We live in an incredibly diverse city- in fact did you know that Houston is the most ethnically diverse metropolitan area in the entire United States? At least 140 different language are spoken throughout our great city and if you’ve lived here for any time at all you know that our diversity is our superpower- we bring cultures from all over the world together!
And right here in the heart of Houston, there is a school that emphasizes and celebrates this diversity of culture and language, educating and empowering their students to grow and learn to one day make their mark on the world. Founded in 1956, The Awty International School offers students a rigorous path to graduating with either the International Baccalaureate or the French Baccalauréat, and is the only school in Houston fully accredited by the French Ministry of Education. Beginning at three years old, their programming combines high academic standards with a kind and friendly atmosphere celebrating cultural, national, and linguistic diversity. Social-emotional learning and character development are highly emphasized, empowering students with resilience, empathy, and problem-solving skills to become responsible world citizens.
The Awty International School offers language immersion and dual-language programming for PK3-12th grades. More than 50 nationalities are represented among their 1800 students! From World Arabic Language Day, Francophonie, and Lunar New Year, to Go Texan Day, Awty students have the opportunity to explore and celebrate many different cultures and languages. Awty’s signature International Festival showcases dozens of cultures through food, music, and storytelling.
Awty’s experiential education program connects students’ classroom learning to the world around them. All of their students engage in both on-site programming and field trips that promote independent thinking and social development. Awty Connects Week, their signature experiential program for secondary students, incorporates local community service opportunities, camping excursions, domestic and international trips, and internships to develop students’ sense of independence, cultural curiosity, and global responsibility.
The Awty International School knows and understands the benefits of cultural diversity for children. They have students speaking over 40 different languages! But far from keeping us apart, Awty knows that it’s our differences that can bring us closer together. While research shows there are so many benefits to a multi-cultural education, here are four specifically from the experts at Awty:
Enhanced Critical Thinking
Exposure to diverse perspectives challenges children to think critically and analyze information from different viewpoints. Far from living in a vacuum, exposure to diversity challenges and grows.
Improved Problem-Solving Skills
Understanding different cultural approaches to problem-solving can equip children with a broader ranges of strategies. They will grow in resilience and curiosity as they expand their set of skills.
Greater Empathy
We all want our children to develop empathy for those around them. Understanding different cultural norms and values is absolutely key. When exposed to differences, children learn to empathize with others and come to develop a deep sense of compassion and understanding.
Enhanced Cultural Competence
Multicultural education equips children with the knowledge and skills to navigate diverse cultural contexts. These skills are critical in today’s global workforce and kids exposed to diverse cultures and language from a young age are going to have so many advantages as they grow up and continue their education and work. Cultural competence is a lifelong pursuit!
Purpose, Vision, and Values at Awty
The Awty International School values an environment where students experience excellence every day and encourages a spirit of curiosity, courage, and kindness. They envision a world where every student has the opportunity to grow as an independent thinker, within a rich mix of languages and cultures, with the skills, qualities, and values they need to make a positive impact in our ever-changing world. Their primary values include curiosity, courage, kindness, and community- believing that when we come together we thrive!
Your kids can experience these benefits of a multi cultural education and more at The Awty International School. Currently, they are accepting applications for the 2025-26 school year.
Apply Today!
