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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Another question - how does WIS help the new kids that are entering in 9th integrate into the school/community?  Thanks ![/quote]

New poster here also baffled by the complete inaccuracies of some of the PPs! Our child started at WIS in 9th coming from a DCPS immersion school. We are both American parents without native fluency in the language. The school was very welcoming to our child including pairing her with some existing students so they could get together the summer before school started. This made it nice so she was able to start the first day knowing a few people. The other parents were also very welcoming to us reaching out to arrange coffees, answer any questions, and the school hosted several events to welcome new families. Many of the kids are lifers so they are excited about the new blood joining and seek actively seek out friendships with the new kids. And, given the international nature of the school there is a good percentage that have had to move around themselves so they know what it's like to be the new kid. I, too, was expecting a bunch of WB/IMF kids given the rumors but that has not turned out to be the case- it's actually quite a diverse bunch. But, many of her friends have at least one international parents which to us was a big draw to the school as she wanted more exposure to other cultures. I'd say the school has a very welcoming, community-minded culture- something that has been harder with the pandemic- but is picking back up again as social events and the parent-run grill resume.

We chose WIS over a big 3 school for these reasons: 1). The IB curriculum and diploma which so far has exceeded our expectations, 2) The ability to continue fluency in a language, 3) The exposure to a more international community which we and our child value and we think will serve them well in our increasingly interconnected world. 4) Less emphasis on legacies/big donors/and money in general compared to other privates in DC. We are an upper middle class family and feel quite at home at the school unlike friends in a similar economic bracket at other schools.

And as a bonus, the campus and the grounds are beautiful! It feels like a small liberal arts college tucked away in a park which adds to the overall welcoming environment. We've been very happy with our decision and echo other posters to reach out to existing WIS parents to get a more accurate picture. I feel like WIS is this hidden gem given it doesn't get the same level of discussion as other schools but also provides a world-class education.

As to the issue of the endowment, the main way I see this play out is in their ability to offer financial aid. And while the school is incredibly diverse geographically, it is less so within the context of the surrounding DC community, so the representation of African American students, for example, is lower compared to other schools. Having less to offer in financial aid has made it more challenging for them to meaningfully address this, though it is something they are trying to do. [/quote]

Another great write-up! Thanks again WIS parent, for this info. We can’t wait for our child to attend school there. Entering 9th grade.[/quote]

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