Independent school options in DC
Caveat - the schools listed below are those we have received information from , or feedback for. Inclusion/listing below should not be interpreted as recommendation.
Parents are able to choose from a number of independent schooling options in DC, MD and VA.
Private schools
Academic standards are reasonable although class sizes can still be relatively large. Private schools run very much along the same lines as state, but they have more flexibility regarding recruitment of staff, age of admission and choice of textbooks.
Some private schools have a religious foundation and give religious instruction. Religion cannot by law be taught in state schools. Many private schools provide continuous education starting at kindergarten level and continue through until age 17-18. Advantageous to those who would wish for continuity for the child who will be here for only 3-4 years.
Fees are hefty.
Some private schools have a religious foundation and give religious instruction. Religion cannot by law be taught in state schools. Many private schools provide continuous education starting at kindergarten level and continue through until age 17-18. Advantageous to those who would wish for continuity for the child who will be here for only 3-4 years.
Fees are hefty.
When to apply
If you decide to send your child to a private school, apply as far in advance as possible. Places at good schools are very sought after and it may be difficult to get your child in at short notice. Applications for September intake are usually sifted in January/February the same year, often a waiting list is already in place at the better schools.
The Washington International School
The Washington International School, Office of Admissions, 3100 Macomb Street NW, Washington DC 20008. Tel: (202) 243 1815.
E-mail: admissions@wis.edu
Age 3 – 18 years
OverviewAt pre kindergarten and kindergarten level the children are totally immersed in French or Spanish. During primary years the curriculum is bilingual in English, together with a choice of French or Spanish. Starting at age 16 students are prepared for the IB examination. They study 6 subjects – 2 modern languages, one of the sciences, mathematics and a social science. The sixth subject can be chosen from the wide selection offered. 3 subjects are at ‘higher’ level (equivalent to ‘A’ level) and 3 at ‘subsidiary’level. The programme culminates in a ten day series of oral and written examinations. The school year follows a similar pattern to UK schools (i.e. different to US schools).
E-mail: admissions@wis.edu
Age 3 – 18 years
OverviewAt pre kindergarten and kindergarten level the children are totally immersed in French or Spanish. During primary years the curriculum is bilingual in English, together with a choice of French or Spanish. Starting at age 16 students are prepared for the IB examination. They study 6 subjects – 2 modern languages, one of the sciences, mathematics and a social science. The sixth subject can be chosen from the wide selection offered. 3 subjects are at ‘higher’ level (equivalent to ‘A’ level) and 3 at ‘subsidiary’level. The programme culminates in a ten day series of oral and written examinations. The school year follows a similar pattern to UK schools (i.e. different to US schools).
The British School, Washington
The British School of Washington 4715 16th Street, NW, Washington DC 20011. Tel: Admissions Office: (202) 829 3700. Fax: (202) 829-6522 Web: www.britishschool.org. E-mail: admissions@britishschool.org. FEES: Please check the school website for current fees.
The school opened in September 1998 to meet the needs of the British Community, living in and around the Washington area, and families of other nationalities who choose to educate their children in a British style school. The school is currently structured to offer Early Years, Primary and Secondary Education. The school year follows a similar pattern to UK schools (i.e. different to US schools).
The curriculum is based largely on the National Curriculum (England) and subject orders presently in force, as decided by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. All students are assessed upon entry to the school and programmes are tailored to accommodate the needs of your child. Although basing its curriculum on the UK model, it also reflects the locality of the school in Washington DC. They encourage an appreciation of the different cultures and religions from which the children come. The school maintains links with British and international independent senior schools as pupils are prepared for Common Entrance and other entrance examinations. General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examinations and International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma are the qualifications offered to older pupils.
The school opened in September 1998 to meet the needs of the British Community, living in and around the Washington area, and families of other nationalities who choose to educate their children in a British style school. The school is currently structured to offer Early Years, Primary and Secondary Education. The school year follows a similar pattern to UK schools (i.e. different to US schools).
The curriculum is based largely on the National Curriculum (England) and subject orders presently in force, as decided by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. All students are assessed upon entry to the school and programmes are tailored to accommodate the needs of your child. Although basing its curriculum on the UK model, it also reflects the locality of the school in Washington DC. They encourage an appreciation of the different cultures and religions from which the children come. The school maintains links with British and international independent senior schools as pupils are prepared for Common Entrance and other entrance examinations. General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examinations and International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma are the qualifications offered to older pupils.
Early Years Programme:
Children are admitted to the Early Years programme from age three to five. Early Years covers both Nursery (age 3) and Reception (age 4) organised into a Foundation unit. At age three the children can attend full or part-time in the nursery. When they move into the Reception class (Age 4) the programme is full-time.
A full day or morning for three year olds. Start 8.45am – finish 12.00 or 3.30 pm. Entry September after third birthday. Children can be dropped off from 8.00 am onwards. There is a morning only option for three year olds, which finishes at 12.00 noon.
Children are admitted to the Early Years programme from age three to five. Early Years covers both Nursery (age 3) and Reception (age 4) organised into a Foundation unit. At age three the children can attend full or part-time in the nursery. When they move into the Reception class (Age 4) the programme is full-time.
A full day or morning for three year olds. Start 8.45am – finish 12.00 or 3.30 pm. Entry September after third birthday. Children can be dropped off from 8.00 am onwards. There is a morning only option for three year olds, which finishes at 12.00 noon.
Primary:
The curriculum is delivered in a manner which responds to the needs of each child. Every level of ability can receive the support and encouragement of extension work necessary for optimum progress. French is taught to all pupils. Older pupils are introduced to both Spanish and Latin.
The curriculum is delivered in a manner which responds to the needs of each child. Every level of ability can receive the support and encouragement of extension work necessary for optimum progress. French is taught to all pupils. Older pupils are introduced to both Spanish and Latin.
Secondary:
The school has developed rapidly and can now offer beyond age 14, two year courses leading to assessment in GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education. It offers a thorough range of GCSE courses: English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science (dual award), French, Spanish or Latin, Geography, History and Art. Following GCSE the school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma. but not A-levels.
The school has developed rapidly and can now offer beyond age 14, two year courses leading to assessment in GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education. It offers a thorough range of GCSE courses: English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science (dual award), French, Spanish or Latin, Geography, History and Art. Following GCSE the school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma. but not A-levels.
A full day for 4-16 year olds. Start 8.45am – finish 3.30pm. Year round enrolment at age appropriate entry point. The age cut-off for determining year group placement is 31st August.
After School Care:
Known as the Adventure Club is open on school days from 3.30pm to 6.00 pm. A light, snack and drinks are provided. The school also runs Vacation camp programmes to cover most school holidays Transportation: The school provides a comprehensive bus service to accommodate the needs of families living in Washington DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia.
This is from a BESA member (June 2010)
After School Care:
Known as the Adventure Club is open on school days from 3.30pm to 6.00 pm. A light, snack and drinks are provided. The school also runs Vacation camp programmes to cover most school holidays Transportation: The school provides a comprehensive bus service to accommodate the needs of families living in Washington DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia.
This is from a BESA member (June 2010)
Brooksfield School
1830 Kirby Road McLean, VA 22101, Tel: 703-356-KIDS (5437) or 00 1 703-356-KIDS (5437) (from UK)
Ages 3-9 (Must be 3 years of age by September 30th of the school year for which you are applying).
Ages 3-9 (Must be 3 years of age by September 30th of the school year for which you are applying).
I would thoroughly recommend the Montessori School that my children have been to. It is especially good for those children who come over and would be put into half day kindergarten in the Mclean area. The education is above the local system and also at Kindergarten level it is full day. Our children have been there for the full 3 years (as that is the full Montessori circle) – they have thoroughly enjoyed it.
