About

Westchester Academy for International Studies, or WAIS, is a public IB Continuum School in West Houston. WAIS is part of Spring Branch ISD and serves students in grades 6-12. WAIS is the only public authorized IB school in Spring Branch, and offers 3 of the 4 IB programmes.

While we offer almost exclusively advanced courses, enrollment is an open-lottery system with no screening for grades, economics, nor any other factors. Since its opening in 2000, WAIS has focused on providing SBISD families an advanced academi focused education with international components. Any family residing in Spring Branch can apply for enrollment. As SBISD is a diverse district, so too is the Westchester campus.

Westchester is still a public school, abiding by the same requirements of any public school. Like other public schools, funding is through public tax dollars. Students at WAIS still take STAAR exams, PSAT, ACT, and SAT exams just like other students in SBISD.

WAIS Mission Statement

Strengthening learners to be designers and contributors to a dynamic, intercultural community.

An IB Education in Spring Branch ISD

The International Baccalaureate programmes are recognized by colleges and universities all over Texas, the US, and the world. It is considered by the majority to be the best education a student can receive. The IB helps students become not only highly prepared, but also well-rounded individuals.

WAIS is an authorized IB Continuum School, and nearly all students here are part of it. Students in 6th-10th grade are part of the Middle Years Programme. In 11th and 12th grade, students may choose to participate in the Diploma Programme, Career-related Programme, or participate in courses for an IB Certificate without enrolling in the full Diploma or Career-related Programmes.

IB Mission Statement

The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.

These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

Vision Statement

WAIS Graduates will have the ability and confidence to be

  • Critical and creative problem solvers 
  • Compassionate communicators 
  • Ethical decision makers 
  • Globally self-aware