Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Seattle

Seattle, is a vibrant city that attracts expats and digital nomads from around the world. While it may not have an overwhelming number of international or bilingual schools compared to some of the world's largest cities, it does offer a selection of reputable institutions. Among the most popular are the French Immersion School of Washington and the Spanish Schoolhouse, both known for their robust bilingual programs. Here is a list of international and bilingual schools that cater to the needs of expat children in and around Seattle, ensuring a smooth transition into their new community.

French Immersion School of Washington (FISW)

Grades: Preschool through Grade 5
Location(s): Bellevue, WA
Website: www.fisw.org

The French Immersion School of Washington offers a bilingual education in French and English, following the French national curriculum. It's accredited by the French Ministry of Education and the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS). The school provides a multicultural environment with small class sizes and a focus on developing global citizens.

Spanish Schoolhouse

Grades: Preschool through Kindergarten
Location(s): Kirkland, WA
Website: spanishschoolhouse.com

Spanish Schoolhouse offers an immersive bilingual education for young children. The curriculum is designed to provide a warm, nurturing environment where kids can learn Spanish alongside their regular academic subjects. The school emphasizes cultural activities and celebrations to enrich the learning experience.

The Northwest School

Grades: 6 through 12
Location(s): Seattle
Website: www.northwestschool.org

The Northwest School offers a college-preparatory curriculum with a strong emphasis on global perspective and diversity. While not exclusively a language immersion school, it provides a robust international program with students from over 15 countries and offers advanced language courses in Spanish, French, and Mandarin, among others.

Seattle Waldorf School

Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Multiple locations in Seattle area
Website: www.seattlewaldorf.org

Seattle Waldorf School follows the Waldorf education philosophy, which includes a strong emphasis on cultural literacy and language learning. The curriculum integrates foreign language study from preschool through high school, with Spanish and Mandarin offered at various levels.

John Stanford International School (JSIS)

Grades: K through 5
Location(s): Seattle
Website: jsis.wednet.edu

John Stanford International School is part of Seattle Public Schools and offers a dual-language immersion program in either Spanish or Japanese. The school is committed to producing bilingual and biliterate students through a rigorous curriculum that meets state and district standards.

International Community School (ICS)

Grades: 6 through 12
Location(s): Kirkland, WA
Website: ics.lwsd.org

International Community School, a choice school of the Lake Washington School District, provides a unique college-preparatory experience with an international focus. It's known for its tight-knit community and a curriculum that emphasizes global awareness, with opportunities for advanced language study and international exchange programs.

International School Bellevue

Grades: 6 through 12
Location(s): Bellevue, WA
Website: bsd405.org/international

International School Bellevue is a public choice school offering the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum. The school fosters a multicultural environment with a strong emphasis on global engagement and language acquisition, including Spanish, French, and Mandarin.