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- Does BISW offer after-school care?
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Yes, we partner with Ivy Camps USA to offer an excellent after-school care program for children aged 2 to 11. We are committed to providing children with an engaging and rewarding after-school experience. Our program prioritises fun and skill-based learning with a diverse curriculum that covers dozens of creative topics. Use the link below to learn more and register your child for this enriching experience.
BISW After-School Programme by Ivy Camps USA
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- Does BISW offer extracurricular activities?
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Yes, we offer many extracurricular activities each term for students in Years 1 to 13. These include academic or interest-based clubs such as art, chemistry, debate, French, media, Model United Nations, origami, robotics, sign language, and Spanish. In addition, we provide team sports like badminton, basketball, cricket, field hockey, football (i.e. soccer), tennis, and volleyball, as well as individual sports like cross country. We also have performing arts activities such as dance, musicals, or plays. These extracurricular activities enable students to explore their interests, develop new skills, and socialise with their peers. The wide range of extracurricular activities available to the students reflects our school's commitment to providing a well-rounded education.
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- What are the IGCSE and IBDP, and how do they help students who want to attend a top university?
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The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), by Cambridge Assessment International Education, is an internationally recognised qualification for students aged 14 to 16 that develops their knowledge and skills across various subjects.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), by the non-profit educational foundation International Baccalaureate (IB) from Switzerland, is a two-year academic programme for students aged 16 to 19 that provides a broad and balanced foundation for instruction across six subject groups, including elective courses. To earn an IB diploma, students also engage in extracurricular activities and complete a research-based extended essay, a theory of knowledge course, and community service work.
Both the IGCSE and IBDP are rigorous two-year programs that challenge and engage students. These qualifications prepare young people for further study at university and provide them with a broad and well-rounded education that develops a diverse range of skills, including critical thinking, independent work, and effective communication. With guidance from school leaders, students can select a track of IGCSE and IBDP courses that align with their interests and future goals.
Having completed the IGCSE and IBDP programs, students are well-positioned for university admissions in the United States and worldwide. A portfolio that includes certifications from both programs can set students apart from others and demonstrate their academic ability, potential, and commitment to excellence. More specifically, students undertake both rigorous programs in more than 140 countries across the globe, making it an excellent asset for further study and university admissions.
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- What languages do you offer, and when do they start?
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BISW offers Spanish instruction from Nursery to Year 13 and French instruction for intermediate to advanced speakers in Years 7 through 13. Families can also arrange for language tutors to provide lessons in other languages as a substitute for Spanish or French classes. This approach provides flexibility and options for families to customize their child's language learning experience.
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- Do you have provisions for children with special educational needs?
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We are an inclusive school and provide targeted assistance for children who need extra help through our learning support department. To determine if our school is the right fit for your child, complete an application and provide documentation about your child's needs, such as psychology reports and evaluations conducted by licensed professionals who can assess your child's cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning, and Individual Education Plans (IEPs), which are legally binding documents that outline the educational accommodations and goals for students with special needs. With this documentation, our school leaders can gain a deeper insight into your child's specific strengths and needs, and we can provide effective accommodations and support or guidance for academic and social advancement.
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- Where do your families live, and do you provide school buses?
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Our families come from all around the Washington, DC area, including locations in Maryland and Virginia. We offer bus services within a 20-mile radius from the school. Learn more about our transportation options at the link below.
Bus Service Information
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- As a parent, how can I become involved?
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Our Parents' Association (PA) offers excellent opportunities to get involved through volunteer activities and representative roles. By becoming an active member of the PA, you can help to enhance the educational experience and promote excellence at our school. The PA facilitates collaboration among BISW families, the school administration, and the DC community, providing various opportunities for parents and guardians to participate. In addition, the PA serves as a communication bridge between parents and guardians and the school, advocating for their priorities, building partnerships, and utilizing their skills and experience to benefit the school. Read more about the PA and access its resources at the link below.
Parent Association Information
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- How does the school communicate with families?
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At BISW, we prioritize clear, helpful, and timely communication with parents and guardians. We offer multiple channels for staying connected, including parent-teacher conferences, informal discussions, and year group reports that track student progress. Email dialogue and web-based platforms like ManageBac and SeeSaw help teachers share classroom updates. Our social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter showcases our warm and supportive community and celebrates our students' achievements. Weekly newsletters and periodic midweek updates keep parents informed about events and activities, and Parents' Association coffee mornings provide a social opportunity for parents to connect. These are some of the effective communication methods that help us maintain an open dialogue with families.
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- Is a school lunch provided? Where is the food sourced from and made?
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BISW partners with FLIK Dining, an independent school dining service that provides delicious, healthy menus to school children. FLIK adheres to the highest standards of food hygiene and preparation. They source local ingredients when possible and create their menu items in our on-site kitchen. This makes it possible for students to enjoy a range of wholesome, hearty meals each week.
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- Are you a selective school?
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BISW is academically non-selective because we believe that no child has a limit to their potential or ability. When considering applicants, we see if they share our values of respect, tolerance, and open-mindedness and whether we can accommodate their individual needs to ensure they receive the best possible education.
