FAQ

What does WIS tuition pay for?

Tuition covers approximately 90% of the operating expenses of the school. The balance must be raised from the Annual Fund, endowment returns, and other external sources of revenue.

Why does tuition go up every year?

Our teachers are our most important asset—the people who work with our children every day. We are committed to attracting and retaining the highest quality teachers to ensure the highest quality education possible. To do so, we must be able to compensate our teachers at least as well as other top schools in the area. We "benchmark" our academic performance against a sample of ten of the top independent schools in the Washington area. Prudent tuition increases have now brought WIS teacher salaries in line with these "benchmark" schools.

Is paying tuition at an independent school worth it?

According to the National Association of Independent Schools' (NAIS) report Values Added: The Lifelong Returns of an Independent School Education, students who went to independent schools like WIS, compared with students in parochial schools, for-profit schools, and public schools, outperform their peers on the SAT tests, and in postsecondary achievement, and pursue a richer variety of majors in college while setting strong professional goals. They show a higher rate of satisfaction with their careers and confidence in opportunities for further training, are more skilled in the technology of the 21st century, read more newspapers, books, and magazines, and attend plays, concerts, and community events more frequently. Add to that the benefits of second language study at WIS, which research shows gives students more intellectual skills all around, and the investment is impressive indeed!

Why does WIS need support from donors?

We ask for Annual Fund support, because it costs more to educate our students than we charge in tuition. As an independent school with a small endowment (just over $1 million), WIS relies almost entirely on tuition income and the generosity of the school community – parents, trustees, alumni, and friends. Our newest buildings, the Primary School and the Arts and Athletics Center, have been critical to the further development of WIS as a competitive educational institution in Washington.

Now, with the Gateway Campaign, WIS seeks not only to make facilities improvements to both campuses, but to grow its endowment holdings significantly, with the goal of sustaining both financial aid and faculty support. The bottom line is that we are managing our resources wisely to maintain a top quality curriculum and IB program, and to maintain a community with international and economic diversity.

Is there any point in giving if I can only give $10 or $20?

Yes, yes, yes! Even a nominal gift makes a statement, out loud, that you support your school and want to be listed as a supporter. Every person who gives, no matter what the amount, is crucial in helping us reach our goal. Parents' participation in the various ways to support WIS has doubled over the last six years, making a significant difference in the resulting educational opportunities for our students.