About | Who We Are

IN THIS SECTION

WIS prides itself on being a welcoming community of individuals whose diverse cultures are united in a shared vision:

Our mission is to be an exemplary learning community — enriched by differences, informed through inquiry, global in reach.

We offer our 900 students in Preschool through Grade 12 an education grounded in inquiry and complemented by the beliefs that international-mindedness is an essential mindset and that the ability to communicate in more than one language offers a considerable advantage.

We welcome students of all backgrounds; many students who enter our Primary School have no experience in speaking the school languages of French or Spanish, but learn quickly in our immersion classrooms.

FAST FACTS

21st	School authorized to offer the IB Diploma Program
100%	Teachers experiencing Project Zero PD
63	Average students per graduating class
15%	Students recieving financial aid from the School
$4.8 million	Total financial aid budget for the 23 - 24 school year
33%	Graduates who attend college outside the US

OUR CORE VALUES

BE INQUISITIVE

Pursue knowledge with creativity, joy, and rigor; be courageous in questioning and seek deep understanding.

ACT WITH INTEGRITY

Be honest and accountable; demonstrate empathy, kindness, and respect.

BE INCLUSIVE

Embrace diverse cultures and perspectives; foster a school community where all feel welcomed and valued.

Our Mission and Values can be viewed in all our school languages below:

FRENCH
Notre communauté s’est donné comme mission d’assurer un apprentissage exemplaire, mettant à profit les différences et valorisant la curiosité, dans un esprit d’ouverture sur le monde. CURIOSITÉ Pour nous, l’acquisition du savoir passe par la créativité, l’enthousiasme mais aussi la rigueur, et par le courage de poser des questions pour aller au fond de la compréhension. INTÉGRITÉ L’action doit être fondée sur l’honnêteté et la responsabilité, l’empathie, la bienveillance et le respect. INCLUSION Nous nous nourrissons de la diversité des cultures et des perspectives, au sein d’une communauté scolaire où chacun sait qu’il a sa place et se sent valorisé.
SPANISH
Nuestra misión es ser una comunidad de aprendizaje ejemplar, enriquecida por sus diferencias, informada a través de la investigación y con un alcance mundial. SÉ INQUISITIVO Persigue el conocimiento con creatividad, entusiasmo y rigor; atrévete a cuestionar y busca una comprensión profunda. ACTÚA CON INTEGRIDAD Sé honesto y responsable; demuestra empatía, amabilidad y respeto. SÉ INCLUSIVO Acepta una diversidad de culturas y perspectivas; fomenta una comunidad escolar en la que todos se sientan bienvenidos y valorados.
MANDARIN
我们的使命是成为一个模范的学习社区 — 因异而富, 因询而知, 可达全球。保持好奇创新，快乐及严谨地求知，勇于探究。诚信行事诚实负责，感同身受，友善尊重。兼容并蓄接纳多元文化和观点，共同促进建设一个人人备受欢迎和重视的学校社区。

What does inquiry at WIS mean?

In a world where answers are readily available, where information is accessible in abundance, it's more important than ever for students to develop skills in analysis and critical thinking. WIS students are encouraged to ask questions, to challenge assertions, and to think deeply about what they are learning.

The inquiry-based approach is emphasized in the IB Primary Years Program (Preschool to Grade 5) and the IB Diploma Program (Grades 11–12) as well as in the Project Zero methodologies used in all WIS grades. Visitors to WIS classrooms regularly comment on WIS students' perceptive questions.

What does it mean to be international-minded?

At the time of our founding in 1966, WIS was one-of-a-kind in Washington, DC. Our mission has always centered on the belief that students must graduate prepared to engage in the world. Our curriculum provides the tools to achieve that objective.

And language study is an important lens for understanding and appreciating differences: it is a starting point that gives WIS students the tools and motivation to look outward and act as change agents to address issues common to people around the world.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ACCREDITATION & AUTHORIZATION
International Baccalaureate Organization Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Council of International Schools
SCHOOL & OTHER ASSOCIATIONS
MSA RAIL (Responsible AI in Learning) Endorsement National Association of Independent Schools AISGW Principals' Training Center College Board CASE ASSIST Black Student Fund Latino Student Fund Rainbow Families French American Chamber of Commerce