Washington International School

Washington International School (WIS) is a coeducational independent school (private school) offering 900 students a challenging international curriculum and rich language program from Preschool through Grade 12. Students in Preschool through Grade 5 follow the inquiry-based international Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program (PYP) in a language immersion (Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten) and dual-language (Grades 1-5) framework; in Grades 6-10, they continue with a multidisciplinary and inquiry-based approach designed to enhance understanding and develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the prestigious IB Diploma Program, the curriculum for all students in Grades 11 and 12.

In addition to their academic studies in mathematics, science, language, literature, social sciences, and the arts, students learn how to be engaged global citizens. An active sports schedule, community service in Washington, DC and elsewhere, and travel programs for study and for fun take our students out into the world, while on campus they are involved in theater and music, art, journalism, debate, and many other activities.

WIS has a dual identity: it has characteristics typical of Washington, DC independent schools as well as international schools around the world. The international qualities are clearly evident in the curriculum and the origins of our community members, who hail from nearly 100 countries. In terms of business management and the admissions cycle, WIS operates much more like our peer DC schools. And here’s a statistic that may surprise: 38.5% of WIS graduates over the past 10 years are “lifers”—meaning they attended WIS continually from at least Grades 1 through 12. This is not typical of international schools abroad, but it makes our community a fascinating mix of long-term residents and new arrivals.

Our mission is to be an exemplary learning community—enriched by differences, informed through inquiry, global in reach. WIS students investigate the arts, humanities, sciences, and technology through a rigorous, visionary, research-based curriculum inspired by academic innovators worldwide. WIS students learn two or more languages, embrace diverse cultures and viewpoints, and have the ability and confidence to navigate a complex world. WIS students pursue community engagement and demonstrate empathy, honesty, and civility.

Our challenging international program draws on classroom-based research on pedagogical practices and curriculum design from renowned organizations such as the International Baccalaureate Organization (IB) and Project Zero, a research group based in the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University.

The WIS educational approach reflects the globalized, interconnected society in which we live, giving students a world perspective in mathematics, the sciences, social sciences, languages, literature, technology and the arts.

The Washington International School upholds the best traditions of intellectual and academic endeavor with a classic liberal arts program, stressing well-rounded people. Students are encouraged to explore their interests during classes as well as through various extracurricular activities.

Our students thrive in a lively mix of cultures, traditions, and ideas, and that mix is the backbone of the School’s strength. Appreciation of all forms of diversity is the key. As individuals, WIS students are all-rounders—athletes who perform in the school musical, artists who excel as scientists, calculus students who read Cervantes in the original language.

Tregaron Campus Grades 6-12
Address: 3100 Macomb Street NW
Postal Code: 20008
Phone: +1 202 2431800