Choice Program

Choosing WAIS

All students at Westchester take a rigorous course of study. In grades 6-10, all students participate in the IB MYP. In addition to the MYP, courses are also Advanced Academics Courses (AAC). With IB MYP there is typically a greater emphasis in writing, even in elective courses.

Choosing WAIS isn't just choosing a different campus, it's choosing a more rigorous education that meets international standards. As an academically focused campus, WAIS does not offer a traditional UIL programs. Students may participate in athletic clubs and classes, but we do not offer UIL competition teams like neighborhood schools. In grades 9-12, students may attend WAIS and still participate with their neighborhood campus.

Even though WAIS is an IB Continuum School, we are still a public school. In addition to IB standards, courses cover the TEKS and students must take the state STAAR tests, as required by the Texas Education Agency. Graduates at WAIS still earn the Texas High School Diploma, but may also earn the IB Diploma, the IB Career-related Diploma, or a Bilingual IB Diploma.

Students in the Dual Language program can apply to attend WAIS and continue in Dual Language. Students in Dual Language at WAIS are also part of the IB Programmes at WAIS.

Eligibility requirements

  • Student must be eligible to enroll in SBISD schools. Proof of Residency must be provided if chosen in lottery.
  • Because instruction at WAIS is delivered at an advanced level, students who apply should have at least a 75 average in each class for the current school year as reported on their first semester report card and on the final report card for the year.
  • Students and parents must understand that all WAIS classes are AAC and/or High School Level Courses. The curriculum is rigorous and taught at a deeper and complex level of understanding.

Contact: valerie.hernandez@springbranchisd.com

Application Dates

  • Nov. 11, 2024 @ 9:00 AM - Application Opens
  • Jan. 17, 2024 @ 11:59 PM - Application Closes
  • Jan. 28, 2025 @ 10:00 AM - Run Lottery
  • Feb. 7, 2025 @ 4:00 PM - Lottery Results Sent
  • Feb. 21, 2025 @ 10:00 PM - Parents Accept or Decline Invitation Deadline
  • May 5, 2025 @ 9:00 AM - Late Application Window Opens (Selected schools TBD)
  • June 20, 2025 @ 11:59 PM - Late Application Window Closes (Selected schools TBD)

Information sessions for 2025-26

Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024
6:30 p.m. (Auditorium)
901 Yorkchester, Houston, TX 77079

Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025
6:30 p.m.
Virtual session on Zoom

Tours

WAIS offers campus tours on Wednesdays during the lottery application window.  To sign up for a tour, visit: bit.ly/tourwais.

Support documents needed to complete an application for WAIS

  • Your student’s first-semester report card, received from your student’s elementary school after the Winter Break in January, is due to our office before the application window closes.
  • The first-semester report card includes all grading periods from the beginning of school through December.
  • Failure to submit the report card before the end of the application window will result in your student’s application being withdrawn.

Drop off the report card in-person at the WAIS office (7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) before application window closes
OR
Email it to registrar assistant, Claudia Martir (claudia.martir@springbranchisd.com).