Awty International School

{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}} {{Use American English|date=January 2025}} {{Infobox school | name = The Awty International School | logo = AwtyLogo200px.png | image = AwtySchool02.jpg | image_size = | caption = Campus | motto = ''An International School for an International World'' | established = 1956 | city = Houston | state = Texas | country = United States | coordinates = {{coord|29.786|-95.460|type:edu_region:US-TX|display=inline,title}} | campus = Urban | type = Independent, International School | affiliation = | affiliations = | president = | founder = Kathleen Awty | head_label = Head of School | head = Heather Beck<ref>{{Cite web |title=NEWS ARTICLE CLONE |url=https://www.awty.org/news-article-clone1/~board/migrated-news/post/welcome-to-our-new-head-of-school |access-date=2023-08-28 |website=www.awty.org |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-08-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828194833/https://www.awty.org/news-article-clone1/~board/migrated-news/post/welcome-to-our-new-head-of-school |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> | faculty = 244 | enrollment = 1,754 | enrollment_as_of = 2022 | address = 7455 Awty School Lane | mascot = Ram | colors = {{legend striped|#d5bb00|#006633|Green and gold}} | newspaper = RAMPAGE | yearbook = Double Exposure | free_label1 = | free_text1 = | free_label2 = | free_text2 = | free_label3 = | free_text3 = | website = {{URL|www.awty.org}} | footnotes = | picture = }} '''The Awty International School''' is a private school located in Spring Branch, western Houston, Texas, United States. Founded in 1956, Awty allows its students to receive the International Baccalaureate or the French Baccalauréat, and is fully accredited by the French Ministry of Education, making it an overseas school for French national students in the Houston area. It has age three to 12th grade students. Awty is the largest international school in the United States and the largest private day school in Houston. It is part of the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) network of schools for French national students abroad.

==History== Awty opened at 3736 Westheimer Road on September 10, 1956.<ref name=Hughes50th>Hughes, Kim. "[http://www.chron.com/neighborhood/memorial-news/article/Awty-school-marks-its-50th-1660862.php Awty school marks its 50th]." ''Houston Chronicle''. September 8, 2006. Memorial News. Retrieved on May 17, 2014.</ref> Originally a pre-school,<ref name=About>"[http://www.awty.org/page.cfm?p=273 About Awty]" ([https://web.archive.org/web/20140301185932/http://www.awty.org/page.cfm?p=273 Archive]) Awty International School. Retrieved on May 16, 2014.</ref> it was founded by Kathleen "Kay" Awty.<ref name=Behrensplanned>Behrens, Tom. "[http://www.chron.com/neighborhood/memorial/news/article/Awty-building-planned-for-elementary-grades-4993399.php Awty building planned for elementary grades]." ''Houston Chronicle''. November 19, 2013. Updated November 26, 2013. Retrieved on May 16, 2014.</ref> The school initially had 27 students at the kindergarten and prekindergarten levels.<ref name=Hughes50th/>

The school moved to 1615 Garretson Street in 1960.<ref name=Hughes50th/> By 1970, It served grades preschool through sixth. By that same year there were 250 students enrolled.<ref name=Hughes50th/> The upper school division opened in 1975,<ref name=About/> and in 1976 four female students graduated from the high school, forming the first graduating class.<ref name=Hughes50th/> In 1979, Awty merged with the French School of Houston and began offering a bilingual program.<ref name=FarrarIntperf>Farrar, Ross. "International school pupils to perform." ''Houston Chronicle''. Sunday, April 16, 1989. Section C p. 1W. NewsBank Record Number 04*16*616464. Available from the Houston Public Library website with a library card.</ref> That year, the school moved to its current campus.<ref name=Hughes50th/>

In 1984 the school received its current name, the Awty International School.<ref name=About/> A preschool facility opened in 1990.<ref name=About/> Kay Awty died in 1996.<ref name=Hughes50th/>

On the school's 50th anniversary in 2006, a $5 million athletic complex including a 1,400-seat stadium, 85 parking spaces, and tennis courts were constructed.<ref name=Hughes50th/>

==Affiliations and accreditation== Awty is affiliated with the Mission Laïque Française. Agencies accrediting Awty include the International Baccalaureate (IB), the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS), the Ministry of National Education of France, and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science of the Netherlands.<ref name=Accaff>"[http://www.awty.org/page.cfm?p=282 Accreditations, Affiliations, & Memberships]" ([https://web.archive.org/web/20140302052143/http://www.awty.org/page.cfm?p=282 Archive]). Awty International School. Retrieved on May 17, 2014.</ref>

Awty is also affiliated with Agence pour l'enseignement français à l'étranger (AEFE), the Council of International Schools (CIS), the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE), the Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC), Houston Junior Preparatory Conference (HJPC), Houston Area Independent Schools (HAIS), and Texas International Baccalaureate Schools (TIBS).<ref name=Accaff/>

==Curriculum== The school offers the IB Diploma, the French Baccalauréat diploma, and a general high school diploma.<ref name=About/> As of 2021, Awty is the only school in Greater Houston offering both tracks to the International Baccalaureate and French Baccalauréat diplomas, and the only school in Texas requiring all seniors to take the final exams in one of these two programs.<ref name=Wilkinsonadmit>Wilkinson, Emily. "[http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2014/04/houston-private-schools-struggle-with-boom-in.html Houston private schools struggle with boom in applicants]." ''Houston Business Journal''. April 18, 2014. Retrieved on May 18, 2014.</ref> The AEFE accredits Awty.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://houston.consulfrance.org/spip.php?article2795|title=Accredited French Schools|publisher=Consulate General of France in Houston|access-date=2020-05-13}}</ref>

Preparing students for the global lives they are sure to lead, all students are immersed in the study of a second language. The form of immersion varies depending on the grade level. Students in PK3 through Kindergarten are immersed in either English/French or English/Spanish. In 1st grade through 5th grade, language immersion is with core subjects taught in the primary language of either English, French, or Spanish and specials such as art, gym, and library are taught in the second language, as well as the daily hour-long second language class. Students in 6th grade through 12th grade attend a daily intensive second language class, and have extensive third language options. Languages in addition to English, French, and Spanish often include Arabic, German, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, and Russian. On any given year, Awty typically offers ten different language options.<ref name=About/>

==Campus== The main campus, with {{convert|26|acre|ha}} of land,<ref name=About/> is in Spring Branch in western Houston.<ref>"[http://sbmd.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/sb_schools.pdf Spring Branch Schools]" ([https://web.archive.org/web/20140518083430/http://sbmd.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/sb_schools.pdf Archive]). Spring Branch Management District. Retrieved on May 18, 2014.</ref> It is in proximity to the intersection of the 610 Loop and Interstate 10,<ref name=Baird>Baird, Annette. "[http://www.chron.com/news/article/Awty-starts-expansion-project-1426963.php Awty starts expansion project]." ''Houston Chronicle''. June 14, 2011. Retrieved on May 17, 2014.</ref> and is northwest of it.<ref name=Bairdopennew>Baird, Annette."[http://www.chron.com/neighborhood/memorial-news/article/Awty-International-opens-new-7-million-sports-1756017.php Awty International opens new $7 million sports complex]." ''Houston Chronicle''. May 19, 2008. Retrieved on May 17, 2014.</ref> The campus buildings together have 120 classrooms.<ref name=About/>

A three-story, {{convert|65000|sqft|sqm|adj=on}}, 33-classroom facility,<ref name=Baird/> called the Levant Foundation Building,<ref name=Behrensplanned/> is located near the school's entrance. Opened in 2012, the building includes administrative offices, a dining hall, two art rooms, and a digital photography room. This facility replaced the preceding temporary buildings.<ref name=Baird/> The Levant Foundation Building and a five-story parking garage were the first phase of a four-phase, $50 million building program of facilities designed by Bailey Architects.<ref name=Behrensplanned/> The second phase of the project was completed in 2014 with the opening of an elementary building, which includes a computer lab, a media room, an infirmary, two art rooms, and a teacher's lounge and workroom.

Awty historically relied on the use of temporary buildings,<ref name=Baird/> and elementary school classes were originally located in the school's original building, "Big Blue."<ref name=Behrensplanned/> Demolition of "Big Blue" was completed in August, 2014<ref name=Behrensplanned/> to make way for the new Student Campus Center.

In 2017, a second 5-acre Early Learning Campus was added nearby for students in PK3/PS, PK4/MS, Kinder/GS, and 1st grade/CP featuring 26 classrooms, dedicated indoor spaces for art, music, dining, after-school program, and technology, as well as a full gym. Outdoors, the facility features two playgrounds, learning gardens, and three decks for class activities.

The former campus on Garrettson Street was west of the 610 Loop,<ref name=TM1974Guidep89>"''Texas Monthly''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Guide to Private Schools Part Two." ''Texas Monthly''. Emmis Communications, October 1974. Vol. 2, No. 10. ISSN 0148-7736. Start page [https://books.google.com/books?id=dSwEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA83 83]. Cited: p. [https://books.google.com/books?id=dSwEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA89 89]. "The Awty School/ 1615 Garrettson, Houston 77027"</ref> in what is now the Uptown Houston district.<ref name="Map">"[https://web.archive.org/web/20110716210122/http://www.uptown-houston.com/info/Map2008.pdf Uptown Houston]" Map ([https://web.archive.org/web/20110716210122/http://www.uptown-houston.com/info/Map2008.pdf Archive]). ''Uptown Houston''. Accessed July 22, 2008.</ref> It was in proximity to River Oaks and Tanglewood.<ref name=TM1974Guidep89/>

==Student body== {{more citations needed section|date=May 2014}} As of 2021, the school's enrollment was over 1,717 students. This makes it the largest international school in the United States and the largest private school in Houston. As of that year the students originated from the United States, France, and 48 other countries.<ref name=Behrenslead>"[http://www.chron.com/neighborhood/memorial/news/article/Awty-International-picks-interim-head-to-lead-5204488.php Awty International picks interim head to lead school]." ''Houston Chronicle''. February 4, 2014. Retrieved on May 15, 2014.</ref> {{As of|2021}} 54% are U.S. citizens, 12% are U.S. citizens with multiple citizenship, and 34% are from one or more of 50 other countries. Over 60% are bilingual.<ref name=About/>

==Transportation== {{As of|2021}} the school provides bus services for students to and from the Dairy Ashford area, Greater Katy, the Lakes on Eldridge/Lakes on Eldridge North/Twin Lakes area, Memorial, Shadowbriar, Sugar Land, and the Town and Country Mall area in Spring Branch.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.awty.org/uploaded/news_and_events/parent_eguide/parentguide1718/Bus_Schedule_2017-2018.pdf|title=Bus Schedule 2017-2018|publisher=Awty International School|access-date=2019-04-05}}</ref>

==Athletics== In 2019-2020, The Awty International School joined the Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC) and Houston Junior Preparatory Conference (HJPC).

thumb|Cheerleaders with the Awty mascot The athletic campus, Awty Field,<ref name=About/> is located at 1255 North Post Oak, adjacent to the main campus. Its opening ceremony was held on April 22, 2008. The athletic compound includes a stadium with 1,400 seats, four tennis courts, a press box, a polyethylene soccer pitch, 80 parking spaces, locker rooms,<ref name=Bairdopennew/> a storage facility,<ref name=Hveemstadium>Hveem, Todd. "[http://www.chron.com/neighborhood/bellaire-sports/article/Athletics-Awty-to-inaugurate-new-stadium-Tuesday-1779338.php Athletics: Awty to inaugurate new stadium Tuesday]." ''Houston Chronicle''. April 20, 2008. Bellaire Sports. Retrieved on May 17, 2014.</ref> offices of coaches, and a concessions stand. In addition it has a running track that circles around the other facilities. The track is {{convert|400|m|ft}} long and has eight lanes. It has wide turns and a Beynon 1000 urethane surface. Stuart Holden, a midfielder for the Houston Dynamo and an alumnus of the school, attended the 2008 opening ceremony.<ref name=Bairdopennew/>

Prior to the opening of the athletic compound, each athletic team practiced off campus.<ref name=Bairdopennew/> Home tennis matched were played at the tennis courts of other schools in the 5A district of the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools. Practice for the tennis team was held at the Memorial Park Tennis Center at Memorial Park. The track team historically practiced at several stadiums of TAPPS 5A schools;<ref name=Hveemstadium/> in 2008 the team was practicing at the St. John's School. The soccer teams played only "away" games (games held at other schools or stadiums) before the opening of the new compound,<ref name=Bairdopennew/> and practiced on a soccer field on the Awty premises.<ref name=Hveemstadium/> Annette Baird of the ''Houston Chronicle'' describes the former soccer field as "an undersized bumpy pitch".<ref name=Bairdopennew/>

Currently, students competing in swimming at Awty practice at Dad's Club.

Awty Athletics Team Championships

{| class="wikitable" |- ! Sport !! Year |- | TAPPS Boys Tennis || 2017 |- | TAPPS Boys Swimming || 2014 |- | TAPPS Girls Swimming || 2014 |- | TAPPS Girls Cross Country || 2013 |- | TAPPS Girls Cross Country || 2012 |- | TAPPS Girls Swimming || 2011 |- | TAPPS Boys Swimming || 2014 |- | TAPPS Girls Swimming || 2014 |- | TAPPS Girls Cross Country || 1991 |- | TAPPS Girls Cross Country || 2005 |- | TAPPS Girls Cross Country || 2007 |- | TAPPS Boys Cross Country || 2009 |- | TAPPS Girls Cross Country || 2012 |- | TAPPS Girls Cross Country || 2013 |- | TAPPS Boys Tennis || 1996 |- | TAPPS Boys Tennis || 1997 |- | TAPPS Boys Tennis || 2002 |- | TAPPS Boys Tennis || 2003 |- | TAPPS Boys Soccer || 1988 |- | TAPPS Boys Soccer || 1989 |- | TAPPS Boys Soccer || 1990 |- | TAPPS Boys Soccer || 1996 |- | TAPPS Girls Soccer || 2003 |}

==Notable alumni== * {{ill|Cristina Alexander|es}} (Class of 2010) - sports anchor for SportsCenter (ESPNDeportes) in Mexico City * Ted Cruz (attended middle school) - United States Senator<ref>{{cite web|last=Vogel|first=Scott|url=https://www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-city-life/2015/09/vetting-ted-cruz-presidential-resume-september-2015|title=Vetting Ted Cruz's Presidential Resumé|work=Houstonia Magazine|date=2015-09-01|accessdate=2021-09-18}}</ref> *Stuart Holden (Class of 2003) - midfielder for the Houston Dynamo and Bolton Wanderers<ref name="Bairdopennew" /> * Clint Smith (Class of 2006) - writer, poet, and activist

==Notable faculty== * J. Fred Duckett - coach and history teacher<ref name=Bairdopennew/> * Ryan Harlan - NCAA National Champion in the Decathlon

== References == {{reflist}}

== Further reading == * Cain, Josh (Associate Editor). "[http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/print-edition/2014/04/18/meet-the-new-headmaster-of-houstons-largest-k-12.html Meet the new headmaster of Houston's largest K-12 private school]." ''Houston Business Journal''. April 18, 2014. * "Texas." ''Engineering News-Record'' (ENR), ISSN 0891-9526, 03/1998, Volume 240, Issue 13, p. 51 "[...]A new performing arts and athletic center for The Awty International School is being built by Brookstone Corp. Located at 7455 Awty School Lane in Houston[...]" * Houston Business Journal's [https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/listings/18/item/7505 Diversity in Business Awards], March 2021 * Samuels, Matt (Multimedia Manager) [https://jhvonline.com/awty-students-place-stones-at-jewish-cemetery-p28898-281.htm "Awty students place stones at Jewish cemetery"] ''Jewish Herald-Voice'' ([https://jhvonline.com/index306.htm see index]). March 25, 2021

==External links== {{Portalbar|Texas|France|Schools}} {{Commons category|Awty International School}} * [http://www.awty.org/ Awty International School official site] * [http://www.hayneswhaley.com/project.aspx?t=7&id=2002-0233 Architectural information on the renovation of Awty's lower school]

{{TAPPS 6A}} {{Spring Branch, Houston}} {{Houston High Schools}} {{Private schools in the Houston metropolitan area}} {{Houston Area Independent Schools}} {{French schools in the United States}} {{International schools in the United States}} {{Southwest Preparatory Conference}} {{authority control}}

Category:Private K–12 schools in Houston Category:Independent Schools Association of the Southwest Category:Preparatory schools in Texas Category:French international schools in the United States Category:International schools in Texas Category:European-American culture in Houston Category:French-American culture in Texas Category:Educational institutions established in 1956 Category:Spring Branch, Houston Category:Bilingual schools in Houston Category:1956 establishments in Texas