Anonymous
Post 03/12/2022 09:09     Subject: WIS for HS - pros/cons
Anonymous wrote:Really nice and helpful writeups from current parents. I can attest from my own experience that IMF and WB employees don’t get subsidies and we went through the exact selection process with zero special treatment.


And how many other Privates did you apply to for your DC ? Of those, list the schools that accepted your child.

You know, for transparency sake

Anonymous
Post 03/10/2022 23:02     Subject: WIS for HS - pros/cons
Really nice and helpful writeups from current parents. I can attest from my own experience that IMF and WB employees don’t get subsidies and we went through the exact selection process with zero special treatment.
Anonymous
Post 03/10/2022 21:35     Subject: Re:WIS for HS - pros/cons
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Another question - how does WIS help the new kids that are entering in 9th integrate into the school/community? Thanks !


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.


Puhlease... this is Washington every DC resident has " an international community" right on their block for FREE, at their local play ground, in their Yoga group or Mom friend group or just people who all went to SAIS together and stayed in town.
Anonymous
Post 03/09/2022 22:27     Subject: Re:WIS for HS - pros/cons
Anonymous wrote:We're considering WIS for ninth grade next year, and I'm interested in knowing from CURRENT OR RECENT WIS HS PARENTS (not the disgruntled former learning specialist):

1. How have you found the science labs and other facilities? I read on DCUM somewhere that they were thinking of building a new science building -- is that true? Is it because the current facilities are inadequate in any way?
2. There is also an allegation on DCUM of high turnover among the HS science faculty in recent years, and I see that they are in fact advertising for two HS science teachers. How many departures have there actually been, and is there any common thread that would affect science learning at the school?
3. Is the school willing to provide accommodations such as extra time on tests or calculator use to students with ADHD etc.?
Thanks!


Former lifer parent whose last child graduated a few years ago. To answer your questions:

1) Facilities are not inadequate, but will be even better with updated labs. One of my kids is studying engineering at a selective US school and found that their 1st semester at university for math and science was a repeat of what they had already done at WIS for the IB. Also, it was a repeat even though they tested into a 3rd level math class and 2nd level physics class at the university. A new science building will be a fantastic addition, but it doesn't mean the science/math teaching is inadequate.
2) Not true. Science Dept does not turn over every year. I know one teacher is leaving this year because the spouse is taking a job overseas. I'm not sure of the other teacher, but possibly a retirement.
3) Yes. The school provides accommodations for students. The learning specialist works with the kids on this. I had one child who received accommodations and it was not a big deal at all getting it set up.

Best of luck! WIS is a hidden gem as another PP said. The community is filled with nice, interesting and fun people. Plenty of opportunity to volunteer if you want, but no pressure if you're not able. Not a big focus on money and "status". We've met and maintained some of our closest friendships from our WIS connection.
Anonymous
Post 03/09/2022 21:35     Subject: WIS for HS - pros/cons
Current WIS parent. Community is terrific and welcoming. The educational experience has been transformative for our kids. The families are generally enjoyable and warm. The college placement is superb and you see the advantage of IB. We couldn’t be happier with the school. The tuition is worth every cent.
Anonymous
Post 03/09/2022 21:19     Subject: Re:WIS for HS - pros/cons
offending statement : b]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 i[/b]t is something they are trying to do.


response: GAG... look at the racism and assumptions on display here. Plenty of very wealthy AA families in Washington
Anonymous
Post 03/09/2022 21:08     Subject: Re:WIS for HS - pros/cons
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Just a clarifying question- when you say students in HS are "counseled out" to maintain their 100% pass rate- do you mean they do not pursue the IB diploma, or perhaps not the bilingual diploma, or that they are asked to leave the school after 10th grade?


They are pushed ("counseled") out of the school.


Another falsehood. PP, please see yourself out of this conversation. Some people want to have a real discussion.


OP, do you see the way people are " counseled out of WIS "
Anonymous
Post 03/08/2022 17:21     Subject: Re:WIS for HS - pros/cons
Anonymous wrote:Do full pay parents resent subsidized parents? Or does it not really matter since the school gets the $ either way?


There are way fewer families than what rumors would suggest that have employers who subsidize tuition. (That may have been more the case 15-20 years ago when the WB and other multi-laterals offered this in their comp packages which have largely gone away). For the ones that do, no resentment from me- just envy! But I'm also envious of the big law parents who make 7 figures and can pay full freight without a sweat. 😅 As you say, the school gets the money either way so just as some families get subsidies from grandparents, it isn't something anyone even talks about or mentions.
Anonymous
Post 03/08/2022 17:02     Subject: Re:WIS for HS - pros/cons
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Another question - how does WIS help the new kids that are entering in 9th integrate into the school/community? Thanks !


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.


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.
Anonymous
Post 03/08/2022 15:23     Subject: Re:WIS for HS - pros/cons
Anonymous wrote:Another question - how does WIS help the new kids that are entering in 9th integrate into the school/community? Thanks !


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.
Anonymous
Post 03/08/2022 14:58     Subject: Re:WIS for HS - pros/cons
We're considering WIS for ninth grade next year, and I'm interested in knowing from CURRENT OR RECENT WIS HS PARENTS (not the disgruntled former learning specialist):

1. How have you found the science labs and other facilities? I read on DCUM somewhere that they were thinking of building a new science building -- is that true? Is it because the current facilities are inadequate in any way?
2. There is also an allegation on DCUM of high turnover among the HS science faculty in recent years, and I see that they are in fact advertising for two HS science teachers. How many departures have there actually been, and is there any common thread that would affect science learning at the school?
3. Is the school willing to provide accommodations such as extra time on tests or calculator use to students with ADHD etc.?
Thanks!
Anonymous
Post 03/08/2022 14:42     Subject: Re:WIS for HS - pros/cons
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Just a clarifying question- when you say students in HS are "counseled out" to maintain their 100% pass rate- do you mean they do not pursue the IB diploma, or perhaps not the bilingual diploma, or that they are asked to leave the school after 10th grade?


They are pushed ("counseled") out of the school.


Another falsehood. PP, please see yourself out of this conversation. Some people want to have a real discussion.