December 31; annual applications are due by February 17 for new and returning families; applications are submitted to the Consulate General of France in Houston; for more details contact Elyna Dacosta or the Consulate0a Bourses at the Consulat Generale de France Houston. Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) are accepted beginning in 2026 2027 for eligible families; TEFA details and eligibility are set by the State of Texas; LIH0a financial aid program remains separate from TEFA and LIH cannot assist with the state application process. Please refer to LIH for the latest details. TEFA acceptance does not alter LIH0a admissions or re-enrollment processes.