Admissions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• How large is your school, and what are your class sizes?

  We have a student population of about 550. The number of students per year group (i.e. grade) usually falls between 35 to 45. The Early Years and International Baccalaureate Diploma programs tend to have fewer students. Class sizes may vary from 12 to 22 students, depending on the year group and course subject. The student-to-teacher ratio also varies depending on the year group.

   

  Early Years

  Pre-Nursery (2 years old)

  1:4 student-to-teacher ratio

  Nursery (3 years old)

  1:8 student-to-teacher ratio

  Reception (4 years old)

  1:10 student-to-teacher ratio

   

  Primary School

  The average size of each year group in BISW's Primary School is 36. We divide each group into two (sometimes three) classrooms for an average of 18 students per classroom.

  Years 1–2

  Each class has a classroom teacher and learning assistant. In addition, students see specialist teachers each week.

  Years 3–6

  In addition to the classroom teacher, students see specialist teachers each week.

   

  Secondary School

  The average size of each year group in BISW's Secondary School is 36. Years 7–13 typically have an average class size of 14–24 students. The class size depends on the course and the total number of students in the year group.

• Do you take mid-year enrollments?

  The British International School of Washington accepts rolling admissions and mid-year enrollments to streamline the process for families worldwide. Apply anytime and expect a prompt review. Contact our Admissions Department at admissions@biswashington.org to speak to a representative who can provide guidance.
• What nationalities make up the student body?

  BISW has a diverse student body, with 25% from the UK, 20% from the US, and over 70 other nationalities represented. The predominant nationalities vary from year to year. For instance, we could have many students from the United Arab Emirates one year and then more students from Denmark the following year.
• Where do BISW graduates usually go to college or university?

  Our graduates often pursue higher education in the UK, US, Europe, Canada, and other international destinations.
• What is the average length of time students attend BISW?

  As an international school in Washington, DC, we recognize that families might be with us for varying timeframes. On average, families are with us for three to five years. Some stay for one or two years, while others are with us from Pre-Nursery to Year 13. We remain flexible to offer our world-class education to as many students as possible.
• What is the average tenure of teachers at BISW?

  We take pride in our outstanding faculty of highly skilled and experienced teachers, who typically remain with us for several years or more. Some have been with us for over two decades. Moreover, as a member of the Nord Anglia Education family of schools in a prime international location, we have access to a vast pool of exceptionally talented and qualified candidates when we hire new staff.
• How is your approach different from other schools'?

  BISW implements Nord Anglia Education's ‘Create Your Future’ approach, which prioritizes the development of children's minds, relationships, and understanding of the world. We prepare children for success along any path by fostering a lifelong love of learning. We teach our students to be principled, compassionate, tolerant, and responsible, and nurture their skills and talents as they become adaptable citizens and future leaders.