German International School Washington D.C. vs Rochambeau - Maplewood Campus

	G German International School Washington D.C. Washington Dc, United States	R Rochambeau - Maplewood Campus Washington Dc, United States
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year $16,430 - 31,830	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 American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum, German Curriculum	Curriculum IB (MYP), American Curriculum, French Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 500	Pupils 1,295
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language German, English	Instruction language French, English
Opened	Opened 1961	Opened 1955
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The GISW campus is at 8617 Chateau Drive, Potomac, MD 20854. The school sits in a residential area near Washington, D.C. A Shuttle Bus Service runs from the Bolger Center, 9600 Newbridge Dr., Potomac, MD 20854, to the GISW campus, with multiple buses facilitating morning and after-school transportation.	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 Preschool (ages 2–4) with morning groups and an optional Afternoon Program and Extended Care; Elementary School from entry level through 4th grade with German curricula and English lessons at U.S. standards; Grades 5 through 12 earn the German International Abitur and a U.S. High School Diploma.	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 Independent, bilingual.	School type French international school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix Over 80 nationalities represented. The United States is the most common nationality among Rochambeau students.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	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 Germany	Country affiliation AEFE (Agency for French Education Overseas) network.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details Shuttle Bus Service from Bolger Center, 9600 Newbridge Dr., Potomac, MD 20854 to GISW and back. Three buses shuttle in the morning; the first leaves Bolger Center at 8:40 am. After classes, the first bus departs GISW between 11:35 and 11:40 am and returns to the Bolger Center. Direct drop-off or pick-up at GISW on Saturday mornings is not allowed; a parking pass is required to park on GISW grounds; buses are the default option for students and drivers with passes.	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 Overview (fees listed below apply to the published 2025/26 schedule) Application & enrollment fees - Application fee (non‑refundable): USD 150. - New student enrollment fee (non‑refundable, per student): USD 2,500. A reduced enrollment fee of USD 1,400 applies for students moving from GISW Preschool to the School Entry Level (SEL). - Contract deposit (non‑refundable at signing; deducted from billing statement): USD 1,000 per student. - School Society membership fee (per family, per school year): USD 150. - Technology fee (per student, grades 1–12, per school year): USD 200. - Class account fee (per student, per school year): USD 150. Tuition — annual amounts by program and year group (full‑year tuition shown; two columns reflect the published early‑contract rate and the standard rate) - Preschool (5 days, Mon–Fri) — 2‑year‑old programs: - Morning Program only (8:00–13:15): USD 20,223 (early/required contract date) / USD 21,223 (standard). - Morning + Afternoon Program (8:00–14:45): USD 23,928 / USD 24,928. - Morning + Afternoon + Extended Care (8:00–16:45): USD 29,967 / USD 30,967. - Preschool — 3/4‑year‑old programs: - Morning Program only (8:00–13:15): USD 16,430 / USD 17,430. - Morning + Afternoon Program (8:00–14:45): USD 20,135 / USD 21,135. - Morning + Afternoon + Extended Care (8:00–16:45): USD 26,174 / USD 27,174. - School Entry Level (SEL) through Grade 12 — School day (includes afternoon program until 15:15): - SEL: USD 24,166 / USD 25,166. - Grades 1–6: USD 25,418 / USD 26,418. - Grades 7–12: USD 26,293 / USD 27,293. - SEL through Grade 9 — School day with Extended Care (15:15–16:45): - SEL: USD 29,703 / USD 30,703. - Grades 1–6: USD 30,955 / USD 31,955. - Grades 7–9: USD 31,830 / USD 32,830. - Extended Care drop‑in fee (Preschool–Grade 9), per instance: USD 50. Billing schedule and payment terms - Accepted payment schedules: annual (single payment), semi‑annual (two equal installments — typically August and January), or monthly (ten equal installments — typically August through May) processed through a tuition management system. Installment schedules divide the published annual tuition into equal payments for the chosen schedule. Credit card payments may incur a convenience fee charged by the tuition processor in addition to tuition. - Payment processing: tuition installments and recurring payments are handled through Blackbaud Tuition Management; families receive an enrollment email and set up their payment method (bank account or credit card). Semi‑annual withdrawals occur in August and January; monthly withdrawals are processed on the 5th or the 20th of each month (depending on family selection). Returned check, change, and late payment fees apply as published. - Payment by check/wire is accepted; when paying by automatic deduction, bank routing/ABA and account numbers are required. If paying by credit card, a processor convenience fee will be billed separately. Bus, cafeteria and other recurring program fees - Bus (annual, service available mornings and afternoons at 15:20 and 16:55) — zone pricing by route: - Zone A: USD 2,707; Zone B: USD 3,198; Zone C: USD 3,669; Zone D: USD 4,160; Zone E: USD 4,751. Single ticket (one‑way): USD 15. - Cafeteria (annual fee for Preschool–Grade 12): USD 1,260. - Returned check fee: USD 50. Change fee: USD 50. Second replacement bus pass fee and other minor administrative fees apply as published. Late payment fees are charged monthly until the account is current. - Bookstore and sports uniform purchases: books, school supplies, and sports uniforms are available for purchase through the school bookstore; payments accepted in USD by major credit card, cash, or US check. Sports uniforms are required only for athletic teams where applicable. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable. GISW operates as a day school; there are no boarding fees. Other one‑time or occasional costs - New student enrollment fee (non‑refundable) as noted above: USD 2,500 (or USD 1,400 for Preschool→SEL transition). - Class account fee: USD 150 per student, per school year. - Technology fee for Grades 1–12: USD 200 per student, per school year. - Parents' or School Society membership fee: USD 150 per family, per school year. - Occasional program or activity fees (school trips, athletics team fees, special course fees) may apply; sports team uniforms are purchased separately through the bookstore. Returned check and administrative change fees apply as listed above. Refund information and withdrawal terms - Tuition and fees are non‑refundable if a student leaves the school before the end of the school year. In cases of special hardship or family relocation that requires withdrawal during the school year, the school will consider a partial refund of prepaid tuition and/or waiver of remaining installments; decisions are made according to school policy and require a written request submitted within 10 days of withdrawal. Attendance for any part of a month is billed for the full month; leaves of absence require full payment of tuition and fees for the period. Fee payment options (methods accepted) - Automatic bank account withdrawal (ACH) or automatic credit card charge via Blackbaud Tuition Management (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express). A convenience fee applies for credit card payments and is billed separately. Families may also pay by check or wire transfer to the school; specific bank details are provided during tuition enrollment/registration for payments. (End of fee overview.)	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 The school does not require a uniform.	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 provides lunch through SageDining. Meals are prepared daily with allergen labeling on the online menu and in the cafeteria. Lunch must be signed up for during the admissions process and is served daily in the cafeteria for Grades 1 through 12; preschool meals are prepared daily in the cafeteria with preschoolers eating in classrooms.	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 German International School Washington D.C. is governed by the German School Society, composed largely of GISW parents. Membership is open to adults 18+ who agree with the Society's purpose and pay an annual fee. The Board of Directors consists of nine members and oversees affairs not requiring Membership decisions; the Board includes the Head of School, the Director of Administration, a representative of the German Embassy, and the Chairs of the Parents' Association and Employees' Association.	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 Preschool: Ages 2 through 4; morning groups with the option of staying for the afternoon program and for extended care. Elementary School runs from School Entry Level through 4th grade with a modern learning environment, German curricula, English lessons at U.S. standards, and lab science. Grades 5 through 12 graduate with the U.S. High School Diploma and the German International Abitur, opening doors to universities worldwide. STEM/MINT is offered to allow students to specialize in rigorous mathematics and science curricula focused on problem-solving and research.	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 —	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 Graduates earn both the German International Abitur and a U.S. High School Diploma, enabling admission to universities worldwide.	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 STEM/MINT Education offers specialized mathematics and science curricula focused on problem-solving and research.	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 Counselor Grades 1-4 provides students with opportunities to address problems and conflicts during office hours. Social learning takes place daily across the school. GREIF stands for group-oriented, respectful, empathetic, interested, and friendly. The elementary team uses GREIF tokens to reward students who demonstrate these values. Tokens can be exchanged for small gifts; in Grades 1–2, students earn a gift after 10 griffins, and in Grades 3–4 after 15 griffins. The counselor coordinates parent meetings and collaborates with the secondary school counselor to support students' social and emotional development.	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) —	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 Language enrichment is embedded in daily life in the Preschool, with daily sessions helping children acquire German or English as a second language and learn about German and U.S. cultures. The two programs for language acquisition in early childhood, Finki, ich & wir and Hocus & Lotus, are designed to be playful and age-appropriate. The enrichment modules are integrated into daily life and can be combined in diverse ways to meet different development levels. An Overall Language Concept extends language learning from the Preschool through high school graduation.	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 The Counselor for Grades 5–12 provides individual and group counseling, classroom guidance, student observation, responsive counseling, college counseling, referrals, and parent and teacher support. The counselor coordinates programs dealing with drug awareness and assertiveness training, peer mediation, and crisis intervention. The Counseling section also offers guidance resources with crisis hotlines and community resources for mental health support. The counselor can be reached at counselor@giswashington.org.	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 The Health Room serves preschool through twelfth grade and operates weekdays 7:45am–3:15pm. The health care team includes a Health Care Manager, an Administrative Assistant, and counselors for the Elementary School and the Upper School. Absences due to illness are reported to the Health Room via the provided email or phone contact. Before admission, health forms are submitted, and after admission families receive access to Magnus Health to store medical documents; immunization requirements are listed and updated for entry and ongoing compliance. Basic immunizations include MMR and Varicella, with additional requirements for vaccines as students progress through grades SEL–12. Magnus Health login is used to upload documents and update emergency contacts. Anti-bullying policy and safeguarding-related resources are included in counseling materials and resources.	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 GISW has a compact campus life with essential facilities to support daily routines. The school runs a bus program serving Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., with morning service and afternoon dismissals at 3:10 pm and 4:45 pm; an early release bus route is available at 12:30 pm on short days. The Cafeteria, operated by SageDining, serves hot meals daily for Preschool through Grade 12 with allergen labeling on the menu. The Bookstore sells school books, supplies, and GISW merchandise, and the Health Room supports students from preschool through 12th grade.	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 —	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 GISW provides Preschool, Elementary, and Grades 5 through 12 with STEM/MINT offerings. Elementary School features a modern learning environment, German curricula, English lessons at U.S. standards, and lab science. GISW graduates with the U.S. High School Diploma and the German International Abitur. The STEM/MINT program provides rigorous mathematics and science curricula focused on problem-solving and research. The FastTrack Program accelerates German language acquisition for students up to Grade 5, and NEWBEES offers support for new families.	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 GISW offers STEM/MINT Extracurricular activities, including Course Science for Experts, Neuroscience, Students Experiment, and Project Science Journalists. Competitions include Jugend präsentiert, Math Olympiad, Kangaroo of Mathematics, Pi Day, Pangea, Brain Bee Competition, Computer Science Beaver Competition, and FIRST LEGO League.	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 GISW is an independent bilingual German-American school serving the Washington, D.C. area, founded in 1961. It has delivered German-American education for more than 60 years. Students graduate with both the German International Abitur and a U.S. High School Diploma. It is part of the global network of German Schools Abroad, with more than 130 schools worldwide. Its motto is 'Independent. Bilingual. Weltoffen' (Open to the world).	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 FRIENDS of the GISW is the volunteer booster club for GISW, established in 1969. The Newbees are dedicated parents who help new families settle in. An Alumni network connects former students, families, teachers, and staff. The campus life section highlights Open House events and features a Griffin Chatbot that answers questions about GISW.	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 FRIENDS of the GISW is the volunteer booster club of the German International School Washington D.C. It was established in 1969. The site invites readers to join the FRIENDS. It is a community group that participates in GISW events and activities. It is listed on GISW's site alongside other community groups such as The Newbees and Alumni.	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 Authentic-STEM Projekt: Ninth-grade students solve real mathematical problems with international teams of scientists, students, and experts from German and American companies. Vogelprojekt: Environmental projects on campus enrich science instruction. Makeathon 2025: Makeathon projects bring young people from different countries and cultures together to develop innovations and solve problems. STEM/MINT: The STEM/MINT program allows GISW students to shape their profile in mathematics, informatics, natural sciences, and technology.	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 Musik: All children love music; the kindergarten promotes movement and music, with biweekly official music sessions. German songs support language learning and English songs help us understand our environment. We dance and engage in musical counting and movement games, sometimes using simple Orff instruments, and we sing traditional German songs alongside contemporary English pieces. Kindergarten children march to the music circle with enthusiasm.	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 Bilingualism: Your child learns and grows in a bilingual environment—German and English—for a global future. Internationally connected: GISW is part of a global network of over 130 German international schools, signaling quality and worldwide orientation.	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 FRIENDS of the GISW is the school's volunteer booster club. NEWBEES are engaged parents who help new families settle in. Alumni stay connected after their time at the school and gather as a community.	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 FRIENDS supports GISW through volunteer activities. NEWBEES provide orientation and assistance to new families joining GISW.	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 25 Years of MINT-EC – School Leadership Conference 2025 reflects GISW's engagement with STEM/MINT leadership and collaboration with national and international partners.	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 Kindergarten emphasizes play-based learning and lots of time outdoors. The kindergarten operates five groups with two-year-olds to four-year-olds in morning sessions from 8:00 to 13:15, with many children staying in aftercare until 14:45 or 16:45. The program also offers intensive language support in German and English, and a mix of half-day and full-day placements.	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 Languages taught: German and English. German curricula are used, and English lessons are provided at U.S. standards. The school offers a bilingual environment with language support through the FastTrack Program. Students graduate with both the German International Abitur and the U.S. High School Diploma.	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 The school provides bilingual education in German and English.	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 FastTrack Program: Accelerated German language acquisition for students up to Grade 5; personalized support for quick integration.	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 1. Create an account on GISW's application portal to start the online application. Submit the required information and supporting documents via the portal. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, subject to availability. The fee schedule includes an Application Fee of $150, a New Student Enrollment Fee of $2,500 (with contract signing and non-refundable), and a Contract Deposit of $1,000 (added to tuition, non-refundable). 2. After the Admissions Office reviews the application, the decision is posted in the application portal. The typical processing time is four to six weeks. GISW cannot accept new students in Grade 12. Application checklists cover Preschool (2, 3, 4-year-olds), Grades K-4, and Grades 5-11. 3. If admitted, sign the enrollment contract in the application portal. The contract submission is due 10 days after receipt. For questions, contact the Director of Enrollment Management, Ms.	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 GISW offers need-based financial aid through the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). FAST (Financial Aid for School Tuition) provides the need analysis used to determine awards. Awards typically range from 10% to 40% of tuition, with a maximum of $4,000 per student for Preschool. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; those submitted by February 20, 2026 are guaranteed a response by March 27, 2026 via email.	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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