Technology at WIS
The purpose of technology at WIS is to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive culture of technology innovation and support within the WIS community. Our team provides technical and curricular guidance to students, faculty, and staff that furthers WIS’s mission to be an exemplary learning community — enriched by differences, informed through inquiry, global in reach.
The WIS Academic and Information Technology Teams are mission-driven and are guided by the following principles:
- Student-Centered Teaching and Learning
- Innovation and Adaptability
- Digital Citizenship and Safety
- Community Support and Partnership
- Equity and Accessibility
Technology Services and Tools
Built on a fast, robust, and secure campus-wide network, the technology services and tools WIS provides support all areas of teaching and learning at the School. WIS believes that technology should always be employed thoughtfully and deliberately in support of academic work and that technology use is not a goal in and of itself. Accordingly, the Academic Technology (AT) and Information Technology (IT) teams work closely with school leaders to monitor technology trends and implement innovative, research-based practices for teaching and learning to ensure faculty, staff, and students feel safe and productive online.
School-owned devices are managed via a Mobile Device Management (MDM) system and adhere to network best practices and policies. Internet traffic is filtered through industry-standard firewalls and email traffic is governed by security and spam filtering.
WIS also maintains strict age-based policies related to the use of Artificial Intelligence and other technological aspects of academic integrity. Click the links below for age and division-specific details on technology services, tools, and AI policies.
Primary School | Middle School | Upper School
Cell Phone-Free Learning Policy
Washington International School is committed to fostering a community of focused learning, active engagement, and positive social interaction. Personal cell phones are significant sources of distraction that disrupt instruction and impact student focus, academic performance, and mental well-being.
In the Middle and Upper Schools, cell phones and personal devices (such as smartwatches) must remain off and stowed away from the first bell at 8:10 AM until the last bell at 2:50 PM (or 3:45 PM for Grades 11 & 12) each school day. Students are encouraged to keep their cell phones locked in their lockers until such time as they are permitted to use them on campus, either before or after school hours.
Parents/guardians who need to reach a child during school hours should call the Middle School Office directly at 202.243.1893 or the Upper School Office at 202.243.1890.
Additionally for Middle School students, after the school day ends, cell phones or personal devices of any kind are not permitted for gaming, watching videos, or other entertainment while on campus, and they may not be used at all during After Care (Extended Day). Middle School students may use their phones only to coordinate pickup with parents or guardians.
At the Primary School, students are not permitted to use cell phones, smart watches and personal electronic devices while on the Primary School campus. If a student needs to contact a parent while at school, the student should do so through the Front Desk Manager. As use of cell phones, smart watches, or other personal devices is not permitted, any device brought to school will be confiscated and returned to the parent.
