About British School of Washington

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Welcome to the British School of Washington

The British School of Washington opened in September 1998, initially to meet the needs of the British citizens living in the Washington metro area. However, the unique educational style of the school has proved popular beyond expectation and attractive to many nationalities. We provide our pupils with an education that is excellent in every sense. It is an education which is broadly based and tailored to meet every child's individual needs. It is an education which is delivered by well qualified, experienced teachers. Above all, it is an education which combines the highest academic standards w ith a learning environment in which children feel safe and valued and may thus grow in self-confidence and develop their own potential.

As delivered by its youthful, energetic staff, our curriculum represents the very best of current practice in the United Kingdom, with an international perspective appropriate to our American home. Thus the diversity of our student body is not merely respected but cherished and celebrated. I hope that after reading our prospectus, you will be encouraged to make an appointment to visit the school. I look forward to meeting you.

Jenny Arwas OBE
Head of School

The School

The British School of Washington provides British primary and secondary school education for children of all nationalities. The school opened in September 1998 and is part of the British Schools of America, a division of The WCLS Group, a British company which also operates Fieldwork Education and Overseas Schools, Ltd. The British Schools of America also operates sister schools in Boston, Houston, Chicago and Charlotte.

The school's enrolment comprises approximately 300 pupils of whom the majority are British and American. Some twenty further nationalities are, however, represented amongst the pupil body.

Pupils at the British School of Washington follow a curriculum based on the UK Early Learning Goals, the National Curriculum (England), the International Primay Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate Diploma, all designed to give pupils the best possible opportunities to pursue their education at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom, the United States and around the world. For further details on our curriculum go to Our Curriculum.

Enrolment is accepted from children aged between 3 (Nursery) and 18 (Year 13). The average class size is 20.

Aim of the School

At the British School of Washington, we provide a broad, balanced education for all the pupils in our care. We aim to create a happy, caring and stimulating learning environment in which all pupils can grow academically, develop self-esteem and reach their full potential. In particular we aim: :

For excellence in education
To enable children to reach their full potential in every aspect of the school's curriculum
To provide children with an education appropriate to the world outside the classroom
To develop in children a love of learning and a desire to continue to expand their knowledge and skills through out their lives
To help children to learn to live together in a community and to show sensitivity to the differences between people
To encourage children to become responsible, independent people who are able to reflect deeply upon the world around them
To develop in children a positive sense of moral responsibility and self-discipline

Mission Statement

The British School of Washington provides high quality education in a structured, positive and caring environment, meeting the individual needs of pupils. The school community draws strength from its British identity and its American home. The school welcomes all nationalities, engenders respect for all cultures and achieves a positive sense of moral responsibility and self-discipline.

Teachers

Our teachers are recruited from the UK or international schools worldwide and are of the highest calibre. Every teacher is experienced in the delivery of the National Curriculum (England). Our teachers have a variety of academic specialist skills, which are fully utilised in the school setting.

All our teachers at the British School of Washington take part in a continuous programme of In Service Training (INSET).

Teaching in the U.S. is an attractive prospect, not open to many British teachers, thus providing the British School of Washington with a unique opportunity to select from an extensive source of professional teachers. This has enabled the British School of Washington to be highly selective in offering teaching positions to the most experienced, highly qualified and committed of teachers.

Professional Associations

The school is a full member of the European Council of International Schools (ECIS).

The school is a member of the Council for International Schools in the Americas.

General Information

Upshur Site

Start 8.35 a.m. - finish 12 noon or 3.35 p.m.
Full time Program for 3-10 year olds (Nursery Year 5) is 5 days/week from 8.35am-3.25pm
Part time Program for 3-4 year olds (Nursery) is 5 days/week from 8.35am-12.15pm
All Reception children (4-5 years) are full time
Entry after third birthday for Nursery Pupils
Year round enrolment at age appropriate entry point
Age cut-off for determining Year Group placement is August 31st

Decatur Site

Full day for 11 year olds and upward (Year 6 and upward)
Start 8.35 a.m. - finish 3.45 p.m.
Year round enrollment at age appropriate entry point
Age cut-off for determining Year Group placement is August 31st

Extra-Curricular Activities

Teachers organise a variety of clubs for the children after school 3.45 p.m. - 4.45 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

A wide range of lunchtime and after-school activities are offered to pupils in all three section of the school. In the past, these have included science, newspaper production, choir, chess, drama, making pop-up books and rounder and soccer in the summer months. The precise programme of extra-curricular activities available during the course of an academic year will be finalized once the new staff complement's areas of expertise and interest have been fully established. Clubs are typically offered for one hour after the end of the school day. Some clubs are offered at lunch-time. A full programme of activities available is published at the start of each term (and revised at Half Term break, as appropriate). The clubs begin the second week of term and finish one week before the end of term. Pupils may choose no more than two clubs per term in order that they will be able to manage all their other commitments.

After-School Care (British School of Washington Adventure Club)

An after-school programme is available to all British School of Washington pupils from 3.45pm-6.00pm during school term. After-school activities include outdoor and indoor play, a light, healthy snack, art projects, games and competitions. There are also opportunities to work on computers, read and/or rest in our quiet area.

We provide a safe, stimulating environment for all our children to do some work, socialize with friends or simply relax and have fun.

Contact Information

British School of Washington
2001 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20007
Tel: (202) 829-3700
E-mail: admissionsbsw@britishschool.org

Head Teacher: Jenny Arwas OBE
Admissions Director: Lucy Wall