Lycée International de Houston vs The Awty International School
Lycée International de Houston and The Awty International School are both in Houston, about 19 km apart. Both schools offer French, IB and American programmes. Published annual fees are close, at $26,935 - 54,133 for Lycée International de Houston and $34,145 - 44,880 for The Awty International School. Lycée International de Houston takes pupils from 1 to 18, and The Awty International School from 3 to 18. The Awty International School is the larger school, with around 1,754 pupils to Lycée International de Houston's 149. Typical class sizes are 18 at Lycée International de Houston and 8 at The Awty International School.
More than 1,800 students from more than 50 countries. The nationalities are 40% American, 30% French, with the remaining 30% representing over 50 other nationalities.
Additional learning support
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.
Additional learning support
Learning differences are acknowledged under the International Baccalaureate framework. The school is independent and international; accommodations may include extra time for tests and examinations and the use of assistive devices. The Learning Support Coordinator provides information to coordinate necessary learning support.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
AEFE network (French Ministry of Education)
Country affiliation
France
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
The school day runs 7:55 a.m. to 3:35 p.m. for Middle and Upper School, 8:00 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. for Lower School, and 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. for Early Learning.
Bus service details
Bus service details
Bus services available via TMI Transportation
Bus service details
Awty contracts with AFC Transportation to provide bus service to and from the school. Buses pick-up and drop-off riders at designated points. Bus fees for 2025-2026 are $3,500 for round-trip ridership and $1,750 for one-way ridership.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
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.)
Fee details
Application and Enrollment Fees - Application fee: USD 200 (one-time, for all new students not previously enrolled within the last three school years). - New Student Fee: USD 1,500 (due at time of enrollment; non-refundable). - Registration fee: USD 250 (assessed at enrollment). - Capital Building Fee: USD 1,250 (assessed at enrollment).
How tuition may be billed (payment schedules / per-term implications) - One-Payment plan: full annual tuition balance due in a single installment (balance payable by June 1). Families enrolling after June 1 pay one month after enrollment. Under this plan the full annual tuition above is billed as one payment. - Two-Payment plan: the annual tuition balance is split into two equal installments: 50% due June 1 and 50% due October 1. Under this plan each installment equals 50% of the annual tuition amount for the applicable grade group. A 5% finance fee applies to unpaid tuition under the Two-Payment plan; Tuition Insurance is required for families using the Two-Payment plan (cost noted below). - Monthly Installment plan: the annual tuition balance is divided into ten monthly installments payable June 1 through March 1. A 5% finance fee applies to unpaid tuition under the Monthly plan; Tuition Insurance is required for families choosing the Monthly plan (cost noted below). - Payment plan change fee: USD 100 per change of payment plan. - Note: fees (application, registration, capital, grade-level trip or exam fees, book fees, bus, etc.) are invoiced separately and are not covered by the tuition-only payment plans; those fees are billed and collected as invoiced by the Business Office.
Tuition insurance and finance charges - Tuition Insurance: available to all families and required for those choosing the Two-Payment or Monthly Installment plans. The stated Tuition Insurance cost is 2.25% of the tuition. - Finance fee: a 5% finance fee is applied to unpaid tuition for families on the Two-Payment and Monthly Installment plans.
Additional required and typical fees (per year / per item where shown) - Grade-specific trip, exam, and diploma fees (examples and ranges): - 6th Grade (6ème) Awty Connects Week activities: USD 500. - 7th Grade (5ème) Washington, D.C. class trip: USD 2,950. - 8th Grade (4ème) Big Bend class trip: USD 1,200. - 3ème Brevet exam (average): ~USD 170. - 10th grade / 2nde and 11th grade / 1ère Awty Connects Week experiential trips: ranges USD 250 – USD 6,000 depending on chosen activity. - International Baccalaureate fee (Grades 11 and 12): USD 1,100 (2026–2027). - French Baccalauréat exam/registration fees (1ère / Terminale): ranges shown (e.g., ~USD 260 for 1ère; USD 310–600 for Terminale registration/exam). - Senior fee (Grade 12 / Tle): USD 750. - Book fees (ELC and Lower School) — charged by grade group and include required books and supplies (textbook rental policy noted): - PK3 – PK4: USD 240. - Kinder/GS: USD 355. - Grades 1–5: USD 485. - CP – CM2: USD 405. - Middle and Upper School estimated book ranges (depend on electives): MS (6–8) USD 700–850; US (9–12) USD 750–1,100 (estimates; used-book discounts noted where applicable). - Uniforms: all students in Kinder/GS and above must wear the school uniform; average uniform cost is USD 200–250 (full dress and daily uniform required). - Bus service: contracted bus service is available; annual bus fees for 2026–2027 are USD 3,500 for round-trip and USD 1,750 for one-way (route availability is subject to minimum ridership and routing changes).
Awty Plus (after-school / activity programme) fees - Awty Plus example fees per semester (packages and single-day options): Activity Package (five-day) — Fall USD 2,375; Spring USD 2,731. Stay & Study/Play (five-day) — Fall USD 1,733; Spring USD 1,830. Single-day activity or stay & study options are listed at lower per-semester amounts. One-on-one music: USD 45 (half hour) / USD 85 (hour). Late pick-up and other occurrence fees apply. Refund policy for Awty Plus: full refund (less USD 100 administrative fee) if a student withdraws before attending the selected activity; no refunds after the first day of class (Awty Plus policy).
Boarding - Boarding is not applicable. The Awty International School is an international day school (PK3–Grade 12); it operates as a day school rather than a boarding school.
Refund and withdrawal information (tuition and fees) - Enrollment-time fees (New Student Fee and Registration Fee) are due at the time of enrollment and are non-refundable. - The Student/Parent Handbook states there will be no refund of tuition when withdrawal or dismissal occurs because a student's living arrangements violate the School's residence requirement. The Handbook also states that in a force majeure closure the School is under no obligation to refund any portion of tuition paid. These specific Handbook provisions apply to enforced withdrawal and force majeure circumstances. - Awty Plus program refunds: full refund less USD 100 administrative fee if withdrawn before attending; no refunds after the first day of class.
How parents are billed and common payment methods - Billing and payment activity is managed through the school's parent portal and tuition-management systems (the school uses a Blackbaud / MySchoolApp integration for parent access and tuition billing). Families receive invoices from the Business Office and fees are charged to student accounts accordingly. - Typical payment methods used with the Blackbaud / MySchoolApp tuition-management workflow include credit/debit card and ACH/eCheck (payment processors commonly assess a convenience/processing fee for credit-card transactions; ACH/eCheck is typically offered with lower or no processing fee). Specific accepted card types and any convenience fee amount depend on the tuition-management processor and the school's chosen settings. Examples of Blackbaud tuition-management implementations list Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express as accepted cards and note convenience fees on credit-card transactions.
Billing terms and collection notes - Fees (application, registration, capital, exam, trip, book, bus, Awty Plus) are invoiced by the Business Office and must be paid as invoiced; payment plans described above apply to tuition only, not to separately invoiced fees. Late or unpaid balances are subject to the school's established collection/finance policies as set out by the Business Office and tuition-management procedures.
(End of fees overview.)
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
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.
Curriculum details
Awty serves PK3–12 with two language programs: the French Accredited Program, which follows the French National Curriculum and culminates in the French Baccalaureate, and the International Program, which leads to the International Baccalaureate Diploma or the United States High School Diploma. Early Learning (PK3–1st/CP) uses French and Spanish immersion to build bilingual foundations. In Lower School, the International Program is taught in English or Spanish, while the French Program follows the French National Curriculum, with Cycle 2 (CP–CE2) leading into Cycle 3 (CM1–6ème); both tracks include daily second language instruction (English for French Accredited Program; French or Spanish for International). The World Language Department offers additional languages (Arabic, Chinese Mandarin, German, Hindi, Japanese, Russian), with courses at different levels and CEFR guiding language learning. In Upper School, graduates earn the American High School Diploma and either the International Baccalaureate Diploma or the French Baccalaureate Diploma; the school emphasizes inquiry-based learning and advisory support as part of university preparation. The program emphasizes multilingualism, with English, French, and Spanish immersion and CEFR guidance across language learning.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
8:1.
Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
Awty reports pass rates above 90% in both the International Baccalaureate and French Baccalaureate programs.
Higher education progression
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.
Higher education progression
Graduates matriculate primarily to United States universities; the Class of 2023 US matriculation was 87% with France 6%, Canada 4%, and Other 3%. Notable universities attended by Awty graduates include University of Massachusetts (Boston and Amherst), University of Michigan, University of Pennsylvania, USC, Notre Dame, Wake Forest, and Washington University in St. Louis, among others. All graduates prepare for either the French Baccalaureate or International Baccalaureate alongside the United States High School Diploma.
Gifted and talented
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.
Gifted and talented
Awty supports gifted and talented students through formal honors and societies, including National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, Société Honoraire de Français, National Art Honor Society, National Chinese Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and Tri-M Music Honor Society. NHS/NJHS memberships have specific criteria and service components; SHF recognizes top French-language excellence; NAHS and other honor societies support arts, languages, and academics.
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. 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.
Admissions
1. Submit the online admissions application via Ravenna. Create a family account and a profile for each applicant. Enter the intended entry year and select the program track or diploma focus. Applications for 2026-2027 open September 1, 2025, with deadlines of October 31 (PK3–5th/CM2) and November 21 (6th/6ème–12th/Tle). 2. Submit the online application along with the parent statement (for all grades) and, for 6th–12th, the student statement. Pay the $200 non-refundable application fee. Ravenna will guide you to upload required materials and to verify guardian contact information; all other requirements are due by mid-January. 3. Arrange and complete the required standardized admissions tests. PK4–5th graders takeWPPSI or WISC, while 6th–12th graders take the ISEE. Tests are scheduled through Collaborative Academic Testing Service (CATs) or ERB; review the admissions checklist for specifics. 4. Attend admissions events and book tours through Ravenna. In-person tours are available to families who apply and can be booked after submission; tours run September through December. Ravenna also lets you schedule admissions events and view decisions. 5. Files are reviewed by the Admissions Committee and decisions are communicated in early March. If relocating and space is limited, inquire with Admissions about openings; late applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis if openings exist. 6. If your child is in the waiting pool, you will be contacted immediately if an opening becomes available; the waiting pool is not ranked and stays open until the first day of school. If admitted, respond with enrollment by the stated deadline (March 25, 2026). 7. Legacy considerations apply: qualified applicants whose parent is an Awty alumnus, an employee, or already has a child enrolled may receive special consideration in the admissions process. 8. Financial aid decisions are separate from admissions. The school offers need-based aid to admitted students; there are no merit scholarships. Applications for aid are submitted through Blackbaud Financial Aid, with a February 15, 2026 deadline. For French citizens applying to the French Accredited Program, the French Bourse via Houston's French Consulate is available.
Scholarships
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.
Scholarships
The school offers need-based financial aid to admitted students; no merit scholarships are offered. Financial aid applications are submitted through Blackbaud Financial Aid, with a February 15, 2026 deadline. Aid decisions are communicated as part of the admissions process and aid is typically awarded on a year-to-year basis. For French citizens applying to the French Accredited Program, the French Bourse through Houston's French Consulate is available.
Waitlist
Waitlist
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Waitlist
Waiting pool exists. If an opening becomes available, the Admissions Office will contact you right away. The waiting pool is not ranked and stays open until the first day of school. Families should re-apply for the following academic year if no spot is offered.