Supporting the Whole Student
At The International School of Texas, we know that students thrive when they feel safe, known, and supported. Our approach to student wellness goes beyond academics to address the social, emotional, and physical well-being of every Trailblazer. From daily snack times, brain breaks, valuing recess and open play, and more, our students are valued and viewed as partners in every learning journey. Our School Counselor, College Counselor, and School Nurse & Wellness Coordinator are available to our families and students as added supports, whenever you need them.
School Counseling
IST’s counseling program spans the Primary and Secondary divisions, providing age-appropriate support at every stage of a student’s journey:
Early Childhood & Lower School — Social-emotional learning, friendship skills, self-regulation, and classroom community-building
Middle School — Identity development, peer relationships, academic planning, and academic transition support
Upper School — Individualized academic advising, college and career counseling, standardized testing guidance, executive functioning coaching, and application support
Social-Emotional Learning & Experiential Learning
Our School Counselor works proactively with teachers to provide weekly social-emotional lessons, to help students build the soft skills necessary for success. Utilizing the Second Step program, students learn about conflict resolution, friendship building, stress and anxiety management, and more. Additionally, in partnership with parents and families, our Counselor is available to support students throughout the year as needed and requested. At IST, we want our students to feel prepared for learning and life.
The International School of Texas values experiential learning as a critically important aspect of every student’s growth. Students enjoy 4-6 local/regional academic field trips each year across Central Texas. Starting in Grade 2, IST students participate in educational travel that extends the curriculum beyond Austin. Lower School trips have included visits to NASA Space Center in Houston and, by Grade 5, students conduct hands-on field research at The Teton Science School in Wyoming. These experiences make learning tangible, memorable, and transformative. Middle and Upper School trips have included visits to Harvard and MIT for STEM exploration, Europe for WWII history, and even Costa Rica for environmental research.
Learning Support
At The International School of Texas, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to thrive. Our Learning Specialist and Reading Specialist provide individualized support for students with diverse learning needs, helping them build confidence, strengthen foundational skills, and achieve academic success.
IST’s intentionally small class sizes allow teachers to differentiate instruction, provide personalized attention, and tailor learning experiences to meet each student’s unique strengths and challenges. In addition, our educators are trained in executive functioning strategies and work one-on-one with students to develop organization, time management, planning, and self-advocacy skills that promote long-term academic growth and independence.
Through close collaboration between classroom teachers, specialists, and families, IST creates a supportive learning environment where every student is empowered to reach their full potential.
Recess, Movement, and Mindfulness
At The International School of Texas, we believe children learn best when they have opportunities to move, explore, and recharge throughout the day. That’s why we intentionally prioritize daily recess, outdoor learning, open-ended play, and physical activity as essential parts of the educational experience. Research consistently shows that movement improves focus, creativity, problem-solving, and overall well-being, so students enjoy regular opportunities to get outside, participate in brain breaks, and return to the classroom energized and ready to learn. We also incorporate mindfulness practices that help students build self-awareness, emotional regulation, resilience, and healthy habits that support success both in and out of the classroom.
Supporting the whole child also means ensuring students are fueled for learning. Each day, IST provides a healthy school snack for every Primary Division student, giving children the nourishment they need to stay focused and engaged throughout the day. Combined with our commitment to movement, play, and wellness, these intentional practices create a balanced learning environment where students develop academically, socially, emotionally, and physically while cultivating a lifelong appreciation for healthy, active living.
