OP, what non-English language do you speak and will that also be the language of rotation?

If it's French, I'd pick WIS. If it's Spanish, you might want to consider Oyster-Adams Bilingual public school if you live in the Oyster school boundary in DC. The Spanish instruction is arguably better than WIS elementary, and it's free and very diverse/international.

If it's neither, then the schools are probably equal.

GDS is a very progressive and liberal school in the American context. (Not much political diversity.) Some kids do well with the relative lack of structure and flexibility. Some do not. We have one of each type of child.

For us, ultimately we put both in WIS for language and the global IB school network. Our travel is not always predictable, but there is some degree of consistency with IB.

As to sports, for elementary school, it really doesn't matter much. Most schools don't have organized teams until middle school. There are many recreational programs for younger kids through private organizations and the city Parks and Recreation department, including fencing, aquatics, etc.

Hope this helps.

Anonymous wrote:DCs began in preK at WIS and ended 12th grade at GDS. I think the model of WIS for Primary, and GDS for Middle and Upper School is almost ideal. Excellent education.

Interesting. If you don't mind, what were your reasons for changing to GDS? Was it due to weaknesses in the WIS MS/US, or weaknesses in the GDS LS (for not having started there)? What do you see as the advantages of a GDS US education?

Anonymous wrote:DCs began in preK at WIS and ended 12th grade at GDS. I think the model of WIS for Primary, and GDS for Middle and Upper School is almost ideal. Excellent education.

That is cool, plus our daughter loves spanish and she's 5 yo.

Anonymous wrote:DCs began in preK at WIS and ended 12th grade at GDS. I think the model of WIS for Primary, and GDS for Middle and Upper School is almost ideal. Excellent education.

NP. Were you at all concerned about your kids losing fluency in their target language if they switched after primary? Or are there advanced language options at GDS?

DCs began in preK at WIS and ended 12th grade at GDS. I think the model of WIS for Primary, and GDS for Middle and Upper School is almost ideal. Excellent education.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why are you framing this in terms of elementary schools when both are K-12? Think longer term. They lead to two pretty different HS experiences. I agree with others that LS/MS is probably a wash.

Kids can, and probably should, switch school for high school. Does any kid want to be a "Lifer"?

Uh, if you are applying to K-12 schools and are actually admitted, most people do think about staying until the end. Just FYI.

We never thought that way. We chose the kids elementary schools but they chose their high schools and even middle school.

Attending a K-12 school automatically creates staying as an option. Not considering it at all is not typical. At all.

Our kids are at GDS and thriving - there are lots of international families.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why are you framing this in terms of elementary schools when both are K-12? Think longer term. They lead to two pretty different HS experiences. I agree with others that LS/MS is probably a wash.

Kids can, and probably should, switch school for high school. Does any kid want to be a "Lifer"?

Yes, sure, kids want to stay with their friends. DCUM is the only place I've seen the term "lifer" and for some reason it's used as a derogatory term. It seems odd and mean to pick on kids who stay at a school they like that works for them. Some kids switch, sure, but there is no reason that is better or worse than not switching. Adults shouldn't throw around nasty labels for kids, in my opinion.

Some friends of mine are proud lifers. They say it with pride. Big3 school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why are you framing this in terms of elementary schools when both are K-12? Think longer term. They lead to two pretty different HS experiences. I agree with others that LS/MS is probably a wash.

Kids can, and probably should, switch school for high school. Does any kid want to be a "Lifer"?

Uh, if you are applying to K-12 schools and are actually admitted, most people do think about staying until the end. Just FYI.

We never thought that way. We chose the kids elementary schools but they chose their high schools and even middle school.

GDS is part of the DMV private school scene. WIS is a bit outside that scene. We viewed this as a plus. Others find it a minus. Both view points are understandable. Depends on what you want.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why are you framing this in terms of elementary schools when both are K-12? Think longer term. They lead to two pretty different HS experiences. I agree with others that LS/MS is probably a wash.

Kids can, and probably should, switch school for high school. Does any kid want to be a "Lifer"?

Uh, if you are applying to K-12 schools and are actually admitted, most people do think about staying until the end. Just FYI.

People also use lifer in a positive sense, no need to be do sensitive!!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why are you framing this in terms of elementary schools when both are K-12? Think longer term. They lead to two pretty different HS experiences. I agree with others that LS/MS is probably a wash.

Kids can, and probably should, switch school for high school. Does any kid want to be a "Lifer"?

Yes, sure, kids want to stay with their friends. DCUM is the only place I've seen the term "lifer" and for some reason it's used as a derogatory term. It seems odd and mean to pick on kids who stay at a school they like that works for them. Some kids switch, sure, but there is no reason that is better or worse than not switching. Adults shouldn't throw around nasty labels for kids, in my opinion.

Anonymous wrote:Why are you framing this in terms of elementary schools when both are K-12? Think longer term. They lead to two pretty different HS experiences. I agree with others that LS/MS is probably a wash.

Kids can, and probably should, switch school for high school. Does any kid want to be a "Lifer"?

The OP says they are likely to move. But I have heard great things about both high schools. GDS is well known and a great high school. The inquiry-based IB diploma program at WIS offers lots of rigor and room to excel at the highest level with the IB assessments. I would not discount either high school program until you have toured and spoken more with current families.