British International School of Washington vs Rochambeau - Maplewood Campus

	B British International School of Washington Washington Dc, United States	R Rochambeau - Maplewood Campus Washington Dc, United States
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year $19,700 - 47,930	Fees / year $28,315 - 33,930
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 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 (MYP), American Curriculum, French Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 550	Pupils 1,295
Typical class size	Typical class size 12	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language French, English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 1955
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
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 Rochambeau operates two campuses in Bethesda, Maryland: Maplewood Campus (9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814) and Forest Road Campus (9600 Forest Road, Bethesda, MD 20814). Administrative Offices are at 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814. The campuses are located in the Bethesda area with access to major transit routes along Rockville Pike.
Stages	Stages The school serves ages 2–18 (Early Years through Secondary) in a single building that houses all year groups.	Stages Preschool through High School (ages 2 through 12th grade). Maplewood Campus houses Preschool through 5th grade, while Forest Road Campus houses Middle School and High School.
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 French international school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix More than 70 nationalities are represented among BISW students.	Pupil nationality mix Over 80 nationalities represented. The United States is the most common nationality among Rochambeau students.
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 Student Learning Support (SLS) provides tutoring, French language support for non-native speakers, and social and emotional support, delivered in individual or small-group formats, in coordination with families and teachers.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation United Kingdom	Country affiliation AEFE (Agency for French Education Overseas) network.
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 —
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 Rochambeau provides a comprehensive bus system with morning pickups and two afternoon runs at 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm across Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC, serving 127 stops over 165 square miles. The school operates a shuttle between the Forest Road and Maplewood campuses and maintains Park & Bus pickup points near the Maplewood campus. Intercampus shuttle service has restrictions and is available to students with siblings on both campuses or who live nearby; bus service for Maplewood is required for students aged 5+ while it is recommended but not required on Forest Road.
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 Tuition (annual) — 2026/27 - Maternelle (TPS – GS): USD 28,315 per year. - Elementary (1st – 5th grade): USD 28,315 per year. - Middle School (6th – 9th grade): USD 29,190 per year. - High School (10th – 12th grade): USD 33,930 per year. Entrance and enrollment fees (2026/27) - Application fee (one-time, per application): USD 150. - New family enrollment fee (one-time, per family at first child's enrollment): USD 2,500. - Enrollment fee (per child, one-time): USD 850. - Tuition deposit (per child, one-time): USD 650. - Parent Association fee (per family, one-time at enrollment): USD 25. - All fees and deposits are non-refundable. Per-payment / installment examples - Schools offers these payment patterns through the school's payment processor: - Single (pay-in-full) payment: full annual amount in one payment (no processing fee through FACTS). - Two-installment plan: two equal payments (annual amount divided by 2); FACTS flat enrollment fee USD 10 per family for this plan. Example: Maternelle/Elementary USD 28,315 → USD 14,157.50 per installment (plus the USD 10 FACTS enrollment fee). - Ten-installment plan: ten monthly payments (annual amount divided by 10); FACTS flat enrollment fee USD 45 per family for multi-month plans. Example: Maternelle/Elementary USD 28,315 → USD 2,831.50 per monthly installment (plus the USD 45 FACTS enrollment fee). - For late admissions, the number of monthly payments will be reduced and the first installment is due 30 days before a student can begin; the last monthly payment is due by March 20 (final due date for monthly plans). Billing schedule and payment terms - Families must enroll in the FACTS tuition-management system; enrollment in FACTS is mandatory for all families. FACTS processes tuition and transportation billing and supports the payment-plan options above. - Payment-plan fees charged by FACTS: USD 0 for single payment, USD 10 flat fee for two payments, USD 45 flat fee for 3+ payments (as applied by the school for multi‑installment plans). The school requires FACTS enrollment to establish a payment schedule. - Employer billing: the school can invoice an employer when the employer agrees to pay 100% of tuition/transportation; parents must provide employer billing details. - Returned payment fees and any card processing charges are administered through FACTS according to FACTS policies; credit-card payments typically incur a service/processing charge when enabled by the family. Transportation fees (bus, park & bus, intercampus shuttle)n- Park & Bus and intercampus shuttle are included in tuition for all primary-school children; secondary students pay a Park & Bus / intercampus shuttle fee of USD 1,400 when applicable. - School bus (round trip or morning only) 2025–26 published zone pricing (first/second/third/ fourth child rates shown): - Zone 1 (residence < 1 mile from hub): Round trip — 1st child USD 2,500; 2nd child USD 1,990; 3rd child USD 1,600; 4th child free. Return-only — 1st child USD 1,750; 2nd child USD 1,395; 3rd child USD 1,115; 4th child free. - Zone 2 (1–3 miles): Round trip — 1st child USD 2,645; 2nd child USD 2,105; 3rd child USD 1,690; 4th child free. Return-only — 1st child USD 1,840; 2nd child USD 1,465; 3rd child USD 1,180; 4th child free. - Zone 3 (3–5 miles): Round trip — 1st child USD 2,765; 2nd child USD 2,210; 3rd child USD 1,775; 4th child free. Return-only — 1st child USD 1,930; 2nd child USD 1,550; 3rd child USD 1,265; 4th child free. - Zone 4 (5–7 miles): Round trip — 1st child USD 2,990; 2nd child USD 2,370; 3rd child USD 1,895; 4th child free. Return-only — 1st child USD 2,095; 2nd child USD 1,675; 3rd child USD 1,335; 4th child free. - Zone 5 (> 7 miles): Round trip — 1st child USD 3,100; 2nd child USD 2,455; 3rd child USD 1,965; 4th child free. Return-only — 1st child USD 2,170; 2nd child USD 1,730; 3rd child USD 1,390; 4th child free. - The campus hub used for zones is the Maplewood campus (9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD). Intercampus shuttle availability is subject to restrictions. Transportation pricing was published in the school's transportation price list. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable. Rochambeau operates as a day school (no boarding facilities). Other costs and typical additional fees - Secondary (middle/high) print textbooks and school supplies: families are responsible for purchasing hard-copy books and supplies when required; some digital textbooks and devices are provided in tuition for certain divisions, while secondary print books may incur additional charges. - After‑school clubs, extracurricular activities, before/after care, and special programs: fees for auxiliary programs are charged separately and vary by activity and semester; programming and pricing are published in the extracurricular/activities catalogue and billed through the school's activity registration system. - Uniforms and PE kit: students must have a physical-education uniform (including a school-logo T-shirt) and the school supplies/uniform items are available at the school store. Students are required to wear specific clothing on certain field trips (white button-up shirt, navy/black pants, and a Rochambeau tie provided by the school). Uniform/PE items are an additional family expense. - Bookstore purchases and incidental charges (supplies, lost-library items, etc.) are billed to families as required. The school operates a bookstore and may post required-purchase lists before the school year. Discounts and credits - Families with three or more children receive a tuition reduction starting from the third child, provided the family does not receive an educational subsidy from another source. - Long-term enrollment credit: students enrolled for six or more consecutive years who do not receive financial subsidy receive a tuition credit of USD 650. Refund policy - All application fees, enrollment fees, deposits and similar charges are non-refundable. Tuition refunds or adjustments follow the school's enrollment and withdrawal policies as administered through the school's finance office and FACTS; deposits are explicitly non-refundable. Fee payment options and accepted payment methods - All tuition and transportation fees are collected through FACTS Tuition Management; families must enroll in FACTS to establish a payment plan and to have automatic withdrawals or scheduled payments. FACTS allows automatic bank withdrawals (ACH/eCheck) and credit/debit-card payments (credit-card payments commonly carry a processing fee assessed by FACTS or the card processor). Schools may accept employer invoicing in specific circumstances. Administrative and contact details for billing matters - The school's finance office and the FACTS portal handle invoices, payment schedules, incidental billing and returned-payment processing. Families should use the FACTS enrollment process to establish their chosen payment schedule and to view billing statements.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements The school is an independent, coeducational day school serving ages 2 through 12.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement All students must have a uniform for physical education and sports (EPS). This includes a Rochambeau-logo T-shirt, and the uniform is available at the school store. For field trips, students wear a white shirt, navy blue pants, the Rochambeau tie (provided at the start of the school year), and dress shoes.
Food options	Food options The school has a café and an on-site kitchen for school lunches.	Food options Lunch options include bringing lunch from home; Maplewood and Forest Road campuses are nut-free. Balducci's provides prepared lunches for Maplewood Campus (CP–CM2) and Forest Road Campus (6th through 12th grade), with optional participation and minimum participation requirements; registration is via MyschoolBucks.
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. The Board operates under Rochambeau's bylaws (The Rochambeau, the French International School of Washington, DC).
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 Rochambeau offers a bilingual French-English curriculum for students from age 2 through 12th grade. The school follows the French national curriculum and awards both the Maryland High School Diploma after 11th grade and the French Baccalaure9at or International Baccalaureate Diploma after 12th grade. The IB Diploma Programme is offered, with the French Baccalaure9at International (BFI) option available. Beginning in ninth grade, students may continue in the French track or pursue the IB Diploma. World Languages include Spanish and German, with Latin offered as an elective, and a French Immersion program starts in early childhood.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio 9:1 student-teacher ratio
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 Rochambeau provides a Maryland high school diploma after 11th grade and the French Baccalauréat or International Baccalaureate Diploma after 12th grade. 100% of graduates are admitted to four-year colleges. For the Class of 2025, 74 students submitted 649 applications to 222 institutions in 16 countries; by May 2025, there were 363 admissions across 14 countries, with about $6.4 million in scholarships awarded.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Offers from top universities in the UK, US, Europe, Canada, and other international locations.	Higher education progression 100% of the Class of 2025 achieved the French Bac with 44% receiving the mention très bien. A total of 74 students submitted 649 applications to 222 colleges and universities located in 16 countries. By May 2025, Rochambeau had 363 college acceptances across 14 countries, and students were awarded about $6.4 million in scholarships.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented Honors recognition is available for high-achieving students. In the IB program results, 87% of students were awarded the IB Diploma with Honors, 53% earned the Advanced Bilingual Diploma, and 16% earned Highest Honors and Distinction.
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 The school integrates social emotional learning into daily life. Classroom guidance lessons are designed for each grade level, focusing on emotional awareness, stress management, healthy relationships, and preparation for life after high school. Campus wide initiatives include Rochambeau Unplugged, Wellness Wednesdays, Mental Health Awareness Week, Recreation Recess, and mindfulness practices. Motivational Mondays connect storytelling and social media to raise mental health awareness and reduce stigma. Counselors provide individual check ins and small group sessions, and support new families during transitions.
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) The School Learning Support SLS department provides support to students to achieve greater academic success, including academic tutoring, French language support for non native speakers, and social and emotional support. The SLS team offers services individually or in small groups, inside or outside the classroom, and collaborates with families, teachers, and outside professionals to identify tools, learning plans and objectives, and to support students at home and at school. The department includes French Language Support Teachers FLSCO and Learning Support Teachers SLS who work with students across primary and secondary grades.
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 beginners are placed in a dedicated English Language Learning ESL program; English is not a prerequisite for any grade. The ESL program is designed to support English development for new learners.
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 Mental wellbeing is prioritized through a school wide theme and targeted activities. World Mental Health Day is highlighted with a week of activities for students and families, and counselors provide individual check ins and small group support. Motivational Mondays and other wellness initiatives foster open dialogue about emotional health.
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 Health and safety are central to Rochambeaus safeguarding approach. The Health Team includes a school nurse at both Maplewood and Forest Road campuses. Medical requirements and forms include immunization certificates for all students. A Communicable Disease Policy governs health measures, and policies exist for administering medication and safeguarding records. The School Counseling Handbook and consent forms support privacy and appropriate reporting when needed.
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 Rochambeau has two campuses in Bethesda: Forest Road and Maplewood. Maplewood is an 11.2-acre campus located in the heart of Bethesda and is the school's second permanent facility, operating in tandem with the nearby Forest Road campus. The Maplewood campus features 4 playgrounds, a turf field and a teaching garden, 37 classrooms and dedicated spaces for music, science and cooking. The instructional space totals 170,000 square feet and serves students from age 2 through 5th grade with a capacity for 700 students (current enrollment 633). A new transportation hub supports access to the campus.
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 The school provides two gyms for athletics and physical education. There is a turf soccer field and hard-surface play areas, with covered spaces for outdoor play. A health center is located on campus to support student health needs.
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 There are 37 classrooms, plus spaces dedicated to music, science and cooking. The campus includes a library and 12 small-group teaching rooms. The Maplewood facilities total 170,000 square feet of instructional space, supporting learning from age 2 through 5th grade.
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 Athletics and Extracurricular Programs are available. The program includes Enrichment Activities, Extended Day Programs, and Summer Camps. Students can participate in Student-led Clubs, RochamBIO and RochamBees.
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 Rochambeau is an independent and coeducational day school serving students from preschool age 2 through 12th grade. It provides a curriculum in French and English leading to either the French Baccalauréat (BFI) or the International Baccalaureate (IB). It operates on two campuses: Maplewood for primary (age 2 to 5th grade) and Forest Road for secondary (6th to 12th grades). Rochambeau is the only school in the Washington, DC area accredited by the French Ministry of Education. The school is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2026.
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 student body represents over 80 nationalities, reflecting a multilingual, pluricultural learning environment. The school emphasizes diversity and international-mindedness as core values. Community life is supported by ongoing events and family engagement, including the Gala, the International Food Festival, and the Back to School BBQ, among other annual activities. Rochambeau's campus footprint and events foster a connected, international community across its Maplewood and Forest Road sites.
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 PAR is Rochambeau's Parents Association, a group of parent volunteers who work with school management and teachers to support the community through initiatives, fundraising, and communication. PAR holds monthly meetings with school administration, quarterly Listening Sessions, and representation at the Conseil d'Etablissement and the Conseil d'Ecole. It provides services to families, including health and wellness partnerships (e.g., YMCA discount), and leads committees to organize community activities. PAR organizes back-to-school breakfasts, the King's Cake (Galette des Rois) celebration, and supports events such as the International Food Festival, the Spring Fair, and the annual Gala, as well as conferences. To get involved, volunteers can contact PAR@par-rochambeau.org.
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 Enrichment Activities (Clubs) cover music, art, STEM, languages, theater, and dance. Robotics and AI Gaming and Machine Learning are offered, along with a University Essay Writing Club for secondary students. Book Club and RochamBIO are additional options within enrichment programming. These activities are run by faculty and staff with input from trusted external providers to extend learning beyond the classroom.
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 Enrichment Activities include music, art, theatre, and dance. Art in Spanish is offered as a language-based arts option, and Yoga in Spanish provides language-driven wellness. Other creative offerings appear among enrichment options.
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 Art in Spanish and Yoga in Spanish are enrichment options that blend language with culture. Language-focused activities support multilingual learning as part of Rochambeau's broader enrichment offerings.
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 Book Club and Basketball are among the enrichment offerings, and Athletics provides opportunities in soccer, volleyball, basketball, and running. Activities are organized for either half-year or full-year terms.
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 Community service is an essential part of a well-rounded education. Students engage in volunteer work to develop leadership and teamwork, and to gain broader world understanding. Community service hours are logged in the x2VOL platform for validation, with specific guidelines for IB programs and other school divisions.
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 Student leadership roles include class delegates in both Primary and Secondary School, and participation in the CVC (Middle School Council) and the CVL (High School Council). Conseil de Vie Collegienne and Conseil de Vie Lyceenne provide formal student representation, with named student representatives advancing to school councils. These structures empower students to take initiative and contribute to school life.
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 Athletics includes soccer, volleyball, basketball, and running, with registration for sports opening twice a year (in August and November) and programs offered for half-year or full-year terms. Schedules and practice details are published, and the Athletic Director can be contacted for inquiries. These activities support teamwork, resilience, and physical well-being.
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 Languages taught include English, French, Spanish, German, Arabic, and Latin (and Greek). French and English form the bilingual core of the curriculum. German and Spanish classes begin as early as 4th grade, while Arabic and Latin begin in 6th grade.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching The school offers a bilingual French-English curriculum. Instruction across Preschool through High School supports bilingual development in both languages.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs French Immersion is available for non-French speakers from preschool through 1st grade. It is taught by native French teachers and designed to bring students to grade-level French. Immersion students pursue their formal English instruction and other elective subjects with their classmates and participate in bilingual class projects.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations The school is the only school in the Washington, DC area accredited by the French Ministry of Education since 1955.
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 admissions process starts in October, one year before the school year being applied for, and continues on a rolling admissions basis after the first round deadline in January. Priority is given to families with siblings already enrolled and to students from the AEFE network. Steps to apply: 1. Register for a tour (on campus or virtual). 2. Complete the online application and pay a $150 non-refundable application fee. 3. Upload the required items: a photo of your child, a birth certificate or French Livret de famille, a letter of motivation explaining why Rochambeau and the French curriculum fit your family, and copies of the child's previous report cards plus a Teacher Evaluation Form. 4. Assessments: for students enrolled in AEFE-accredited schools, admission is based on school records; for students from non-AEFE schools, a virtual assessment is arranged; French beginners applying for the immersion program (Grade 1) may require WPPSI-IV or WISC-V testing and an immersion teacher interview. 5. Parent interview with a member of the admissions team or school director. Rochambeau reserves the right to request additional recommendations or to require additional school work and to offer conditional admission or deny admission. Admission decisions: applications complete with all required items by January 15 will receive notifications by March 7; applications received after January 15 are reviewed on a rolling basis. If admitted, sign the enrollment contract and pay non-refundable enrollment fees: a first-time enrollment fee of $2,500 (one-time per family) and an annual registration fee per child of $1,500, of which $650 is applied toward tuition (fees subject to change). For Middle and High School (French Baccalaureate) and the International Baccalaureate program, additional steps apply (an English assessment in June for class placement in some programs; IB requires a student essay, teacher evaluations, language assessments, and an interview).
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships Rochambeau offers financial aid based on financial need, awarded without discrimination and may cover up to 80% of tuition, enrollment fees, transportation, and school trips. Aid amounts vary by year and are awarded after review by the financial aid committee; applications are submitted through FACTS and remain confidential. The school may provide supplemental financial aid to families who already receive AEFE scholarships. French citizens may apply for AEFE scholarships or Rochambeau financial aid, and may also pursue Rochambeau aid if not eligible for AEFE. The financial aid process for the 2026–2027 school year opens in January 2026; required documents include 2025 tax returns, 2025 W-2s, and other supporting materials; the application is processed in two steps: FACTS verification (2–3 weeks) and Rochambeau review (which may include an interview). Deadlines are published; after the stated dates, applications may be considered on a rolling basis within budget. A French Government Scholarship route is also available for eligible French citizens via the French Consulate.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist The school maintains a waitlist. Families can submit a waitlist form to request placement for a specific grade level; the form captures the student's name and grade and is year-specific (e.g., Waitlist 25-26). The form requires Javascript to submit.
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