Comparing 8 schools side by side in USD.
British International School of Washington is located at 2001 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States, in the heart of Georgetown. The entrance is on the courtyard side of the building, off Whitehaven Street, with the Wisconsin Avenue doors designated as emergency exits. The school sits at the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and Whitehaven Street NW and is accessible from major routes via I-495 and the Key Bridge.
The school serves ages 2–18 (Early Years through Secondary) in a single building that houses all year groups.
The British International School of Washington is a premier private international school in Washington, DC and is part of the Nord Anglia Education family.
More than 70 nationalities are represented among BISW students.
There is a learning support center on campus and BISW assesses learning support needs to tailor support for students.
United Kingdom
Arrivals begin at 8:00 AM. Primary school day begins at 8:30 AM and ends at 3:20 PM. Secondary school day begins at 8:30 AM and ends at 3:40 PM.
The school provides a bus service to families within a reasonable distance, with morning and afternoon routes to MD, DC, and VA areas including Alexandria, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Downtown DC, DC Northwest, Falls Church, and McLean. Sign up online.
The school has a café and an on-site kitchen for school lunches.
The school is part of the Nord Anglia Education family.
Primary School follows the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and the National Curriculum for England (NCE). Lower Secondary follows the International Middle Years Curriculum and the English National Curriculum. IGCSE is offered in Upper Secondary (Years 10-11). The IB Diploma Programme is offered in Upper Secondary (Years 12-13). English and Mathematics are taught in alignment with the English National Curriculum.
IB Diploma Programme pass rate for the Class of 2025 was 97%. The average IB score was 34.9. IB subject results average 5.3. IB score range was 40–45, with 16% achieving the highest range.
Offers from top universities in the UK, US, Europe, Canada, and other international locations.
The school offers social-emotional support to all students by employing counsellors who are involved with interventions, classroom presentations, screening, and promoting positive school culture.
The school differentiates the curriculum to meet varying needs and offers additional support for identified needs through Learning Support Staff in one-to-one, in-class, or small-group settings.
English as an Additional Language is supported by specialized staff. Students whose first language is not English are assessed by EAL staff to identify needed support; they are immersed in English with potential one-to-one or small-group support, and secondary students may have academic vocabulary classes. Students become proficient in English and are supported to achieve across the curriculum.
Counselling services support student mental wellbeing through time and space for supportive conversations, interventions, and coping skills; services include individual short-term counseling, drop-in support, group counseling, screenings, and referrals.
Safeguarding and safety procedures include internal and external safety measures; if wellbeing is at immediate risk, the school will notify parents and call emergency services; the school may conduct searches of belongings or request self-search to safeguard the community; information disclosed in counseling is shared with parents/guardians and staff as necessary for wellbeing and student success.
The British International School of Washington enrolls students aged 2 to 18 in an inclusive, non-selective setting, with rigorous programs that require commitment. To join BISW, submit an inquiry, schedule a campus tour or virtual meeting, attend a taster day if offered, complete the online application, nominate teachers for evaluations if applicable, and schedule a cognitive abilities test if applicable. BISW offers rolling admissions and mid-year enrollments to streamline the process for families worldwide. Key admission dates for 2026–27 include Open House on March 11, 2026; March 25, 2026; April 1, 2026; and June 17, 2026.
Rochambeau operates two campuses in Bethesda, Maryland: Maplewood Campus (9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814) and Forest Road Campus (9600 Forest Road, Bethesda, MD 20814). Administrative Offices are at 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814. The campuses are located in the Bethesda area with access to major transit routes along Rockville Pike.
Preschool through High School (ages 2 through 12th grade). Maplewood Campus houses Preschool through 5th grade, while Forest Road Campus houses Middle School and High School.
French international school.
Over 80 nationalities represented. The United States is the most common nationality among Rochambeau students.
Student Learning Support (SLS) provides tutoring, French language support for non-native speakers, and social and emotional support, delivered in individual or small-group formats, in coordination with families and teachers.
AEFE (Agency for French Education Overseas) network.
Rochambeau provides a comprehensive bus system with morning pickups and two afternoon runs at 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm across Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC, serving 127 stops over 165 square miles. The school operates a shuttle between the Forest Road and Maplewood campuses and maintains Park & Bus pickup points near the Maplewood campus. Intercampus shuttle service has restrictions and is available to students with siblings on both campuses or who live nearby; bus service for Maplewood is required for students aged 5+ while it is recommended but not required on Forest Road.
The school is an independent, coeducational day school serving ages 2 through 12.
All students must have a uniform for physical education and sports (EPS). This includes a Rochambeau-logo T-shirt, and the uniform is available at the school store. For field trips, students wear a white shirt, navy blue pants, the Rochambeau tie (provided at the start of the school year), and dress shoes.
Lunch options include bringing lunch from home; Maplewood and Forest Road campuses are nut-free. Balducci's provides prepared lunches for Maplewood Campus (CP–CM2) and Forest Road Campus (6th through 12th grade), with optional participation and minimum participation requirements; registration is via MyschoolBucks.
The school is governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board operates under Rochambeau's bylaws (The Rochambeau, the French International School of Washington, DC).
Rochambeau offers a bilingual French-English curriculum for students from age 2 through 12th grade. The school follows the French national curriculum and awards both the Maryland High School Diploma after 11th grade and the French Baccalaure9at or International Baccalaureate Diploma after 12th grade. The IB Diploma Programme is offered, with the French Baccalaure9at International (BFI) option available. Beginning in ninth grade, students may continue in the French track or pursue the IB Diploma. World Languages include Spanish and German, with Latin offered as an elective, and a French Immersion program starts in early childhood.
9:1 student-teacher ratio
Rochambeau provides a Maryland high school diploma after 11th grade and the French Baccalauréat or International Baccalaureate Diploma after 12th grade. 100% of graduates are admitted to four-year colleges. For the Class of 2025, 74 students submitted 649 applications to 222 institutions in 16 countries; by May 2025, there were 363 admissions across 14 countries, with about $6.4 million in scholarships awarded.
100% of the Class of 2025 achieved the French Bac with 44% receiving the mention très bien. A total of 74 students submitted 649 applications to 222 colleges and universities located in 16 countries. By May 2025, Rochambeau had 363 college acceptances across 14 countries, and students were awarded about $6.4 million in scholarships.
Honors recognition is available for high-achieving students. In the IB program results, 87% of students were awarded the IB Diploma with Honors, 53% earned the Advanced Bilingual Diploma, and 16% earned Highest Honors and Distinction.
The school integrates social emotional learning into daily life. Classroom guidance lessons are designed for each grade level, focusing on emotional awareness, stress management, healthy relationships, and preparation for life after high school. Campus wide initiatives include Rochambeau Unplugged, Wellness Wednesdays, Mental Health Awareness Week, Recreation Recess, and mindfulness practices. Motivational Mondays connect storytelling and social media to raise mental health awareness and reduce stigma. Counselors provide individual check ins and small group sessions, and support new families during transitions.
The School Learning Support SLS department provides support to students to achieve greater academic success, including academic tutoring, French language support for non native speakers, and social and emotional support. The SLS team offers services individually or in small groups, inside or outside the classroom, and collaborates with families, teachers, and outside professionals to identify tools, learning plans and objectives, and to support students at home and at school. The department includes French Language Support Teachers FLSCO and Learning Support Teachers SLS who work with students across primary and secondary grades.
English beginners are placed in a dedicated English Language Learning ESL program; English is not a prerequisite for any grade. The ESL program is designed to support English development for new learners.
Mental wellbeing is prioritized through a school wide theme and targeted activities. World Mental Health Day is highlighted with a week of activities for students and families, and counselors provide individual check ins and small group support. Motivational Mondays and other wellness initiatives foster open dialogue about emotional health.
Health and safety are central to Rochambeaus safeguarding approach. The Health Team includes a school nurse at both Maplewood and Forest Road campuses. Medical requirements and forms include immunization certificates for all students. A Communicable Disease Policy governs health measures, and policies exist for administering medication and safeguarding records. The School Counseling Handbook and consent forms support privacy and appropriate reporting when needed.
The admissions process starts in October, one year before the school year being applied for, and continues on a rolling admissions basis after the first round deadline in January. Priority is given to families with siblings already enrolled and to students from the AEFE network. Steps to apply: 1. Register for a tour (on campus or virtual). 2. Complete the online application and pay a $150 non-refundable application fee. 3. Upload the required items: a photo of your child, a birth certificate or French Livret de famille, a letter of motivation explaining why Rochambeau and the French curriculum fit your family, and copies of the child's previous report cards plus a Teacher Evaluation Form. 4. Assessments: for students enrolled in AEFE-accredited schools, admission is based on school records; for students from non-AEFE schools, a virtual assessment is arranged; French beginners applying for the immersion program (Grade 1) may require WPPSI-IV or WISC-V testing and an immersion teacher interview. 5. Parent interview with a member of the admissions team or school director. Rochambeau reserves the right to request additional recommendations or to require additional school work and to offer conditional admission or deny admission. Admission decisions: applications complete with all required items by January 15 will receive notifications by March 7; applications received after January 15 are reviewed on a rolling basis. If admitted, sign the enrollment contract and pay non-refundable enrollment fees: a first-time enrollment fee of $2,500 (one-time per family) and an annual registration fee per child of $1,500, of which $650 is applied toward tuition (fees subject to change). For Middle and High School (French Baccalaureate) and the International Baccalaureate program, additional steps apply (an English assessment in June for class placement in some programs; IB requires a student essay, teacher evaluations, language assessments, and an interview).
Rochambeau offers financial aid based on financial need, awarded without discrimination and may cover up to 80% of tuition, enrollment fees, transportation, and school trips. Aid amounts vary by year and are awarded after review by the financial aid committee; applications are submitted through FACTS and remain confidential. The school may provide supplemental financial aid to families who already receive AEFE scholarships. French citizens may apply for AEFE scholarships or Rochambeau financial aid, and may also pursue Rochambeau aid if not eligible for AEFE. The financial aid process for the 2026–2027 school year opens in January 2026; required documents include 2025 tax returns, 2025 W-2s, and other supporting materials; the application is processed in two steps: FACTS verification (2–3 weeks) and Rochambeau review (which may include an interview). Deadlines are published; after the stated dates, applications may be considered on a rolling basis within budget. A French Government Scholarship route is also available for eligible French citizens via the French Consulate.
The school maintains a waitlist. Families can submit a waitlist form to request placement for a specific grade level; the form captures the student's name and grade and is year-specific (e.g., Waitlist 25-26). The form requires Javascript to submit.
The school operates two campuses in Washington, DC. Brookland Campus is located at 3700 Oakview Terrace NE, Washington, DC 20017. East End Campus is located at 5600 East Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20019. Both campuses are in Northeast Washington, DC.
PK3-5 (Pre-K through 5th grade).
Public Charter School
English Language Learner (ELL) support and language support services; target language teachers are native speakers or fluent in French or Spanish; ACTFL Can Do statements guide language progression and the ACCESS assessment supports planning.
Pre-K provides instruction in the target language 90% of the time and English 10% of the time; classes are mixed-age for 3- and 4-year-olds with a two-year cycle. Kindergarten through grade 5 follow the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program curriculum in two languages, with about 50% of time in English and 50% in the target language.
Stokes Kitchen serves breakfast, lunch, snack, and supper daily. Breakfast is available from 7:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. Breakfast, snack, and supper are free for all students, and lunch is $4.50 per meal. The program accommodates dietary restrictions (gluten, dairy, egg allergies) with vegetarian options at every meal, and menus are posted monthly; meals are prepared in-house using minimally processed ingredients sourced from local farmers and suppliers.
The school is governed by a Board of Trustees that oversees programs and ensures alignment with the school's mission. The Board meets on the second Saturday of every other month at 9:30 a.m., with meetings conducted virtually until further notice.
The school offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme for PK3-5. The academic program is structured around a dual-immersion model where students learn language (English and Spanish or French) through the content areas. The IB program exists worldwide and promotes high-quality, challenging international education. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The PYP curriculum framework emphasizes inquiry-based, transdisciplinary learning with a student-centered approach and ownership of learning. IB Learners strive to be inquirers, thinkers, knowledgeable, principled, communicators, caring, risk-takers, balanced, reflective, open-minded.
Small class sizes and team teaching with a learning specialist assigned to each grade level.
Peace of Mind Mindfulness Curriculum is a mindfulness-based social-emotional learning program used across the school. It combines mindfulness, conflict resolution, and social justice education for students from early childhood through middle school. Students learn mindfulness to regulate emotions, practice kindness, empathy, and gratitude, and educators provide ongoing support with dedicated Peace of Mind lessons to reinforce a shared language for social-emotional needs.
Elsie Whitlow Stokes uses a Multi-Tiered System of Supports and Services (MTSSS) to provide personalized supports for academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs. A Schoolwide Student Support Services (SST) team collaborates with families and staff to review data and implement targeted interventions, with referrals for special education evaluation as needed. A 504 Plan provides accommodations for students with disabilities, and the Special Education Program offers individualized instruction through an IEP with related services such as speech or occupational therapy. School Counseling Services address academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs.
English Language Learner (ELL) services provide specialized supports for students whose primary language is not English and who need assistance in developing proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English. These services are designed for students identified as English Learners through language assessments to ensure equitable access to the curriculum while building English proficiency. Teachers facilitate language learning from explicit skill instruction, content-based instruction, and task-based instruction, and data is used to plan to meet student language needs.
Peace of Mind supports mental wellbeing by teaching mindfulness-based strategies for emotion regulation, compassion, and resilience, with brain science grounding. The program includes conflict resolution skills and applies these skills to students' voices and actions. School Counseling Services provide additional mental health support through debriefing sessions, long-term individual counseling, peer counseling, and brief family counseling to strengthen home–school collaboration.
Wellness Policy is part of the Student and Family Policies, alongside policies for Preventing and Addressing Student Sexual Abuse by Staff, Preventing and Addressing Student-on-Student Sexual Harassment, and a Bullying Prevention Policy. These policies establish safeguarding and child protection standards for the school community.
The school participates in the My School DC common application and lottery. Open House events are offered for the 2026-2027 application season at the Brookland Campus and East End Campus. Language immersion teaches in two languages: English and French or English and Spanish. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme for PK3–5. Applications are accepted from all DC residents. Pre-kindergarten requires a child to be three by September 30 of the first pre-kindergarten year and to be able to use the bathroom with minimal assistance; kindergarten requires turning five by September 30 of the kindergarten year.
Lottery results are released on March 28, 2025. If matched, enrollment must occur by May 1, 2025. After that date, the school will begin making offers to the waitlist as space allows.
The Parks at Walter Reed, 1400 Main Drive NW, Washington, DC 20012. The school is located at Delano Hall on the former Walter Reed Army Medical Center campus, with the main entrance at the corner of 16th Street NW and Main Drive NW and the back entrance at Aspen Street NW and 14th Street NW. Buses D31, S2, and S4 travel on 16th Street to Delano Hall; 52, 53, and 54 travel on 14th Street to Delano Hall; 70 and 79 travel on Georgia Avenue to the opposite side of the campus (a 7-minute walk to Delano Hall). The nearest Metro station is Takoma (Red Line; the 53 bus from Takoma takes about 5 minutes to Delano Hall, with a 19-minute walk from Takoma).
Middle and high school (grades 6–12)
Public charter middle and high school
Targeted academic support in grades 11–12 to prepare for IB assessments
Middle school: English and Math every day; language track (French, Spanish, or Chinese) daily; electives on alternating days. High school: English, Math, language, Science, and History every day; electives, arts, and PE on alternating days.
Buses: D31, S2, and S4 on 16th Street to Delano Hall; 52, 53, and 54 on 14th Street to Delano Hall; 70 and 79 on Georgia Avenue to the other side of the campus (7-minute walk to Delano Hall)
Uniforms are provided for all sports teams and must be returned at the end of the season.
The school provides a healthy breakfast from 7:45 a.m. to 8:20 a.m. and lunch with purchase options following DC regulations. There are no refrigeration options for food brought from home, and designated microwaves are available during lunch. The school is not a nut-free school; peanuts and peanut-containing foods may be allowed in specific areas.
The DCI Board of Trustees makes critical decisions pertaining to management, facilities, finance, and fundraising and serves in the role of the School Board.
The school is an IB World School offering an International Baccalaureate for All program. The Middle Years Programme (MYP) serves grades 6-10, and the Diploma Programme (DP) or Career Programme (CP) serves grades 11-12. Language tracks include French, Spanish, and Chinese, with daily language study and electives often taught in the target language. English is the language of instruction for core subjects, and the IB framework emphasizes inquiry-based learning, student agency, and global mindedness. The IB program integrates language development with rigorous, college-preparatory coursework and culminates in IB assessments and related certificates.
Graduates earn a DCI Diploma, an IB Diploma, an IB Career-related Certificate, course-specific IB certificates, and/or an IB Bilingual Diploma. The school is rated Tier 1 by the DC PCSB and consistently outperforms the city PARCC averages. Final examinations are part of the program and prepare students for university and life beyond.
Graduates attend a range of colleges and universities; many universities offer college credit for IB coursework and give preference in admissions to IB Diploma candidates.
DCI supports social-emotional learning through the IB framework and a daily Approaches to Learning class that builds social skills and study strategies. The IB program emphasizes environmental stewardship, social justice, and language and culture to develop responsible global citizens. Student Agency & Technology gives students voice and ownership in their education, aligning with SEL goals. The IB learner profile emphasizes balance, reflection, and effective communication as core dispositions. The Mental Health Department provides a comprehensive counseling program addressing social, emotional, and academic needs, supported by a vision that emphasizes emotional balance and reflective growth.
DCI uses a Response to Intervention (RtI) model to address instructional concerns and reduce inappropriate referrals to special education. Students' progress is monitored at each stage of intervention, with supports provided in small groups or individually in general education or in special education. DC International School conducts Child Find to identify and evaluate all eligible students aged 11 to 22 for special education and related services. The policy requires initial evaluations within 60 days of consent and outlines referral procedures and parent safeguards. Target populations include homeless students, those in CFSA custody, and youth rehabilitation services; coordination with CFSA, DBH, and Mary's Center is maintained. The staff contact for questions about services is the Director of Student Support Services, Kimberly Colley.
Language learning is a daily requirement at DCI; students take their language class every day. DCI offers three target languages—Spanish, French, and Chinese—with language immersion of 25-50% in these languages. Electives and some content courses may be taught in the target language, while courses in English remain available when students are not yet ready for content in the target language. The program aims to improve English proficiency and intercultural competence and prepare students for tomorrow's workforce. Proficiency is measured on the ACTFL scale.
The Mental Health Department provides a comprehensive, data-responsive, and developmentally appropriate counseling program addressing social, emotional, and academic needs. The vision emphasizes the IB learner profile, with communication, reflection, and emotional balance as key elements. Counseling services support students across grade levels and align with IB values to promote wellbeing and resilience. The department operates within the school's IB framework to support the whole child. The department's approach is to empower students to develop skills for balanced, healthy growth.
DCI maintains a Child Find policy to identify, locate, and evaluate all students with disabilities between ages 11 and 22. Points of Contact for concerns about Child Find include the Director of Student Support Services, Kimberly Colley, with phone and email. Outreach efforts include information at school events, publication in handbooks and calendars, and annual conferences. DC International School coordinates with external agencies such as the CFSA, the Department of Behavioral Health, and Mary's Center. Referrals and initial evaluations follow procedures that require consent, with timelines (initial evaluation within 60 days) and protections for parental rights. Staff receive annual training to ensure adherence to Child Find responsibilities.
Admissions are open to all DC residents and occur through the My School DC lottery; families cannot apply directly to DCI. DCI accepts applications for Grades 6-9 and offers language tracks in Chinese, French, and Spanish; applicants may apply to one, two, or all three language tracks. Students from DCI member elementary schools have priority for sixth grade admissions; member schools are DC Bilingual PCS, E.W. Stokes Community Freedom PCS, Latin American Montessori Bilingual PCS, Mundo Verde PCS, and Washington Yu Ying PCS. There are preferences (Sibling, Children of Staff, Founders); if seats remain after member-school priority, they may be offered to general lottery applicants; there are no prerequisites, no prior IB experience, no minimum GPA, and no minimum language proficiency required.
Two campuses in Washington, DC: Elementary Campus at 220 Taylor Street NE and Early Years Campus at 4350 First Street NE, DC 20017. The campuses are in Ward 5, near the Brookland-CUA Metro station.
PK3–5
Public Charter School
Special education services and English Language Learner support are provided.
School hours are 8:05 a.m.–3:40 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:05 a.m.–1:05 p.m. on Friday. Extended hours run from 7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. before school and 3:40 p.m.–5:45 p.m. after school on MTWTh (and 1:05 p.m.–5:45 p.m. on Fridays).
Bus service via DDOT route D74 (Brookland-CUA).
The school provides lunch; it participates in the DC Youth Meals Program; free/reduced lunch forms are available; lunch payments are processed online.
The school is governed by a Board of Directors, including a Board Chair Quinton Ng; it operates as a public charter school in Washington, DC.
The school uses the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) within an immersive Chinese-English model. PK3 and PK4 have 100% Mandarin instruction with no English classroom instruction. Kindergarten and Grade 1 have Mandarin instruction for all subjects with 75% Mandarin and 25% English in core subjects, and English Language Arts is taught for 180 days. Grades 2–5 have a 50/50 Mandarin-English model with all subjects taught through 90 days Mandarin and 90 days English, delivered on an every-other-day language model.
The school maintains a caring and family-like atmosphere, where community members know one another deeply and support one another.
An Individualized Educational Plan (IEP), if applicable.
The school teaches in English and Mandarin as part of an immersive Chinese-English model.
REEF is a before and afterschool care program, where students continue to develop traits of the IB Learner Profile utilized during the school day, and Yu Ying focuses on the development of the whole student.
To enroll, families apply through the My School DC lottery. Yu Ying participates in the My School DC common application and common lottery, which means only applications submitted through My School DC are accepted. New students must complete the Yu Ying online registration form via PowerSchool (you'll receive instructions in a separate email) and submit a copy of the child's birth certificate. You must also submit the DC Residency Form and proof of DC residency via DocuSign; the DocuSign message will include instructions on online completion and document attachment. Before the first day of school, submit additional forms including the DC Universal Health Certificate, the DC Oral Health Assessment Form, up-to-date immunizations, and any applicable Medical Dietary Accommodations Form or Milk Substitution and Philosophical Dietary Accommodations Form; provide an IEP if applicable. Immunizations must be current to attend in person. Siblings of current Yu Ying and DCI students may receive enrollment preference if they live with the current student in Washington, DC and are related by blood or adoption, or are a step-sibling. Equitable Access Preference: Yu Ying is open to all and sets aside seats for at-risk students (homeless, in DC foster care, or eligible for government benefits such as SNAP or TANF) to improve their chances of matching with Yu Ying when they select the school as a top choice in the My School DC lottery. The page notes a helpful My School DC lottery video and provides an “Apply Now” link for the process.
Two campuses in Northwest Washington, DC: the Primary School Campus (Preschool to Grade 5) at 1690 36th Street NW, Washington, DC 20007; and the Tregaron Campus (Grades 6–12) at 3100 Macomb Street NW, Washington, DC 20008.
Primary School Campus (Preschool–Grade 5). Middle and Upper Schools (Grades 6–12).
not-for-profit independent day school
Language support in English, French, and Spanish for Grades 1–5; Learning Specialists provide strategies to address identified learning needs; After-School Supervised Study and Tutoring available for Middle and Upper Schools; Counselors provide short-term counseling and psycho-education; University Counselors provide additional support for Upper School.
United States
Primary School follows a 10-day rotating schedule; arrivals typically 8:00–8:15 a.m. with classes from 8:20 a.m. to about 3:00–3:30 p.m. Middle and Upper Schools follow an eight-day rotating schedule with five periods per day; arrivals 8:00–8:10 a.m., classes begin 8:15 a.m., with dismissal around 2:50 p.m. (Grades 6–10) or 3:45 p.m. (Grades 11–12).
WIS offers two bus options: an inter-campus shuttle between the Primary School Campus and the Middle/Upper Campus (Tregaron), and a bus service between Capitol Hill/Eastern Market and the WIS campuses. Bus services are available to children five years and older, with registration by semester or full year.
Food services are provided by Meriwether Godsey, using fresh, seasonal ingredients, local produce, and from-scratch cooking. Dining is a standard part of WIS programming with no separate dining charge. Primary School Campus offers family-style meals; Tregaron Campus (Grades 6–12) offers community dining in Le Centre Brown. Weekly menus are posted. Breakfast is available at Tregaron from 7:30–8:15 AM.
Washington International School is a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1966. The Board of Trustees is the governing body; trustees are unpaid volunteers. The head of school acts as chief executive, and the Board oversees financial management, fundraising, strategic planning, and resource allocation.
The IB Primary Years Program is the framework for the Primary School curriculum. PYP learning is organized into Units of Inquiry under six core themes and is inquiry-based, emphasizing student agency. Preschool to Kindergarten participate in Language Immersion in French or Spanish; Grades 1–5 follow a Dual Language Program of English with either English/French or English/Spanish; French as an Additional Language (FAL) and Spanish as an Additional Language (SAL) are available. The school earned LabelFrancÉducation accreditation for high-quality French bilingual education. Mandarin begins in Grade 6. In the Middle and Upper Schools, the IB Diploma Program is the university-preparatory curriculum for Grades 11–12, with six subjects (three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level), plus Theory of Knowledge, an Extended Essay, and a 60-hour Creativity-Activity-Service component; final exams are externally graded by the IB.
IB Diploma Program results (2025): WIS average 33; 93.7% pass rate; 71% bilingual diplomas; 5.17 average subject score; 39% of diplomas with 6s and 7s.
Graduates matriculate to universities worldwide, including Harvard University, Columbia University, Stanford University, Yale University, University of Chicago, University of Michigan, University of California Berkeley, University of Toronto, Sciences Po, Bocconi University, Trinity College Dublin, Durham University, Imperial College London, University College London, Cambridge, Oxford, and Georgetown University.
WIS employs the Responsive Classroom approach to connect social-emotional learning with academics and to foster a respectful learning community. Counselors work with teachers to provide classroom lessons that develop healthy friendships, solve social problems, and increase self-esteem. Counseling support includes short-term individual or small-group sessions and consultation with teachers during grade-level pastoral meetings, and with parents as needed. In Middle School, psycho-education life-skills programs cover topics such as depression and anxiety, relationships, communication, peer pressure, drugs and alcohol, stress management, conflict resolution, and sexual health. In the Upper School, counselors provide crisis intervention, psychosocial assessment, and referrals to outside services as needed.
WIS identifies learning needs and strengths through informal teacher observations, grade-level assessments in reading, writing, spelling, and math, standardized tests, parental concerns, and external evaluations when appropriate. In-class learning support strategies and other interventions are designed to support the individual student, with a Learning Specialist working with teachers and students to provide strategies. Language Support in English, French and Spanish, Grades 1-5, provides in-class and out-of-class support for individuals and small groups. Mathematics Support exists in Grades 1-5.
English, French, and Spanish language support coordinators provide in-class and out-of-class support for individuals and small groups in English, French and Spanish.
WIS approaches health and wellness in a holistic, age-appropriate manner and supports students' mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The program focuses on helping students manage academic pressure and identifying students at risk through the School Student Support Teams. Programs include strategies for managing anxiety and depression and guidance on healthy friendships, technology use, physical activity, nutrition, and proper hygiene. Faculty and staff participate in professional development to support student wellness, and wellness activities are available for employees, such as yoga and mindfulness sessions.
WIS is committed to safeguarding and protecting students and providing a secure environment. The Child Protection Policy was developed in accordance with standards from accrediting agencies and in acknowledgment of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Training on child protection awareness and procedures occurs annually. All employees and many volunteers must complete a background investigation prior to hire, renewed every two years. Security measures include guards and cameras, and students and staff participate in drills for internal and external threats. The Safeguarding Lead is Associate Head of School Natasha Bhalla. Child Protection Teams exist at the Primary, Middle, and Upper divisions.
The school has two campuses: Primary School Campus for Preschool through Grade 5 at 1690 36th Street NW, Washington, DC 20007, and Tregaron Campus for Grades 6–12 at 3100 Macomb Street NW, Washington, DC 20008. Admissions are managed through the online Admissions Portal; the application fee is $75, with a reduced rate of $25 for families applying for financial aid; applications and application fees are due January 5; financial aid applications are due January 15. For Grades 1–5, testing includes English and math, with a written assessment in French or Spanish for Dual Language Program applicants; non-local applicants have their admissions tests mailed to their current schools, and Dual Language applicants also schedule a virtual language assessment. For Grades 6–12, the process includes an applicant interview, local testing in English and math, and language assessments as applicable; local applicants register for on-site visits; a Parent Questionnaire and two teacher recommendations are required; all items are due February 1. Decision notifications occur February 27, 2026; families have until March 21 to accept the offer of admission; enrollment contracts become fully binding on June 1, 2026. Fluency in French or Spanish is not required; language programs include Language Immersion in French or Spanish for Preschool–Kindergarten; a Dual Language Program English/French or English/Spanish for Grades 1–5; and French as an Additional Language and Spanish as an Additional Language for Grades 1–5.
WIS offers financial aid based on need. Grants based on financial need are awarded to students whose families cannot afford tuition; about 14–15 percent of current students receive some financial aid, and aid is available to approximately 15 newly admitted students each year. Financial aid applications are processed through School and Student Services (SSS). Step One: Complete the Parent Financial Statement due January 15; Step Two: Submit supporting documentation due February 1 for new applicants and March 1 for returning; Step Three: Submit 2025 tax documentation due April 20. Newly admitted students receive grant notifications with offers in late February; returning students receive grant notifications mid-March to mid-April. The school intends to offer aid to every accepted student who demonstrates need, but funding may be limited; therefore families should apply for aid in parallel with their WIS application. See the Financial Aid brochure and guide for details.
