Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Washington DC

Washington DC is a vibrant city with a diverse international community, making it an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads with families. The city and its surrounding areas offer a variety of international and bilingual schools to cater to this diverse population. Among the most popular are the British International School of Washington and the French International School. These institutions provide a global curriculum and a multicultural environment that can be essential for the children of expats to maintain continuity in their education and ease the transition to living in a new country.

British International School of Washington

Grades: Nursery through Year 13
Location(s): Georgetown, Washington DC
Website: www.nordangliaeducation.com/our-schools/washington

The British International School of Washington offers the English National Curriculum, leading to the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for students aged 16-18. With state-of-the-art facilities, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and a diverse student body representing over 60 nationalities, the school provides a truly international education experience in the heart of the nation's capital.

French International School (Lycée Rochambeau)

Grades: Preschool through 12th Grade
Location(s): Bethesda, MD
Website: www.rochambeau.org

Lycée Rochambeau, the French International School, offers a bilingual education following the French National Curriculum. Accredited by the French Ministry of Education and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, it prepares students for the French Baccalaureate. The school boasts a multicultural environment with over 40 nationalities represented, providing a rich linguistic and cultural experience for students.

Washington International School (WIS)

Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Northwest Washington DC
Website: www.wis.edu

Washington International School offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program for all grades, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. With students from over 90 countries, WIS emphasizes global citizenship and multilingualism, offering instruction in several languages. The school's facilities support a robust academic program, as well as arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities.

German International School Washington D.C.

Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Potomac, MD
Website: www.giswashington.org

The German International School Washington D.C. provides a bilingual education in German and English, following the German curriculum and leading to the German International Abitur. It is accredited by the German government and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, sports, and arts, to complement its academic offerings.

The Field School

Grades: 6 through 12
Location(s): Northwest Washington DC
Website: www.fieldschool.org

The Field School is known for its progressive education and personalized approach to learning, with a commitment to diversity and community. While not a traditional international school, it offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum and a range of language courses, including Spanish and French, catering to students from various cultural backgrounds.

Sidwell Friends School

Grades: Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12
Location(s): Washington DC and Bethesda, MD
Website: www.sidwell.edu

Sidwell Friends School is a prestigious Quaker school that, while not exclusively international, attracts a diverse student body and offers a global curriculum. The school emphasizes intellectual and ethical leadership, with language offerings in Spanish, French, Chinese, and Latin, and a range of international-focused programs and trips.

Edmund Burke School

Grades: 6 through 12
Location(s): Northwest Washington DC
Website: www.burkeschool.org

Edmund Burke School provides a progressive and inclusive educational environment with a commitment to social justice. It offers a challenging curriculum with a variety of language options, including Spanish and French, and encourages global awareness through its academic and extracurricular programs.