British International School of Washington vs Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School

	B British International School of Washington Washington Dc, United States	E Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School Washington Dc, United States
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year $19,700 - 47,930	Fees / year $0 - 24,044
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 11 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)	Curriculum IB (PYP)
Pupils	Pupils 550	Pupils 707
Typical class size	Typical class size 12	Typical class size 12
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, French, Spanish
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location British International School of Washington is located at 2001 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States, in the heart of Georgetown. The entrance is on the courtyard side of the building, off Whitehaven Street, with the Wisconsin Avenue doors designated as emergency exits. The school sits at the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and Whitehaven Street NW and is accessible from major routes via I-495 and the Key Bridge.	Location The school operates two campuses in Washington, DC. Brookland Campus is located at 3700 Oakview Terrace NE, Washington, DC 20017. East End Campus is located at 5600 East Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20019. Both campuses are in Northeast Washington, DC.
Stages	Stages The school serves ages 2–18 (Early Years through Secondary) in a single building that houses all year groups.	Stages PK3-5 (Pre-K through 5th grade).
School type	School type The British International School of Washington is a premier private international school in Washington, DC and is part of the Nord Anglia Education family.	School type Public Charter School
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix More than 70 nationalities are represented among BISW students.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support There is a learning support center on campus and BISW assesses learning support needs to tailor support for students.	Additional learning support English Language Learner (ELL) support and language support services; target language teachers are native speakers or fluent in French or Spanish; ACTFL Can Do statements guide language progression and the ACCESS assessment supports planning.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation United Kingdom	Country affiliation —
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Arrivals begin at 8:00 AM. Primary school day begins at 8:30 AM and ends at 3:20 PM. Secondary school day begins at 8:30 AM and ends at 3:40 PM.	School day structure Pre-K provides instruction in the target language 90% of the time and English 10% of the time; classes are mixed-age for 3- and 4-year-olds with a two-year cycle. Kindergarten through grade 5 follow the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program curriculum in two languages, with about 50% of time in English and 50% in the target language.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school provides a bus service to families within a reasonable distance, with morning and afternoon routes to MD, DC, and VA areas including Alexandria, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Downtown DC, DC Northwest, Falls Church, and McLean. Sign up online.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & Registration Fees - Application Fee: USD 190 (one-time, non-refundable). - Enrollment Deposit: USD 2,000 (due each year to secure enrollment or re-enrollment; this deposit is applied as an advance tuition payment and is subtracted from a later tuition payment). - New Enrollment Fee (one-time): USD 2,700 (non-refundable; payable before the first year of enrollment). - Refundable Security Deposit: USD 1,000 (due in the first year of enrollment to the secondary school; held to cover loss or damage). Annual tuition by year group — 2026/27 school year (USD) - Pre-Nursery (Part Time): USD 19,700. - Pre-Nursery (Full Time): USD 33,890. - Nursery: USD 37,300. - Reception: USD 37,300. - Year 1: USD 40,070. - Year 2: USD 40,070. - Year 3: USD 40,970. - Year 4: USD 40,970. - Year 5: USD 40,970. - Year 6: USD 40,970. - Year 7: USD 45,270. - Year 8: USD 45,270. - Year 9: USD 45,270. - Year 10: USD 46,960. - Year 11: USD 46,960. - Year 12: USD 47,930. - Year 13: USD 47,930. Per-term tuition (2026/27) — amounts shown per academic term - The school year is organised into three academic terms (Autumn, Spring, Summer). Per-term figures below are the annual tuition divided by three to reflect term charges. - Pre-Nursery (Part Time): USD 6,566.67 per term (USD 19,700 ÷ 3). - Pre-Nursery (Full Time): USD 11,296.67 per term (USD 33,890 ÷ 3). - Nursery: USD 12,433.33 per term (USD 37,300 ÷ 3). - Reception: USD 12,433.33 per term (USD 37,300 ÷ 3). - Year 1: USD 13,356.67 per term (USD 40,070 ÷ 3). - Year 2: USD 13,356.67 per term (USD 40,070 ÷ 3). - Year 3: USD 13,656.67 per term (USD 40,970 ÷ 3). - Year 4: USD 13,656.67 per term (USD 40,970 ÷ 3). - Year 5: USD 13,656.67 per term (USD 40,970 ÷ 3). - Year 6: USD 13,656.67 per term (USD 40,970 ÷ 3). - Year 7: USD 15,090.00 per term (USD 45,270 ÷ 3). - Year 8: USD 15,090.00 per term (USD 45,270 ÷ 3). - Year 9: USD 15,090.00 per term (USD 45,270 ÷ 3). - Year 10: USD 15,653.33 per term (USD 46,960 ÷ 3). - Year 11: USD 15,653.33 per term (USD 46,960 ÷ 3). - Year 12: USD 15,976.67 per term (USD 47,930 ÷ 3). - Year 13: USD 15,976.67 per term (USD 47,930 ÷ 3). Billing schedule & payment terms - The Enrollment Deposit (USD 2,000) is due each year to secure a place; it is applied as an advance tuition payment and subtracted from a future tuition payment. Mid-year enrollments are charged pro-rated tuition based on the published annual schedule. - Specific billing dates, payment deadlines and detailed payment-instruction documents are used to issue invoices and to explain how the enrollment deposit is applied. The school's 2026–27 academic calendar shows the three-term structure used for scheduling charges. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable at this school; the British International School of Washington operates as a day school. No boarding fees are charged. Other costs and supplementary fees - Potential obligated supplementary fees: additional Learning Support where provision exceeds 3 hours per week. - Required supplementary costs: school uniform (cost varies by items purchased). - Optional supplementary costs (pay-as-needed): additional overnight or multi-day trips (e.g., MIT visit, Juilliard camps, Global Games, Primary Camps, World Scholars Cup, ski trips, overnight sports tournaments), IB/IGCSE retakes or remarks, SAT/ACT/SAT II or other non-compulsory assessments, school bus transportation, after-school childcare and vacation programs, externally run clubs, individual music lessons, private tutoring, and school portraits or graduation photos. Refund information - The Application Fee (USD 190) and the New Enrollment Fee (USD 2,700) are non-refundable. The Enrollment Deposit (USD 2,000) is applied as an advance tuition payment rather than returned in cash. A Refundable Security Deposit (USD 1,000) is held to cover potential loss or damage and is refundable subject to the school's conditions for return. Mid-year tuition is charged on a pro-rated basis for students who enroll part-way through the year. Fee payment options - Online Payment Portal (for tuition and incidental payments). - Wire transfer (bank transfer) instructions are provided for families who prefer to pay by bank transfer. All amounts above are shown in USD and are for the 2026/27 academic year. Annual tuition figures are presented as published; per-term amounts are the annual tuition divided by three, consistent with the school's three-term academic calendar.	Fee details Application fees - There is no separate application fee charged by Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School for students applying through the My School DC common application and lottery; families apply via the My School DC system. Tuition fees (by year group / term / overall) - For District of Columbia resident students, there is no tuition charged: Stokes School operates as a D.C. public charter school and does not assess annual tuition for resident scholars. - For non-resident students, the school notes that non-residents may be required to pay tuition under District law; specific non-resident tuition amounts or per-term schedules are not published as a standard annual tuition schedule on the school's public materials. Families subject to non-resident tuition should consult the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) and the school's enrollment office for the exact charge and billing arrangements. Published school-year / per-term fees - School meals: Breakfast, snack and after-school supper are provided free to all students. Lunch is available at USD 4.50 per meal. This USD 4.50 per-meal rate applies when families purchase lunch rather than qualifying for free or reduced-price benefits. Families are encouraged to submit applications for free or reduced-price meals if eligible. Billing schedule and payment terms - Meal billing is handled according to the school's meal program and Meal Charge Policy; lunch is charged at the per-meal rate above and the Meal Charge Policy governs collection of unpaid meal charges and delinquent accounts. Families are directed to complete the school's meal application to determine eligibility for free or reduced-price meals. Specific monthly or term billing cycles for paid lunches are not listed in the public summary; families should contact the school operations staff for account setup and payment timing. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. Stokes School is a day public charter school with Brookland and East End campuses; there is no boarding program or boarding fee listed. Other costs and fees (uniforms, supplies, extracurriculars, trips, aftercare) - Uniforms / dress code: The school's family/student handbook and school policies contain the school's dress-code/uniform expectations and any related guidance; specific uniform purchase costs are not published as a standardized school fee. Families should expect routine costs for required uniforms, school supplies, and occasional class or field-trip fees where applicable. - Optional programs and extracurriculars: Fees for optional or third-party programs (for example some after-school offerings, field trips, or enrichment providers) may be charged separately when those activities are offered; such fees are assessed only for optional services and are not a substitute for general tuition. Details and current prices for optional program fees are provided by the school when each program is offered. Refund information - Meal refunds and handling of unpaid meal charges are governed by the school's Meal Charge Policy and related federal/state program rules; the Meal Charge Policy describes the school's approach to insufficient funds and delinquent accounts for school meals. Refund rules for other fees (for example for optional paid activities or program withdrawals) are covered in the school's Family and Student Handbook or in the specific program terms; families should consult the relevant policy or program agreement for precise refund deadlines and penalty rules. Fee payment options - The school's publicly posted pages do not list a single, published payment portal or exhaustive list of accepted payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, check, cash). For meal accounts and any payable programs, families should contact the campus operations staff to arrange payment and confirm accepted payment methods and online account options. Contact for operations: - Brookland Operations Manager: Mirsa Lopez — 202-265-7237. - East End Operations Manager: Nancy Cruz — 202-975-2100. Concise summary (what a parent needs to know) - There is no application fee for families applying through the My School DC common application. - Resident students pay no annual tuition; the only standard per-student public charge published by the school is the per-lunch fee of USD 4.50 when not eligible for free or reduced-price meals. - Boarding is not offered. Additional charges (uniforms, supplies, optional activities, aftercare) may apply from time to time and are handled separately. Families should contact the campus operations staff for payment arrangements, precise program fees, and any account or refund questions.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options The school has a café and an on-site kitchen for school lunches.	Food options Stokes Kitchen serves breakfast, lunch, snack, and supper daily. Breakfast is available from 7:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. Breakfast, snack, and supper are free for all students, and lunch is $4.50 per meal. The program accommodates dietary restrictions (gluten, dairy, egg allergies) with vegetarian options at every meal, and menus are posted monthly; meals are prepared in-house using minimally processed ingredients sourced from local farmers and suppliers.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is part of the Nord Anglia Education family.	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a Board of Trustees that oversees programs and ensures alignment with the school's mission. The Board meets on the second Saturday of every other month at 9:30 a.m., with meetings conducted virtually until further notice.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Primary School follows the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and the National Curriculum for England (NCE). Lower Secondary follows the International Middle Years Curriculum and the English National Curriculum. IGCSE is offered in Upper Secondary (Years 10-11). The IB Diploma Programme is offered in Upper Secondary (Years 12-13). English and Mathematics are taught in alignment with the English National Curriculum.	Curriculum details The school offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme for PK3-5. The academic program is structured around a dual-immersion model where students learn language (English and Spanish or French) through the content areas. The IB program exists worldwide and promotes high-quality, challenging international education. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The PYP curriculum framework emphasizes inquiry-based, transdisciplinary learning with a student-centered approach and ownership of learning. IB Learners strive to be inquirers, thinkers, knowledgeable, principled, communicators, caring, risk-takers, balanced, reflective, open-minded.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes and team teaching with a learning specialist assigned to each grade level.
Exam results	Exam results IB Diploma Programme pass rate for the Class of 2025 was 97%. The average IB score was 34.9. IB subject results average 5.3. IB score range was 40–45, with 16% achieving the highest range.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Offers from top universities in the UK, US, Europe, Canada, and other international locations.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school offers social-emotional support to all students by employing counsellors who are involved with interventions, classroom presentations, screening, and promoting positive school culture.	Social & emotional learning Peace of Mind Mindfulness Curriculum is a mindfulness-based social-emotional learning program used across the school. It combines mindfulness, conflict resolution, and social justice education for students from early childhood through middle school. Students learn mindfulness to regulate emotions, practice kindness, empathy, and gratitude, and educators provide ongoing support with dedicated Peace of Mind lessons to reinforce a shared language for social-emotional needs.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school differentiates the curriculum to meet varying needs and offers additional support for identified needs through Learning Support Staff in one-to-one, in-class, or small-group settings.	Special educational needs (SEN) Elsie Whitlow Stokes uses a Multi-Tiered System of Supports and Services (MTSSS) to provide personalized supports for academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs. A Schoolwide Student Support Services (SST) team collaborates with families and staff to review data and implement targeted interventions, with referrals for special education evaluation as needed. A 504 Plan provides accommodations for students with disabilities, and the Special Education Program offers individualized instruction through an IEP with related services such as speech or occupational therapy. School Counseling Services address academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English as an Additional Language is supported by specialized staff. Students whose first language is not English are assessed by EAL staff to identify needed support; they are immersed in English with potential one-to-one or small-group support, and secondary students may have academic vocabulary classes. Students become proficient in English and are supported to achieve across the curriculum.	English as an additional language English Language Learner (ELL) services provide specialized supports for students whose primary language is not English and who need assistance in developing proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English. These services are designed for students identified as English Learners through language assessments to ensure equitable access to the curriculum while building English proficiency. Teachers facilitate language learning from explicit skill instruction, content-based instruction, and task-based instruction, and data is used to plan to meet student language needs.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Counselling services support student mental wellbeing through time and space for supportive conversations, interventions, and coping skills; services include individual short-term counseling, drop-in support, group counseling, screenings, and referrals.	Mental wellbeing Peace of Mind supports mental wellbeing by teaching mindfulness-based strategies for emotion regulation, compassion, and resilience, with brain science grounding. The program includes conflict resolution skills and applies these skills to students' voices and actions. School Counseling Services provide additional mental health support through debriefing sessions, long-term individual counseling, peer counseling, and brief family counseling to strengthen home–school collaboration.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding and safety procedures include internal and external safety measures; if wellbeing is at immediate risk, the school will notify parents and call emergency services; the school may conduct searches of belongings or request self-search to safeguard the community; information disclosed in counseling is shared with parents/guardians and staff as necessary for wellbeing and student success.	Safeguarding Wellness Policy is part of the Student and Family Policies, alongside policies for Preventing and Addressing Student Sexual Abuse by Staff, Preventing and Addressing Student-on-Student Sexual Harassment, and a Bullying Prevention Policy. These policies establish safeguarding and child protection standards for the school community.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview BIS Washington is housed in a single urban building, creating a close-knit school community from early years through upper secondary. The campus features specialist facilities for the sciences, visual arts, music, dance, computer science, and design technology, as well as a learning support center. The primary school has a learning hub for collaborative, project-based learning, and there is a library with learning spaces. There is a café and on-site kitchen for school lunches, nearby playing fields and a gymnasium, and a counseling space for college and university applications. Classrooms are high-tech, with wireless access and devices such as iPads, tablets, or laptops. Seesaw (in Primary) and ManageBac (in Secondary) share assignments, track progress, and provide resources, while laser cutters, engravers, 3D printers, and robotics tools are available in Technology and Computer Science labs.	Facilities overview Brookland Campus is located at 3700 Oakview Terrace NE, Washington, DC 20017, and East End Campus is at 5600 East Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20019. Stokes Kitchen serves three meals a day; meals are prepared in-house by professional chefs using minimally processed ingredients from local farmers and suppliers, with fresh fruit at every meal and a vegetarian option available. Breakfast is available from 7:30 am to 10:50 am. The Stokes School Garden program provides hands-on learning in science and social studies and connects students to urban agriculture. Support services include MTSS and English Learner supports, with individualized assistance where needed.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Nearby playing fields and a gymnasium support physical education and team sports. After-school sports include basketball, cross-country, football (soccer), swimming, track and field, and volleyball.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Specialist facilities for the sciences, visual arts, music, dance, computer science, and design technology, plus a learning support center. The primary school has a learning hub for collaborative, project-based learning, and there is a library with learning spaces. Classrooms are high-tech, with interactive SMART boards. Wireless access and devices—iPads, tablets, or laptops—are available for students, and Seesaw (Primary) and ManageBac (Secondary) are used to share assignments and track progress. Technology and Computer Science labs house laser cutters, engravers, 3D printers, and robotics tools.	Academic facilities The academic program uses a dual-immersion model with English and Spanish or English and French for content-area instruction. From Pre-K through fifth grade, Stokes delivers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. All faculty are native speakers of the target language used in instruction. Units are designed to align with ACTFL Can Do statements to describe what students can do with the language across domains. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools and is associated with Label FrancEducation and Learn24. Support services include MTSS and English Learner supports, with 1:1 or small-group instruction as needed.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities We have a wide range of after-school activities that help students explore their interests. Examples include Walk in the Woods (Reception–Year 2), performances and musicals, music programs, Green Team, Model UN, and a newspaper club, with a rotating slate of 20+ clubs each term. After-School Sports include basketball, cross-country, football, swimming, track and field, and volleyball. The school also offers trips and visits to enrich learning experiences, and residential trips for certain year groups. The Global Classroom is an online Nord Anglia Education program with school challenges and an annual expedition to Tanzania.	Extra curricular facilities The Stokes Garden provides hands-on, experiential learning tied to science and social studies and addresses food security and nutrition. The Peace of Mind mindfulness curriculum supports social-emotional learning. Volunteers and families contribute to school life through the PTO and volunteer programs, including garden work, classroom presentations, and lunchtime/recess support. The nurse program supports student health and health education as part of the school's wellness approach.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Opened in 1998 and joined Nord Anglia Education in 2013. The school blends a British academic heritage with a personalized approach to learning and an international focus. It is part of the Nord Anglia Education global family. The BISW program emphasizes a distinct British-inspired education within an international setting.	History Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School opened in 1998 in the basement of St. Stephen and the Incarnation Episcopal Church in Northwest DC with 35 kindergarten and first-grade students. By fall 2002, after adding a grade each year, the school moved to the corner of 16th and Park Road NW. Six years later, Stokes purchased its own building in the Brookland neighborhood of Northeast DC, expanding enrollment from 250 to 350 students and adding a music room, an art room, a library, a turf field, two playgrounds, and a garden. In 2018, Stokes expanded again, adding the East End campus, which enrolled 140 pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students that year and will eventually enroll 400 students. The school now operates two campuses, Brookland and East End.
Community	Community When you join BISW, you join our whole community. The BISW Parents' Association organizes events to bring the school community together and keeps families connected with learning through activities such as career days and international holidays. As part of Nord Anglia Education, BISW connects to a global network of international students, parents, teachers and alumni, and uses SeeSaw to share student progress.	Community The school operates two campuses in Washington, DC: Brookland Campus and East End Campus. The school teaches two language pairs—English and French, and English and Spanish—offering full-immersion preschool in French or Spanish; from kindergarten through fifth grade, the IB Primary Years Program is delivered in two languages with all faculty native speakers of the language in which they teach. The school hosts events and observances on its calendar, including Francophonie Month and Women's History Month in March 2026, and regular First Friday activities and other campus events that foster community and intercultural learning.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The BISW Parents' Association enhances the student experience and promotes BISW's international education by fostering collaboration between BISW families, the school administration, and the DC community. There are many opportunities for parents and guardians to participate in the BISW Parents' Association. The PA brings the school community together through social functions and student-focused activities. It builds partnerships between the school and parents and guardians. It also uses the skills and experience of BISW families for the benefit of the school.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual BISW offers a wide range of after-school activities including Model UN for Years 6–11 and a Newspaper Club for secondary students. There is a rotating slate of 20+ clubs each term. The Global Classroom is an online Nord Anglia Education program that runs school challenges to develop teamwork and creative skills, and BISW runs an Annual Expedition to Tanzania. Collaborations with MIT and Juilliard enrich interdisciplinary projects across STEAM and the performing arts.	Academic & intellectual Stokes School offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program for PK3–5. The IB Primary Years Program provides a high-quality, challenging international education within an inquiry-based, transdisciplinary framework. From preschool, targeted language immersion is part of the learning; Pre-K has 90% instruction in the target language and 10% in English, while kindergarten through fifth grade is about half in English and half in the target language. All faculty teaching in the target language are native speakers, and every lesson integrates language objectives and intercultural learning.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Performances/Musicals are offered for primary and secondary students by age group. Instrumental music and choirs are available. The Juilliard School collaboration enriches the performing arts program, and the Performing Arts Department puts on concerts, competitions, school musicals, and dance troupe events. Nord Anglia Education's arts collaborations strengthen creative opportunities across BISW's curriculum.	Arts & creative Music and art are offered on a rotating basis in Pre-K. The school has a dedicated music and art room in the building to support arts education. These spaces and practices are part of the IB framework and daily learning.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Global learning is broadened through collaborations with Juilliard, MIT, UNICEF, and the UN SDGs, enriching cultural understanding and international collaboration. Model UN is offered for Years 6–11, with engagement in the Global Goals and UNCRC resources via UNICEF. The school fosters cultural exchange and global citizenship through these partnerships and in-school programs. These initiatives help BISW students develop cultural awareness and international-mindedness.	Cultural & language The school teaches children to think, speak, read, write and learn in two languages: English and French and English and Spanish. Target language immersion begins in Pre-K with 90% instruction in the target language and 50/50 English and target language from kindergarten onward. All teachers in the target language are native speakers, and lessons include content and language objectives to develop a balanced bilingual ability. The IB framework and language-focused practices promote intercultural understanding and respect.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies BISW has over 20 clubs for all ages, including performances/musicals, instrumental music and choirs, Green Team, Model UN, and Newspaper Club. After-school sports include Basketball, Cross-Country Running, Football (Soccer), Swimming, Track and Field, and Volleyball. The clubs and sports support social development and personal interests beyond the classroom. Field trips and on-campus activities broaden student life across disciplines.	Social & hobbies The Stokes volunteer program offers broad engagement opportunities, including mentoring or room parent roles, garden work, fundraising, classroom presentations, and creating instructional materials in French and Spanish; volunteers also assist during lunch or recess. The campus calendar highlights events and family involvement through activities and programs. Students and families participate in hands-on garden and arts-related activities as part of school life.
Community & service	Community & service BISW runs local service trips to DC-area charitable organizations to demonstrate the positive impact of students' actions. Service trips abroad connect BISW students with international communities. The school's social purpose is supported by Student Council, Global Goals and Model United Nations clubs, and by the Global Campus social impact program, which focus on the UN SDGs and UNCRC. These experiences cultivate social responsibility and global citizenship.	Community & service Every student can contribute to the community through service activities that prepare them to become caring neighbors and responsible citizens. The Stokes School Garden bridges science and social studies, connects students to urban agriculture, and addresses food security and waste management as part of experiential learning. These initiatives support the school's commitments to social justice and community engagement.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Student leadership opportunities include the Student Council and clubs such as Model UN and Global Goals. Students plan and manage service projects and lead peers through these platforms. Participation in UNICEF initiatives and SDGs fosters leadership, teamwork, and global citizenship. Nord Anglia Education partnerships and collaborations with MIT and Juilliard provide contexts for student leadership in interdisciplinary projects.	Leadership & professional The school aims to prepare students to be global leaders. The Board of Trustees is comprised of diverse parents, former students, and leaders in education, government, business and the arts, and it guides programs to align with the mission. Family involvement and volunteer opportunities further foster leadership development and organizational skills.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing BISW prioritises wellbeing with full-time student counsellors who support the student community. Mindfulness and yoga activities are integrated into the physical education curriculum from secondary school. The Global Campus online platform offers wellbeing resources to support students' mental and physical health. BISW's field trips and team sports also contribute to physical fitness and social-emotional wellbeing.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Stokes follows the DC Healthy Schools Act; all grade levels participate in at least 150 minutes of physical education weekly, and second through fifth graders receive 80 minutes of health education weekly. The Stokes Kitchen serves three healthy meals daily, prepared in-house with locally sourced ingredients and accommodations for dietary restrictions. The Stokes School Garden supports hands-on learning about food systems, while the Peace of Mind mindfulness curriculum promotes social-emotional learning, and a school nurse provides health-related support.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the language of instruction and aligns with the English National Curriculum for English and Mathematics. Spanish is taught from Nursery through Year 13 with a specialist teacher. French is taught for intermediate to advanced speakers in Years 7–13. External language tutoring is available at an additional cost, with BISW providing space and time in the timetable for those lessons.	Language provision English is the instructional language, paired with French or Spanish as the partner language. The school teaches in English and French and English and Spanish. The dual-language immersion model supports learning in both languages across core subjects. The program serves PK3-5.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching The school teaches children to think, speak, read, write and learn in two languages: English and French and English and Spanish. English is paired with French or Spanish in the bilingual program. Students develop bilingual proficiency through classroom instruction across subjects. The program serves PK3-5.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs The school uses a dual-language immersion model. Students learn language (English and French or English and Spanish) through the content areas. This approach supports bilingual proficiency across the curriculum. The program serves PK3-5.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions The British International School of Washington enrolls students aged 2 to 18 in an inclusive, non-selective setting, with rigorous programs that require commitment. To join BISW, submit an inquiry, schedule a campus tour or virtual meeting, attend a taster day if offered, complete the online application, nominate teachers for evaluations if applicable, and schedule a cognitive abilities test if applicable. BISW offers rolling admissions and mid-year enrollments to streamline the process for families worldwide. Key admission dates for 2026–27 include Open House on March 11, 2026; March 25, 2026; April 1, 2026; and June 17, 2026.	Admissions The school participates in the My School DC common application and lottery. Open House events are offered for the 2026-2027 application season at the Brookland Campus and East End Campus. Language immersion teaches in two languages: English and French or English and Spanish. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme for PK3–5. Applications are accepted from all DC residents. Pre-kindergarten requires a child to be three by September 30 of the first pre-kindergarten year and to be able to use the bathroom with minimal assistance; kindergarten requires turning five by September 30 of the kindergarten year.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Lottery results are released on March 28, 2025. If matched, enrollment must occur by May 1, 2025. After that date, the school will begin making offers to the waitlist as space allows.
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