Comparing 10 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.
10900 Indian Head Highway, Fort Washington, MD 20744. The school is in Prince George's County, Maryland. The campus sits on Indian Head Highway, a main roadway in the Fort Washington area.
Early Learning (Pre-K–Kindergarten); Lower School (Grades 1–4); Middle School (Grades 5–8)
private Spanish-immersion K–8 school
Drop-off begins at 7:30 a.m. and the school day starts at 8:30 a.m. Dismissal is 2:30 p.m. for Pre-K and 4:00 p.m. for other students, with morning care from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. and aftercare from 4:15 to 6:30 p.m.
Uniforms are required. Official school attire is worn.
One hour is allocated for lunch and recess for all students. Jr. and Kindergarten students may bring a snack for a mid-afternoon break. Parents provide meals; healthy snacks such as fruit, granola bars, or carrot sticks are encouraged.
The Maryland International Day School is a non-profit corporation established in 2001 with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. It is governed by a volunteer Board of eight Directors who establish broad policies aligned with the mission and develop strategic plans for the school's long-term health and growth. The Head of School is responsible for the daily operations.
The Maryland International Day School is a private K-8 Spanish-immersion school in Prince George's County, Fort Washington, MD, with daily Spanish immersion and it is the county's only independent Spanish-immersion private school. In Early Learning (Pre-K through Kindergarten), the program offers full Spanish immersion to build early language fluency, with inquiry-based learning and Core Knowledge foundations in literacy, math, and world awareness. Lower School (Grades 1-4) uses dual-language instruction to deepen fluency in Spanish and English, along with Core Knowledge-based academics, inquiry-driven projects, and global awareness. Middle School (Grades 5-8) provides advanced bilingual instruction, rigorous academics rooted in Core Knowledge, and an emphasis on leadership, critical thinking, and real-world application for a global perspective. Experiential Learning includes field trips across the Washington, DC area and international study-abroad experiences to immerse students in Spanish-speaking cultures.
The school focuses on social-emotional growth through an inclusive bilingual environment where students are taught to value others, express themselves, and act with integrity.
Dual-language instruction from Early Learning through Middle School in English and Spanish.
The school supports mental wellbeing through a values-driven culture—excellence and ethics—within an inclusive bilingual community that emphasizes respect, responsibility, and global-mindedness.
The school has an Accident Policy with student accident insurance; CPR and first aid-certified staff; contagious-disease reporting requirements; a safety and conduct code including time-outs and potential suspension or dismissal; and a uniform policy.
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The Maryland International Day School is a private Spanish-immersion K–8 school in Prince George's County.
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.
The GISW campus is at 8617 Chateau Drive, Potomac, MD 20854. The school sits in a residential area near Washington, D.C. A Shuttle Bus Service runs from the Bolger Center, 9600 Newbridge Dr., Potomac, MD 20854, to the GISW campus, with multiple buses facilitating morning and after-school transportation.
Preschool (ages 2–4) with morning groups and an optional Afternoon Program and Extended Care; Elementary School from entry level through 4th grade with German curricula and English lessons at U.S. standards; Grades 5 through 12 earn the German International Abitur and a U.S. High School Diploma.
Independent, bilingual.
Germany
Shuttle Bus Service from Bolger Center, 9600 Newbridge Dr., Potomac, MD 20854 to GISW and back. Three buses shuttle in the morning; the first leaves Bolger Center at 8:40 am. After classes, the first bus departs GISW between 11:35 and 11:40 am and returns to the Bolger Center. Direct drop-off or pick-up at GISW on Saturday mornings is not allowed; a parking pass is required to park on GISW grounds; buses are the default option for students and drivers with passes.
The school does not require a uniform.
The school provides lunch through SageDining. Meals are prepared daily with allergen labeling on the online menu and in the cafeteria. Lunch must be signed up for during the admissions process and is served daily in the cafeteria for Grades 1 through 12; preschool meals are prepared daily in the cafeteria with preschoolers eating in classrooms.
The German International School Washington D.C. is governed by the German School Society, composed largely of GISW parents. Membership is open to adults 18+ who agree with the Society's purpose and pay an annual fee. The Board of Directors consists of nine members and oversees affairs not requiring Membership decisions; the Board includes the Head of School, the Director of Administration, a representative of the German Embassy, and the Chairs of the Parents' Association and Employees' Association.
Preschool: Ages 2 through 4; morning groups with the option of staying for the afternoon program and for extended care. Elementary School runs from School Entry Level through 4th grade with a modern learning environment, German curricula, English lessons at U.S. standards, and lab science. Grades 5 through 12 graduate with the U.S. High School Diploma and the German International Abitur, opening doors to universities worldwide. STEM/MINT is offered to allow students to specialize in rigorous mathematics and science curricula focused on problem-solving and research.
Graduates earn both the German International Abitur and a U.S. High School Diploma, enabling admission to universities worldwide.
STEM/MINT Education offers specialized mathematics and science curricula focused on problem-solving and research.
Counselor Grades 1-4 provides students with opportunities to address problems and conflicts during office hours. Social learning takes place daily across the school. GREIF stands for group-oriented, respectful, empathetic, interested, and friendly. The elementary team uses GREIF tokens to reward students who demonstrate these values. Tokens can be exchanged for small gifts; in Grades 1–2, students earn a gift after 10 griffins, and in Grades 3–4 after 15 griffins. The counselor coordinates parent meetings and collaborates with the secondary school counselor to support students' social and emotional development.
Language enrichment is embedded in daily life in the Preschool, with daily sessions helping children acquire German or English as a second language and learn about German and U.S. cultures. The two programs for language acquisition in early childhood, Finki, ich & wir and Hocus & Lotus, are designed to be playful and age-appropriate. The enrichment modules are integrated into daily life and can be combined in diverse ways to meet different development levels. An Overall Language Concept extends language learning from the Preschool through high school graduation.
The Counselor for Grades 5–12 provides individual and group counseling, classroom guidance, student observation, responsive counseling, college counseling, referrals, and parent and teacher support. The counselor coordinates programs dealing with drug awareness and assertiveness training, peer mediation, and crisis intervention. The Counseling section also offers guidance resources with crisis hotlines and community resources for mental health support. The counselor can be reached at counselor@giswashington.org.
The Health Room serves preschool through twelfth grade and operates weekdays 7:45am–3:15pm. The health care team includes a Health Care Manager, an Administrative Assistant, and counselors for the Elementary School and the Upper School. Absences due to illness are reported to the Health Room via the provided email or phone contact. Before admission, health forms are submitted, and after admission families receive access to Magnus Health to store medical documents; immunization requirements are listed and updated for entry and ongoing compliance. Basic immunizations include MMR and Varicella, with additional requirements for vaccines as students progress through grades SEL–12. Magnus Health login is used to upload documents and update emergency contacts. Anti-bullying policy and safeguarding-related resources are included in counseling materials and resources.
1. Create an account on GISW's application portal to start the online application. Submit the required information and supporting documents via the portal. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, subject to availability. The fee schedule includes an Application Fee of $150, a New Student Enrollment Fee of $2,500 (with contract signing and non-refundable), and a Contract Deposit of $1,000 (added to tuition, non-refundable). 2. After the Admissions Office reviews the application, the decision is posted in the application portal. The typical processing time is four to six weeks. GISW cannot accept new students in Grade 12. Application checklists cover Preschool (2, 3, 4-year-olds), Grades K-4, and Grades 5-11. 3. If admitted, sign the enrollment contract in the application portal. The contract submission is due 10 days after receipt. For questions, contact the Director of Enrollment Management, Ms.
GISW offers need-based financial aid through the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). FAST (Financial Aid for School Tuition) provides the need analysis used to determine awards. Awards typically range from 10% to 40% of tuition, with a maximum of $4,000 per student for Preschool. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; those submitted by February 20, 2026 are guaranteed a response by March 27, 2026 via email.
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.
Bethesda, Maryland; 4800 Sangamore Road, Bethesda, MD 20816; six-acre campus bordering parkland, in walking distance of the Potomac River; about 1 mile from the DC border.
Preschool through Grade 12.
Independent, non-denominational Waldorf school; Waldorf/Steiner-based education.
Not equipped to support students with severe learning or behavioral challenges; mild learning differences such as ADHD and dyslexia may be accommodated.
United States
Non-denominational
Start times vary by age group: Seedlings and Nursery begin at 8:45 am; Kindergarten and Grades 1–6 begin at 8:30 am; Grades 7–12 begin at 8:15 am. Dismissal: Seedlings/1/2 day at 12:30 pm; full day at 3:00 pm. After-school programs run 3:00–6:00 pm.
Bus pickup/drop-off in Silver Spring; annual bus fee $2,700.
Athletics uniforms are used in middle and high school. A small athletics fee covers the cost of these uniforms.
The school has an in-house lunch program called Good Food Lunch with Chef Eron. The menu rotates to appeal to a wide range of palates and students dine together; drop-in lunch is available for $12 per day and there is no lunch on half days.
Washington Waldorf School is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization governed by a Trustees Council (TC), the unified governing body responsible for lawful operation, financial health, strategic direction, and hiring the Faculty Chair/Head of School. The TC consists of 10-15 volunteer members drawn from the faculty, parents, alumni, and friends, and ideally includes close to 50% faculty members. Day-to-day management is delegated to the Faculty Chair/Head of School.
Preschool through Grade 12. Mixed-age Kindergarten (Ages 4-6) includes Songbirds, Sunflowers, and Waldorf in the Woods with half-day or full-day options; Songbirds and Sunflowers classes accommodate up to 20 children, Waldorf in the Woods up to 15. Lower School (grades 1-8) includes Spanish, handwork, woodwork, Eurythmy, instrumental and vocal music, games and outdoor education, form drawing, and art. The Waldorf curriculum is developmentally appropriate and integrates academics with arts and hands-on learning. High School offers an interdisciplinary program with rigorous academics, fine arts, practical arts, and community service, including double-period main lessons and a rotation of afternoon STEAM intensives; language offerings include Spanish, Spanish for Native Speakers, or Independent Study, and there is an Exchange Program. A college advisor supports college selection and applications, and graduates matriculate to a wide variety of colleges and universities.
7-to-1; Lower School average class size is 20, Upper School average is 15.
Graduates matriculate to a wide variety of colleges and universities with a dedicated college advisor guiding the process.
Waldorf Fellowships are offered to students who engage across multiple disciplines and explore a breadth of activities throughout middle and high school.
The school emphasizes social-emotional learning in Early Childhood, with play, social development, and outdoor time as foundations for growth and later academic learning.
The admissions policy indicates the school will review an individualized education plan (IEP) or other similar documentation as part of the admissions process.
The school has a school counselor who supports students' social-emotional health and academics.
The school has a non-discrimination policy and will reasonably accommodate physical or mental disabilities; it requires reporting of bullying, harassment, abuse, or self-harm in accordance with school policies and legal requirements.
1. Learn about Waldorf education by attending a tour or open house and start a conversation by filling out the Inquiry Form with the enrollment office. This initial step connects families with the school and provides an introduction to WWS programs and enrollment options. 2. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis as space allows. For the 2025-2026 school year, decisions will be released on February 27, 2026 for applications received by the priority deadline of January 12, 2026; for the 2026-2027 school year, applications are accepted as space allows. Applications are submitted online in Ravenna; if you already have a Ravenna account you can access the school profile or start a new application, or you can begin by submitting the Inquiry Form to get started. 3. Age placement uses a May 31 cutoff for first grade and up; if you have questions about placement, email the Enrollment Office. 4. Admissions processes vary by program: Parent-Child (Infants to Age 3) enrolls on a first-come, first-served basis; Early Education (PK/K) requires a completed application, a $60 fee, progress reports, a teacher recommendation, and any applicable testing; Lower School (Grade 1) requires a completed application, a $60 fee, progress reports, a teacher recommendation, and any applicable testing; Lower/Middle School (Grades 2-8) requires a completed application, a $60 fee, official transcripts, teacher recommendations, a middle school questionnaire, and any applicable testing; High School requires a completed application, a $60 fee, official transcripts, two teacher recommendations, and a student questionnaire, with class visits typically 2-3 days. 5. WWS is non-sectarian and does not discriminate in admissions and programs, and seeks a diverse student body.
Financial aid supports qualified students who might not otherwise afford a Waldorf education, with about 20% of the annual operating budget devoted to aid and 34% of students receiving aid; high school aid can cover up to 95% of tuition. Financial aid is awarded through the Clarity Application, with a $60 submission fee, and annual aid priority deadlines of January 3 for returning families and January 31 for prospective families. Waldorf Fellowship Scholarship offers 30%–90% tuition relief in Grades 6–12, with up to three fellowships per grade per year; fellowships carry through the student's entire enrollment (e.g., from 6th through 12th grade). Application for the fellowship requires both a school application (via Ravenna) and a separate fellowship application, and fellowship awards are announced with admissions decisions. Scholarships and aid decisions are made based on need and merit and do not affect admission decisions.
