Washington International School

The Washington International School (WIS) is a selective, co-educational day school for students in Pre-Kindergarten through high school. WIS is one of the first schools in the world to have an authorized IB curriculum from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12: IB Primary Years Program (PYP) for students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 5, IB Middle Years Program (MYP) in Grades 6-10, and the IB Diploma Program in Grades 11-12. The curriculum is internationally focused, with students taking English and one other language (French, Spanish, or Dutch), plus world history, geography, mathematics, sciences, fine arts, information technology, and physical education. Students who are proficient in French or Spanish follow a bilingual program to age 13 and also select a third language.

The Washington International School (WIS) Faculty members represent 30 countries and bring teaching experience from around the world; 60% have earned advanced degrees. The average length of stay for teachers is six years. The 828 students and their parents represent some 90 countries; roughly 35% are from families where both parents are American; 65% hold US citizenship. Virtually all graduates go on to university study. Eighty-three percent of the 2003 graduates attended WIS for at least four years.

The The Washington International School (WIS) facilities include nine buildings on two campuses. The Middle and Upper School campus has a new arts and athletics center, an auditorium, seven science labs, two computer rooms, a soccer field, an outdoor basketball court, and other recreational space. The primary campus, completed in 1998, features all new construction, a gymnasium, and a playing field. The campuses are fully networked and each has an information technology center.

The Washington International School (WIS) hours are 08:45-11:45 (half-day, pre-kindergarten); 08:45-15:00 (full-day, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten), 08:30-15:25 (grades 1-5) and 08:15-14:50 (grades 6-12) from September to June, with a three-week winter recess and a spring break in the final week of March. Activities include interscholastic soccer, basketball, tennis, track, volleyball, softball, annual debate and public speaking contests, as well as strong musical and dramatic productions. Student publications include yearbook, newspaper and literary magazine.

Admission to The Washington International School (WIS) is competitive and is based on academic record, recommendations, and the results of entrance exams. Candidates should be academically able and motivated and, at the upper levels, demonstrate the background and ability to undertake a full IB Diploma Program in the last two years.