Are there a lot of local kids at WIS?

[Anonymous]

Diplomat family with kids that have always been in international schools outside the US. We are coming back to DC for a posting. I am torn between WIS, which seems like a great fit for my middle schooler and would be an easy transition from the school she currently attends, versus taking advantage of the chance to have a more "American" experience at a non-international private or at public (our public won't be great, though). Is the prevailing culture at WIS still an American one, or is it truly an international school like you'd find abroad? I couldn't find information about the percentage of kids who are Americans on their website.

[Anonymous]

US parent here of 3 current WIS students. The school is roughly 1/3 children with 2 international parents, 1/3 children with 1 international and 1 US parent (like my children), and 1/3 children with 2 US parents. So I'd say it's a mixed US & international environment, with lots of children who have spent a lot of time outside the US, regardless of where they were born.

Definitely tour the middle school, if you get a chance. It's on the lovely Tregaron campus, and the students have access to the brand new science building!

[Anonymous]

Thank you, very helpful!

[Anonymous]

If you want your kids exposed to more “American” sports, activities, and/or traditions,I’d go with another private. It would be a more “study abroad” experience.

Former parent of 2 who switched to regular private for this reason.

Coed:
Sidwell
GDS
Potomac (most “American” experience IMHO, in VA but bussing from city)
Maret

Single:
St Albans
NCS
In md (bussing as well)
Holton Arms
Landon

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:US parent here of 3 current WIS students. The school is roughly 1/3 children with 2 international parents, 1/3 children with 1 international and 1 US parent (like my children), and 1/3 children with 2 US parents. So I'd say it's a mixed US & international environment, with lots of children who have spent a lot of time outside the US, regardless of where they were born.

Definitely tour the middle school, if you get a chance. It's on the lovely Tregaron campus, and the students have access to the brand new science building!

This is accurate. It’s a hybrid.

[Anonymous]

WIS is not an American school. I cannot emphasize this enough. It is a very good school. There are many Americans in the school. But it is an international school.

Public and private schools in the NW area may have just as many international families as WIS. However their curriculum, culture and traditions are American. The accreditation is American. You cannot get this experience at WIS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you want your kids exposed to more “American” sports, activities, and/or traditions,I’d go with another private. It would be a more “study abroad” experience.

Former parent of 2 who switched to regular private for this reason.

Coed:
Sidwell
GDS
Potomac (most “American” experience IMHO, in VA but bussing from city)
Maret

Single:
St Albans
NCS
In md (bussing as well)
Holton Arms
Landon

I think most people choose WIS knowing these differences and views them as a feature, not a bug.

Not saying one is better than the other, but not everyone values the "American" experience and people seek out international schools intentionally for that purpose.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you want your kids exposed to more “American” sports, activities, and/or traditions,I’d go with another private. It would be a more “study abroad” experience.

Former parent of 2 who switched to regular private for this reason.

Coed:
Sidwell
GDS
Potomac (most “American” experience IMHO, in VA but bussing from city)
Maret

Single:
St Albans
NCS
In md (bussing as well)
Holton Arms
Landon

I think most people choose WIS knowing these differences and views them as a feature, not a bug.

Not saying one is better than the other, but not everyone values the "American" experience and people seek out international schools intentionally for that purpose.

DP, but I think a couple posters mention that it’s less of an “American” school experience because OP specifically mentioned an American experience as something they were looking for, not as a slight on WIS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you want your kids exposed to more “American” sports, activities, and/or traditions,I’d go with another private. It would be a more “study abroad” experience.

Former parent of 2 who switched to regular private for this reason.

Coed:
Sidwell
GDS
Potomac (most “American” experience IMHO, in VA but bussing from city)
Maret

Single:
St Albans
NCS
In md (bussing as well)
Holton Arms
Landon

I think most people choose WIS knowing these differences and views them as a feature, not a bug.

Not saying one is better than the other, but not everyone values the "American" experience and people seek out international schools intentionally for that purpose.

DP, but I think a couple posters mention that it’s less of an “American” school experience because OP specifically mentioned an American experience as something they were looking for, not as a slight on WIS.

💯

[Anonymous]

We were in a similar position, though we had the option of remaining in our overseas posting. We liked WIS, but for us is was basically the same as staying in our international school overseas, basically a 1 for 1 exchange. The college placements from our school overseas and WIS were pretty similar, so when we came back, we opted for a different school to help their college chances and give them a slightly different experience.

[Anonymous]

We happen to be an American family who chose WIS and one of its selling points was it was not an American private school. It's been a great fit for DD and we are happy with the down-to-earth community we have found there. We have no regrets but I think you need to choose the best fit for your child and family. Good luck!