Washington International School – Primary Campus

“Think Internationally, Act Globally”

At a Glance

Washington International School's Primary Campus serves students from PreKindergarten through Grade 5 in Ward 2, offering a distinctive bilingual immersion education from the earliest years. As a private independent school, WIS builds language proficiency and global awareness through an internationally-minded curriculum that emphasizes both academic excellence and cultural understanding.

Families choose between French or Spanish immersion tracks beginning in Pre-K, with students developing biliteracy while progressing through the elementary years. The campus combines rigorous academics with hands-on learning experiences designed to prepare young students for an interconnected world.

What Parents Should Know

Washington International School operates as a private institution, which means families apply directly to the school rather than through the My School DC lottery system used by DC public and public charter schools. The admissions process typically includes an application, family visit, and assessment of readiness for the bilingual immersion model, with families encouraged to reach out well in advance of their desired enrollment year due to limited spots.

The Primary Campus specifically serves the elementary years through Grade 5, which means families should plan for a transition to the school's Middle School campus after fifth grade. This grade configuration allows the campus to focus specifically on early childhood and elementary developmental stages while maintaining continuity within the larger WIS community through Grade 12.

The Ward 2 location in the northwestern part of the city places the Primary Campus in an established residential neighborhood with access to public transportation and major corridors. Families throughout the District attend WIS, though the private school model means parents are responsible for arranging transportation rather than relying on yellow bus service provided to neighborhood DCPS schools.

The immersion language commitment is a defining feature that shapes the entire educational experience. Families should understand that students will be learning in their chosen language—French or Spanish—for a significant portion of each school day from the very start, which requires buy-in from both students and families even if parents don't speak the target language themselves.

Private school tuition and associated costs are an important consideration for DC families exploring WIS. Parents should contact the admissions office directly to discuss tuition rates, payment plans, and any available financial aid or scholarship opportunities that might make the school accessible to their family.

Programs and Approach

As a private international school, Washington International School offers an alternative to the public school landscape, with families choosing this option specifically for the bilingual immersion model and global curriculum focus. The school year, calendar, and educational philosophy are set independently by the school rather than following DC Public Schools guidelines.

The immersion model means students don't simply take language classes—they learn math, science, social studies, and other subjects in their chosen target language alongside English. This approach builds genuine bilingualism and biliteracy over time, with students developing academic vocabulary and cultural fluency in both languages simultaneously.

The international focus extends beyond language learning to incorporate global perspectives, cultural awareness, and connections between students' lives in Washington DC and the broader world. The arts, hands-on projects, and community-building activities complement academic instruction throughout the elementary years.

Parents interested in this educational approach should explore how the school's model aligns with their family's goals, considering both the benefits of bilingual education and the commitment required to support students in a dual-language environment. The school community typically includes families from diverse national backgrounds as well as US families seeking an internationally-minded education.

Visiting and Contact

Washington International School – Primary Campus is located at 1690 36th Street NW in Ward 2. Families interested in learning more about the bilingual immersion program, admissions timeline, and campus community should visit https://www.wis.edu or call (202) 243-1700 to schedule a tour and discuss whether this educational model is the right fit for their child.