Rock Creek International School

At a Glance

Rock Creek International School is a private international school located in the Berkley neighborhood of Northwest DC's Ward 3, serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade. Founded in 1988, the school operates as an International Baccalaureate institution with a distinctive dual language immersion model, pairing English instruction with Arabic, French, or Spanish throughout the curriculum.

The school draws families seeking a globally-minded educational experience within a dual language framework, accommodating both DC residents and international families. With its span from early childhood through middle school, Rock Creek International provides continuity for families looking for a single educational home during the elementary and middle school years.

What Parents Should Know

As a private school, Rock Creek International School operates independently of the My School DC lottery system used by DC Public Schools and public charter schools. Families interested in enrollment apply directly to the school through its own admissions process, which typically involves an application, family interview, and assessment appropriate to the child's age. Given the specialized dual language model, families should plan to begin the application process well ahead of their desired enrollment date, as spaces in each language track may be limited.

The Pre-K through eighth grade configuration means families can keep their children enrolled at Rock Creek International throughout the elementary and middle school years without navigating a transition to a separate middle school. However, families will need to plan for a high school transition after eighth grade, researching DC's public, charter, and private high school options well before the end of middle school. This timeline is particularly important for families considering DC public or charter high schools, as the My School DC application opens in the fall of eighth grade.

The Foxhall Road location in Berkley places Rock Creek International in a primarily residential area of upper Northwest DC. Families should consider transportation logistics, as the neighborhood is not immediately adjacent to Metro stations. The school's position in Ward 3 situates it within a section of the city known for numerous private school options, though Rock Creek International's dual language immersion model distinguishes it from many neighborhood schools.

The International Baccalaureate framework and dual language immersion represent significant programmatic commitments. Families considering Rock Creek International should understand that students will develop literacy and content knowledge in two languages simultaneously, which shapes the daily instructional approach and homework expectations throughout the grades.

Programs and Approach

Rock Creek International School's International Baccalaureate Programme provides the educational framework for the school's curriculum, an approach used by schools worldwide that emphasizes inquiry-based learning, international-mindedness, and development of the whole child. The IB Primary Years Programme, designed for students ages 3-12, aligns with the school's elementary and middle grade levels.

The dual language immersion model means students receive instruction in both English and a partner language—Arabic, French, or Spanish—with the goal of developing bilingualism and biliteracy. This approach differs from traditional foreign language classes; instead, students learn academic content in both languages throughout their school day. Families select one language pairing when enrolling, and students typically remain in that language track throughout their time at the school.

As a private institution, the school operates with tuition revenue and sets its own academic calendar, policies, and educational approach. Families interested in learning more about tuition rates, financial aid availability, specific curriculum details, and the school's educational philosophy should contact the school directly or visit its website, as these details can change from year to year.

The Pre-K starting point allows families to begin a dual language immersion program during the early childhood years, when language acquisition occurs most naturally. The continuation through eighth grade means students can deepen their bilingual abilities across elementary and middle school.

Visiting and Contact

Rock Creek International School is located at 1550 Foxhall Road NW in the Berkley neighborhood. Prospective families should visit the school's website for information about scheduling tours, current admissions timelines, and detailed program information.