International and Out-of-Town Applicants
WIS has considerable experience with students applying from other international schools as well as from a variety of different systems of education. This experience is used when determining an applicant's grade of entry and when considering what types of adjustments a new student may have to make to bridge differences between their previous school and WIS.
Families should start the application process as soon as they learn they will or might be relocating to Washington, DC. The time needed to complete an application varies, and can take anywhere from 2 weeks to several months. Factors that affect timing include the time it takes for documents to be sent from previous schools and the scheduling of admissions testing (WIS tests are required of applicants for Grade 4 and above).
Standard Application Deadlines – The standard admissions calendar for WIS is as follows: applications are due by January 10, all other forms and supporting documents must be submitted by February 1, and admissions testing must be completed by February 10. By March 15 decision notification letters will be mailed to all families who have completed the application process within the established deadlines. Because WIS has strict limitations on space and a cap on enrollment, we strongly encourage all international and out-of-town families to work within the standard admissions deadlines. The Admissions Office will accept and consider late applications from relocating families to fill any remaining available spaces. Click here to review our standard applications procedures.
“In 1991, you enthusiastically accepted Amanda into second grade. At WIS, she flourished in a way we had never seen before but had always hoped was possible.” Margaret and Tony Sinden, parents of Robert ‘00 and Amanda ‘02
Late Applications - International and out-of-town applicants who have missed the standard admissions deadlines should immediately contact the Admissions Office at (202) 243-1815 about space availability and completing the application process. The Admissions Office will accept and consider late applications from relocating families, however, because space may be limited, even successful applications may not result in placement in the desired grade. Families should actively seek admission to other schools, in the event that placement cannot be accommodated.
Application and Forms - The admissions application and all necessary forms are available electronically and in hardcopy. Request an admissions packet here. Completed forms and supporting documentation should be faxed to the Admissions Office at (202) 243-1807 and then mailed to the Admissions Office at 3100 Macomb Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008.
Application Fees – The $75 application fee for international applicants reflects international postage rates and the fact that, often, at least one mailing is sent to families by international courier. The application fee can be paid either by in US dollars and drawn on a US bank, or by MasterCard or VISA credit cards. The following information is needed for credit card payments: card type, name on card, card number, expiration date, amount authorized to charge. This information can be provided to Mary Hastings Moore in the Admissions Office at (202) 243-1815, by fax at (202) 243-1807, or by e-mail at moore@wis.edu.
Admissions Testing –Applicants to Grade 4 and above will have their WIS admissions tests sent directly to their current school to administer. The current school will then fax and mail the tests back to the Admissions Office.
Campus Tours – Individual tours can be arranged for those who are visiting the Washington area as they plan their relocation. To arrange for a tour, please contact Mary Hastings Moore in the Admissions Office at (202) 243-1815 or moore@wis.edu.
