Mission & Vision

Our Mission

Through international studies, a personalized environment, and college preparatory curriculum, the Houston Academy for International Studies will prepare students for active roles as global citizens.  
 
Our Guiding Principles and Goals

Individualization 

HAIS and teachers will accommodate all students’ diverse needs and talents with a personalized, nurturing environment. 
HAIS will support students in identifying and achieving their life goals, in school and out.  Promoting the growth of the whole person is one of the school’s primary values.
Students will be active participants in the school and the classroom, assuming responsibility for their own learning.  Teachers will guide students in reflection and self-assessment, constantly seeking feedback and evaluation of their progress.
Preparation

HAIS will respect students’ inherent desire to learn by pushing them toward their highest levels of achievement.
HAIS will honor students’ search for meaning and self-motivation by providing authentic, meaningful learning experiences that hold relevance in their lives.
HAIS will prepare students for both higher education and the professional world by immersing them in interdisciplinary and interactive learning experiences.  Learning will not be limited to the walls of the classroom—it must include real world experiences.
Perspective

HAIS will prepare students to function as effective, competent and empathetic participants in their local and global communities.
Students will develop self and cultural awareness that will make them empathetic, informed citizens of the modern world.
Instructional Philosophy

We believe that students can and must learn at relatively high levels of achievement.  It is our job to create an environment in and outside our classrooms that result in this high level of performance.  We are confident that with our support and help, students can master challenging academic material, and we expect them to do so. We are prepared to work collaboratively with colleagues, students, parents and the community to achieve this goal.

Our Global Commitment

We will bring honor to our families, school and nation through honesty and courage.  We will develop and defend ideals and ethics that empower all citizens of the world and we will challenge the powerful to do the same.  We will strive unceasingly to create a society that is informed, engaged, and more responsive to the suffering and injustices of the world through these actions. We not only sustain our civilization but leave it more beautiful and more just for those who come after us.