Washington International School – Tregaron Campus

“Think Internationally, Act Globally”

At a Glance

Washington International School's Tregaron Campus serves students in grades 6 through 12 as a private middle and high school in Ward 3. Located on a 26-acre woodland estate on Macomb Street NW in upper Northwest DC, the campus provides a distinctive setting for secondary education in the nation's capital. The school focuses on international education with language immersion at its core, preparing students for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and global university pathways.

WIS draws families seeking a multilingual, internationally-focused education in a green, spacious campus environment unusual for urban DC schools. The middle and high school configuration allows students to stay within one school community from sixth grade through graduation.

What Parents Should Know

As a private school, Washington International School requires families to apply directly through the school rather than through the My School DC lottery system. Parents should plan to contact WIS well in advance of their desired enrollment year, as competitive private schools typically have application deadlines in the winter for the following fall, and spots can be limited at the secondary level.

The Tregaron Campus specifically serves the upper grades, meaning families entering at sixth grade begin their child's education at a new campus location. WIS maintains a separate campus for its primary school years, so the transition to Tregaron at grade 6 marks both a move to middle school and a new physical location. Parents should understand this split-campus model when considering the school for the long term.

Language immersion is central to the school's identity, with French, Spanish, and Mandarin pathways. This isn't supplemental language class—it's rigorous immersion where students work toward bilingual or multilingual proficiency by graduation. Families considering WIS should be prepared for this intensive commitment and understand that their child will be learning content in multiple languages throughout their middle and high school years.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in high school represents a specific academic framework recognized worldwide but also known for its rigor. Parents should research IB expectations, as it differs from typical US high school curricula and college prep tracks. The interdisciplinary approach connected to Harvard's Project Zero represents an additional educational philosophy layer that shapes how teaching and learning happen at WIS.

Location matters for daily logistics. The upper Northwest DC location in Ward 3 means the campus is accessible from areas like Cleveland Park, Woodley Park, and neighboring Maryland communities, but families from other parts of DC should consider commute time and transportation options for the twice-daily school run over six or seven years.

Programs and Approach

Washington International School takes an internationally-minded approach to secondary education, built around multilingual immersion and the IB framework. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in the high school years provides a comprehensive, college-preparatory curriculum recognized by universities around the world. Students work in multiple languages throughout their time at Tregaron, deepening fluency while mastering academic content.

The school's educational philosophy incorporates interdisciplinary thinking, connecting subjects and encouraging students to make links across their learning. The connection to Harvard's Project Zero—a research organization focused on learning and thinking—suggests an emphasis on visible thinking routines and understanding-focused education.

As a private school, WIS sets its own curriculum, calendar, and admission standards. Tuition and fees apply, and families should contact the school directly for current costs and financial aid availability. The 26-acre estate setting provides outdoor space and a campus feel distinct from many urban school options.

Visiting and Contact

Washington International School – Tregaron Campus is located at 3100 Macomb Street NW in upper Northwest DC. Visit https://www.wis.edu or call (202) 243-1800 for information about tours, the application process, and current program details.