Frequently Asked Questions
Parents are encouraged to schedule an appointment, or alternatively, you can send an email to our admission team
CONTACT INFORMATION
Admission
Email: admission@lihouston.org
Phone: 832-474-101 ext. 214
School Hours
Monday-Friday 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday  ClosedÂ
General Admission
A: No, we do not offer a sibling discount.
A: Yes, Lycée International de Houston has a selective admissions process. The following criteria are required to complete the application:
- Online Application
- Testing: WPPSI, WISC, or ISEE
- Teacher Recommendation(s)
- Interview
- Observation Day
- Report Cards/Transcript
- Immunization Record
We are looking for students who are academically motivated and curious about learning.
Testing requirements are as follows:
- Applicants to K/GS and 1st grade/CP must submit WPPSI results.
- Applicants to 2nd through 4th grade must submit WISC results.
- Applicants to 5th through 12th grade must submit ISEE results.
For applicants outside the Houston area, testing can be completed by any certified psychologist, and results should be sent directly to Lycée International de Houston. Tests should be administered in the child’s first language.
A: An interview is required for all applicants whose children are not currently enrolled at Lycée International de Houston. It helps determine if our school is the right fit for your child. The Admissions Office will contact you to schedule the interview.
A: Meetings with the Admissions Office are by appointment only. To schedule a tour, please click here.
A: Yes, Lycée International de Houston offers need-based tuition assistance to support families who require help covering the gap between their financial contribution and full tuition fees. This assistance is available to families across all grade levels and language backgrounds. While the school aims to support as many qualifying families as possible, not all applicants may receive assistance. Families should indicate their intent to apply when completing the admissions application. Additionally, French citizens may apply for the French Bourse.
A: Lycée International de Houston offers Need-Based Tuition Assistance to support families who need help covering the gap between their financial contribution and full tuition fees. This program aligns with LIH’s commitment to diversity and equity. It is available to families across all grade levels and language backgrounds. While LIH aims to assist as many qualifying families as possible, not all applicants may receive assistance. Families should indicate their intent to apply when completing the admissions application. French citizens may apply for the French Bourse.
Program and Curriculum
A: Lycée International de Houston offers students the opportunity to take the Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB) in 9th grade, a series of exams aligned with the French curriculum. The DNB evaluates knowledge and skills in subjects such as math, French, history-geography, science, and an oral exercise. These exams are externally marked, providing an objective assessment of students’ abilities and offering them a recognized diploma from France.
A: The Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) is a binational diploma combining the rigor of the French baccalaureate and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Students in the American section of the BFI take AP courses in subjects such as English Literature and Composition and European History. Starting in fall 2024, AP Calculus BC will be offered as an option. Students also complete an independent research project called the Connaissance du Monde (CdM) in English during their junior and senior years.
A: The French Baccalauréat (BAC) is a diploma marking the completion of the French high school program. It is a two-year process, with exams taken in 11th and 12th grades, and is highly respected worldwide. Students often earn credits when entering North American universities. The Lycée International de Houston is accredited by the French Ministry of Education (AEFE), and students can also earn an American high school diploma.
A: The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a two-year program for students ages 16-19, recognized globally as a qualification for higher education. Lycée International de Houston is authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme.
Language Support & Immersion
A: Children with no prior exposure to French may enroll in LIH’s Preschool and Kindergarten programs. In First Grade, students lacking sufficient French skills are placed in an intensive French Language Enrichment class. Most students achieve fluency and grade-level proficiency within three years.
A: Many of our students arrive at LIH without prior exposure to English, and nearly all of them go on to excel in both languages.
Our La Crèche and prekindergarten classrooms provide a supportive environment for children to gradually become comfortable with English. From 1st to 9th grade, we offer Intensive English classes designed to support the academic success of all students, regardless of the language spoken at home.
A: Nearly one-third of our students arrive at LIH with no previous exposure to French, and most go on to thrive in both languages.
Our La Crèche and prekindergarten classrooms create a welcoming environment where children can gradually get comfortable with French. In grades 1st through 9th, we offer French Language Enrichment classes to help students succeed academically, regardless of their home language.
A: Bilingualism helps facilitate learning a third language. Children who speak a language other than English or French at home tend to thrive at LIH.
A: Homework starts in first grade, typically involving independent reading and assignments to reinforce daily lessons. Parents can observe their child’s progress without needing to provide significant help. For language support, students in grades 1-12 can attend Study Hall from Monday to Friday, where French and English homework assistance is available
A: At Lycée International de Houston, students freely mix French and English. Younger students tend to speak the language they’re most comfortable with, while older students often use English outside of class.
A: Bilingualism enhances reading skills in both French and English. The language skills learned in one language transfer to the other, as both languages share the same alphabet and many similar phonetic rules. Knowledge of French also helps build English vocabulary, as one-third of English words are of French origin.
A:Â Spanish is introduced in PK3 and continues through graduation. Students can also choose from Arabic, German, or Mandarin-Chinese as additional language options.
School Life & Policies
A: Lycée International de Houston welcomes children from 18 months old in its specialized “La Crèche” section. Children in La Crèche and PK2/TPS are not required to be potty trained for enrollment.
A: An observation is required for applicants and helps assess whether the student will thrive in our rigorous bilingual program. It ensures that the student is a good fit for Lycée International de Houston. The Admissions Office will contact you to schedule the observation day.
A: Lycée International de Houston hosts Open House events. Click here for available dates and to RSVP.
To schedule a school tour, click here.
For a virtual tour, click here.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact our Admissions Team at admission@lihouston.org or call (832) 474-1013, extension 214
A: All students must submit a copy of their immunization records prior to the first day of class. LIH uses Magnus Health for all student medical information. If the immunization records are not in English, they must be translated. For a list of required immunizations by the State of Texas, please click here.
A: Shadow visits are available only to students who have been accepted to Lycée International de Houston.
Before & After School Care
A: The school opens at 7:30 a.m., and parents may drop off their child(ren) at this time. This service is included in the tuition. Extended Day care is available from 3:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for La Crèche and PK2 for an additional fee. For Grades 1–9, classes run from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with extended care available from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for a fee.
A: The LIH uniform is available for purchase through Lands’End.
A: LIH partners with TMI Transportation to offer bus services for students traveling to and from school. The buses pick up and drop off students at designated locations. However, the bus service is dependent on the minimum number of riders. As such, routes, cancellations, or price adjustments may occur based on ridership levels.
Community & Teachers
A: The Lycée International de Houston boasts a diverse community with students, faculty, staff, and families from various cultural backgrounds. Approximately one-third of our students are French nationals, and another third are American. We are proud to welcome students from over 50 countries, including Mexico, Egypt, China, Belgium, Lebanon, Nigeria, Tunisia, Senegal, Switzerland, Canada, Brazil, and many others.
A: All teachers in our French program, including those in the Preschool and TK programs, are native French speakers.
At the Lower School (including Preschool), all core subject teachers are credentialed by either the French Ministry of Education or the State of Texas.
At the Middle and High School levels, all teachers hold either a relevant credential or an advanced degree in their subject area. All teachers in our English program are fully credentialed.
School Hours
Drop-off Times:
- All grades: 7:30 AM – 7:50 AM
For 18 months to PK2:
- Classes: 7:50 AM – 3:15 PM (Mon-Fri)
- Extended Day: 3:15 PM – 6:00 PM
For PK3 to 5th Grade:
- Classes: 7:50 AM – 3:20 PM (Mon-Fri)
- Study Hall and Language Enrichment: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
- Extracurriculars/Aftercare: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
- School Closes: 6:00 PM
For 6th to 12th Grade:
- Classes: 7:50 AM – 4:30 PM (Mon-Fri)
- Extracurriculars/Aftercare: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
- School Closes: 6:00 PM
