Washington Episcopal School

Posted: October 15, 2020

Posted: October 15, 2020

Posted: October 15, 2020

Posted: October 15, 2020

Posted: October 15, 2020

Posted: October 15, 2020

Posted: October 15, 2020

Exceptional experience over 5 years with 2 kids in full time attendance (most recently virtually and hybrid). Children get lots of attention, targeted improvements identified and acted on, teacher student ratio excellent, responsiveness of teachers excellent, teacher continuously study and apply their learning to the curriculum, leadership (Head of School and divisional leadership) are exception forward thinking, innovative, dependable, focused, and ensure the values of being kind, confident and prepared. There is great focus on academics and also social and emotional development. The WES community is open, embraces your diversity, and make you feel part of your children’s experience. Very impressed.

Posted: December 3, 2018

The small class sizes definitely allows the teachers to assess and teach each child according to his/her learning style. They implement various types of teaching in addition to the traditional setting, my son has used songs, art, storytelling and other ways of learning. He is a very kinesthetic learner - so he needs to "do". His teachers has been very accommodating. Washington Episcopal also provides extra support in areas of math and reading..and I absolutely love the "study hall".

Posted: December 3, 2018

Posted: December 3, 2018

Thus far, the experience for my son has been amazing. He looks forward to going to school each day and he comes home exhausted from a day of math, science, writing, french, chorus and band - but happy:-). As a parent, I am pleased with the community and I enjoy volunteering and attending gatherings with other families.

Posted: December 3, 2018

The school's approach to homework is very modest--my son doesn't come home with too much work - but it is used for practice and supplemental learning.

Posted: December 3, 2018

The teachers have a genuine concern for students and most are very versed in their knowledge of pedagogy. The great thing about the teachers is that they show their human side, too! Many are a part of the faculty band or they join in with faculty/student soccer games. This is very important in building community amongst the students, parents and faculty.

Posted: December 3, 2018

WES is committed to engaging with each child and teaching them the importance of compassion for others. My son has continued to grow in being empathic towards others.

Posted: December 3, 2018

The leadership at Washington Episcopal is amazing. What makes the administration and head of school amazing is their concern for the students and faculty. They are not far removed from the community, but are actually very approachable and responsive.

Posted: November 29, 2018

Our son started at WES during the Summer School Program. We had arrived from abroad and everyone was so warm and welcoming. Definitely WES had a huge positive impact for my son who was trying to adapt to the new city. We were delighted with the school and our son went on to start preschool at WES. The curriculum is great with lots of fun and engaging activities that stimulate the love of learning. Teachers are very committed, nurturing and very attentive of the students. The school also does a great job in fostering a kind and inclusive environment for children and parents alike. My son definitely feels very happy and has developed a new enthusiasm for school. We are very happy to have found WES and would definitely recommend the school!

Posted: November 28, 2018

Posted: November 28, 2018

I haven't seen or known of issues of bullying. I will say that the school has proven proactive about addressing instances kids might be feeling left out or where there are social tensions. The carefully designed school trips work to get the full class together as a responsive, responsible community. So much of the structure of the school (including the small classes and the attentive teachers, as well as smart pedagogy) means that the kinds of situations that rise to bullying in other schools never make it to that level at WES.

Posted: November 28, 2018

Teachers, especially in the middle school, assign homework thoughtfully and with attention to preparing students for later grades while also setting them up to succeed, teaching them study and organization strategies.

Posted: November 28, 2018

learners. Walk into this school and you'll see/feel immediately the genuine connections between faculty and the kids. I believe that genuine respect between the teachers and the students allows for students to have fun in the classroom and be incredibly intellectually challenged in equal measure.

Posted: November 28, 2018

WES absolutely lives its mission to create "Kind, Confident, Prepared" students. The school builds into its calendar a virtue of the month, and it encourages these students to ask hard questions of themselves about who they want to be in the world. I love that the school integrates these virtues and building character into the daily and academic life of the students rather than top-down direction/lecturing. For example, community service does include working with the outside community on, say, tutoring and park clean up, but it also means supporting the inside community with pairing older students with younger ones as mentors and guides, and with the kids' being held responsible themselves for bettering the school. I really love how there's no dogma in how they handle the Episcopal values that frame the school, encouraging the students to embrace the challenges of being good in the world when real-life situations aren't always so easy to navigate.

Posted: November 28, 2018

The head of school has seemingly boundless energy and is devoted to the school's mission--he's very present as a leader and educator, and he's very much involved at the heart of the school. (Many school leaders can get lost in their own bureaucracy. That is certainly not the case here.) Daily, he's out front greeting the kids by name. The new middle school head is excellent; she's already on top of the curriculum, the inner workings of the school, and the complicated academic and social dynamics of middle school. The elementary leadership is just as amazing. You really do feel like the people leading the school are working closely with one another, thoughtfully and purposefully, and that they always have the interests of students at heart.

Posted: November 28, 2018

We're in our second year at WES (now in 6th grade) and feel so lucky to have found this school. Our daughter is challenged academically and loves both school and the friends she's made there. She has excellent, caring teachers who push her--expecting the best from her (and not allowing her to be lazy--as can be the case for a smart kid in a DC public, for example)--and supporting her academically, socially, and individually to help her grow. The middle school is just so well thought out. The fact that you have so many 6th through 8th graders willing and eager to go to school is testament in itself (I mean, who among us _liked_ middle school? But these kids really, honestly do.) In the Washington area which can be so infused with the competitive and the hard-edged, WES hits this amazing sweet spot of warmth and critical challenge. The arts are strong, the sports inclusive, and the parent community so welcoming. The school also offers a number of excellent parent education events from leading experts and educators, and as an educator myself (and earned skeptic, having sat through many a bad presentation for parents at other schools) I've been impressed by and learned from this programming.

Posted: November 26, 2018

Posted: November 26, 2018

Posted: November 26, 2018

Posted: November 26, 2018

Posted: November 26, 2018

Posted: November 26, 2018

Posted: November 26, 2018

When we were searching for a school, we were looking for an Early Childhood Program that was developmentally appropriate: an active learning environment with a social-emotional focus and the right balance of play and structure. We have found this and much more at Washington Episcopal School.
Our daughter is now in her 3rd year at WES. She started in Nursery at age 3 and is now in Kindergarten. Her teachers have been so nurturing, knowing exactly how to bring out the best in her. We have been delighted to see our daughter thrive in this wonderful school community, growing into a kind, confident and social 5 year-old. Actually, as first-time parents, we feel like our daughter's teachers have also been ours, as they have been an invaluable resource to our entire family. We couldn't imagine a better school fit.

Posted: June 5, 2018

Posted: June 5, 2018

Posted: June 5, 2018

Posted: June 5, 2018

Posted: June 5, 2018

Posted: June 5, 2018

Great school for Middle School aged kids! Exceptional teachers- especially in history/geography, math, arts and languages. Each year of Middle School culminates in study-trips with the entire grade to Utah, Italy, and France or Spain- each incredibly immersive learning opportunities that build independence, character, and camaraderie. A great place to help kids navigate the often difficult transition from childhood to young adulthood!

Posted: June 5, 2018

Posted: November 4, 2017

Posted: November 4, 2017

Posted: November 4, 2017

Posted: November 4, 2017

Posted: November 4, 2017

Posted: November 4, 2017

Posted: November 4, 2017

Our son started at Washington Episcopal School (WES) this year and we could not be happier with our decision. We were originally looking into private school for kindergarten, but decided to apply for pre-K (called "transition" at WES) and are thankful every day that we did not wait until next year. Even in transition, the students participate in special classes every day, including science, art, and PE. The teachers are simply amazing--incredibly hands-on, knowledgeable, and creative. It is evident that the teachers truly love teaching at WES. The administration, led by Head of School Danny Vogelman, are involved with the students and parents every day. For example, teachers from various grades and administrators regularly visit and interact with students in their homeroom, at special classes, and during special events. WES has a very strong sense of community. One of my favorite things about dropping our son off at WES every day is that all parents, teachers, and administrators wish each other a good morning and many go out of their way to welcome my son to school. The older WES students truly embody the school's motto, "be kind." Both elementary and middle school students know my son's name, ask him about his day, and treat him like one of their own friends. We are confident that our son's education at WES is the beginning of a life-long love of learning.
-Amy S., parent

Posted: November 7, 2016

Our oldest child started at WES 4 years ago, transferring from a school that was not a good fit. We could not be more pleased with the school's balanced approach to academics, social development and play for children in the Early Childhood Program. Our experience with the teachers has been overwhelmingly positive; they clearly love their jobs and are eager to connect with each individual child. The school's community is engaged, active and supportive. Our second child started at the school in Nursery this year and we are excited to watch him join the school community and grow as a student under the care of his teachers. We highly recommend that anyone seeking an independent school education for their children consider WES.

Posted: November 7, 2016

We have not had any bullying issues with our children at the school. The school does take an active approach to teaching compassion and kindness among students.

Posted: November 7, 2016

Posted: November 7, 2016

Posted: November 7, 2016

Posted: November 7, 2016

We've had a very positive experience with the teachers at WES - they genuinely care about their students.

Posted: November 7, 2016

Homework starts in 1st grade and so far, it seems to be a reasonable requirement (approximately 15 minutes of homework 3x a week).

Posted: November 3, 2016

My son is a nursery student at WES. I drop off each morning and regularly head to work knowing we’ve made a great decision about sending him to WES. The faculty is incredible and works hard to foster a sense of community. They also work hard to accommodate working parents and go to great lengths to engage the entire family with the school community. We love it there.

Posted: November 3, 2016

I do not have any experience with this.

Posted: November 3, 2016

I do not have any experience with this.

Posted: November 3, 2016

I've never had a problem and the staff are engaged and enthusiastic.

Posted: November 3, 2016

There is a virtue of the month each month at WES. Lessons around the virtue are carried through every class and tailored so that they're appropriate for every grade level. As an example, when the students were learning about kindness, the school librarian taught the nursery students to be kind to their library books by hugging them as they returned to their classrooms with them and turning the pages gently. It's small, consistent reminders of things like this that reinforce virtues throughout the curriculum.

Posted: November 3, 2016

My son's teachers are fantastic. He comes home happy and genuinely excited about what he's learned. They are caring and hold students to high standards. They're also very communicative with parents and quick to respond to questions. I trust and respect them very much.

Posted: November 3, 2016

My son is in nursery and has not yet had real "homework."

Posted: October 25, 2016

Moving our children from crowded, impersonal public schools to WES was the single best thing we’ve ever done for them. Previously our kids said public school was “easy but boring” and the teachers’ main parent feedback was “they’re doing fine.”
At WES, they are challenged and happy, and in awe of the amazing teachers. As parents, we receive specific, actionable feedback on how we can support our kids' academic and emotional growth. We've benefitted so much from the parent-teacher conferences, back-to-school nights, and everyday communication from the teachers and administration.
When I picked my son up from his first day at WES, he said, “Mom, it’s so inspiring. I love Writer’s Workshop.” Since that day, he’s discovered new loves: French, Science, Robotics, and Strength & Conditioning. WES is a fantastic school – we are so fortunate to have discovered WES.

Posted: October 25, 2016

My children never encountered bullying at WES. Any issues that arise are dealt with swiftly by administration, teachers and parents, all working as a team.

Posted: October 25, 2016

It really depends on your child's specific needs. I know of parents who've had specialists come in to meet with their kids, and others who've had the school specialist recommend remediations and/or work with their children. There are children here with ADD who have benefitted from a focus on executive skills, particularly in the 5th grade. If your child has a special need, be proactive - mention it upfront and WES will let you know if they can help you. Try to speak with other parents about their experiences as well.

Posted: October 25, 2016

Danny Vogelman, now in his second year at WES, is an inspiring, effective leader. Ironically he was the Principal at the local middle school our children would have attended. There he developed a community-wide reputation - he was much beloved. He is introducing changes to the school at just the right pace, and has proven effective at recruiting and retaining great teachers. Danny is a terrific communicator and a lot of fun too!

Posted: October 25, 2016

The school teaches virtues both in Chapel and throughout the school. Each month is focused on a different virtue. The motto is "Be Kind," and it's true. Our son transferred in to middle school and had a FANTASTIC experience here. Everyone welcomed him. Our younger child is having a similarly great experience.

Posted: October 25, 2016

The teachers are more than effective. Their pedagogical style is amazing - my husband and I are always blown away at back-to-school night. My husband has a PhD in the sciences and he believes the math and science team is the best he's ever seen at an elementary and middle school. Both our children received fantastic instruction in writing - they just had a lot of catch-up to do from public, particularly with regard to grammar. I wish I could go to school here - it's that incredible!

Posted: October 25, 2016

Homework builds on class lessons and is not "busywork." Teachers check planners and beginning in middle school (I think), homework is posted online.

Posted: November 20, 2015

Posted: November 20, 2015

Posted: November 20, 2015

Posted: November 20, 2015

We recently switched our son from public school in Montgomery County to Washington Episcopal School (WES). The difference is simply amazing. He is excited to go to school, broadening his interests and starting to appreciate the relevance of learning. Worksheets are out the window and hands on learning in every subject brings the material to life (this difference is especially remarkable in science). The kids work in a collaborative, supportive environment where diverse opinions and perspectives are valued and appreciated. The small class size enables teachers to really get to know the children. The teachers and staff are committed to nurturing the whole child. The WES community is incredibly welcoming and diverse. The music and arts programs are taught by Masters level instructors who integrate the arts curriculum with the academic curriculum and take advantage of the cultural treasure of Washington DC (like trips to the Kennedy Center and National Gallery of Art). The school has national and international trips built into the curriculum that enable children to make real life connections with what they are learning and gain a progressive sense of independence over time. It was not an easy decision to make the leap to private school, but we are blown away by the difference in the quality of education at WES and frankly couldn't be happier!

Posted: November 19, 2015

This is our 4th year at WES and we are very happy. We have two daughters at the school and our family is a mixed race and religion family. We couldn't feel more welcome at the school and our religious differences are celebrated and respected. My children have thrived thanks to the curriculum and the wonderful teachers from Nursery through 2nd Grade. The administration is professional and friendly and always ready to help.

Posted: November 19, 2015

My child is currently in their Pre-K programme and absolutely loves it here. They have a wonderful arts programme, science, music, and French/Spanish classes for the little ones and we are amazed at the extensive vocabulary our child has developed in the last few months. It has been proven that children like structure and this school gives them this. A varied curriculum with wonderful after school activities, we have made the right choice for our child. Yes the fees are high but you get what you pay for. For parents there are many different social events that you can pick and choose from. There is no pressure to attend. Right from the application process we have been made to feel welcome, supportive and heard.

Posted: November 19, 2015

Posted: November 19, 2015

Posted: November 19, 2015

Posted: August 3, 2014

Our daughter has been at WES for two years, beginning in the 6th grade. From the start, we have all felt welcomed and our daughter seamlessly integrated into her grade. The students and families are warm and caring. Our daughter enjoys the opportunities she has both in and out of the classroom. In the classroom, she is appropriately challenged and encouraged to question and explore the academic material. Outside the classroom, she has enjoyed participating in the Middle School musical and choir, playing sports, getting involved in after school clubs and community service activities, and interacting with her teachers and the administration before and after school. We particularly like that WES only goes to 8th grade, because the leadership opportunities provided to students at this age encourage confidence and can set them up for success as they prepare for high school. Our daughter is looking forward to setting the example in her role as an 8th grader. She knows the younger students look up to the 8th graders and she is excited about the challenge this provides. The administration is extremely knowledgeable and very helpful every step of the way as students apply to high school.

Posted: July 17, 2014

Beyond the academics, WES offers kids opportunities to learn & grow in truly meaningful ways. My oldest just finished 4th grade in the spring & offers really my best example. In late fall, each 4th grader was asked to interview an adult in their life. Kids chose, parents, grandparents, aunts, family friends, etc. Parents had to help the kids find time for the interview, but after that, the project became school-based. From the interview answers, the kids spent many language arts periods crafting bios of their subjects, creating typed final pieces including photos. After weeks of work, the 4th grade held its annual Biography Tea. In front of parents, classmates, & the kids' Heroes and Heroines (their subjects), each child stood at the podium, with his or her subject, and read a paragraph from the final workSome stories made the audience laugh and more than one brought tears to my eyes. The kids gained so much. Not only did they develop writing & speaking skills, but, perhaps more importantly, developed deeper relationships with their Heroes and Heroines. My girl's story about her grandfather and the smile on his face that day will be memories we will cherish forever.

Posted: June 20, 2014

Don't be fooled by this school. I know first hand that they did not care about the well-being of my child, but gave special treatment to others (who most likely gave money, knew someone in the administration, or were politically connected). Also, I can not stress enough, place your child in a school that goes to 12th grade. The process of changing schools during the most delicate time in your child's life (adolescence) can effect their psychological development for their entire life.

Posted: May 9, 2014

We have been extremely happy to have our children at Washington Episcopal. Each year we watch our children continue to grow, supported by an amazing committed faculty. The curriculum is challenging, however Washington Episcopal emphasizes resources in every area of study. Our children are happy to be going to school each morning and they are happy when we pick them up in the afternoon. We think the teachers are great. We have been at Washington Episcopal for a number of years and have been impressed with the teachers and resource teachers each year. One only needs to engage any of the teachers to see how passionate they are about their work and about teaching. The athletics and after school offerings are well coached and well done and children get the opportunity to try a variety of sports. We especially like that students in all grades are provided age appropriate ways to present to larger groups through plays, music and concerts and science3 and social studies projects. The trips which are part of every single year are fabulous, leading to Italy in 7th grade and France or Spain in 8th grade. Our children are challenged, supported, and loved at Washington Episcopal.

Posted: April 14, 2014

WES is a wonderful school that has enabled my children to grow in a kind environment where they are challenged, but not overstressed. Emphasis is on the whole child. Middle School provides great leadership opportunities. That are unique to schools that end in 8th grade.

Posted: February 25, 2014

We love WES. Our son has thrived in the school's caring and supportive environment. His teachers have been fabulous - engaged, thoughtful and attentive. I think the curriculum provides a great mix of academic rigor balanced with plenty of time for art, sports, service and play. The parent community is welcoming and unpretentious. Our son has come out of his shell over the past six years developing into a kind, independent and happy young man.

Posted: February 10, 2014

Poor curriculum and really overpriced. Not selective other than ability to pay. Many better options in the area.

Posted: December 2, 2013

Washington Episcopal School is best from Nursery thru First Grade. After that, the teaching is very spotty. There is loads of rote memorization and a very rigid cirriculum. There are many great schools in the Washington, DC area--this is not one of them.

Posted: July 11, 2013

Washington Episcopal School is a great school. The classes are fun, and make you enjoy learning. The teachers are especially fun, each with their own teaching style. Students get to experience a variety of activities and classes, making for well-rounded graduates. Study trips to Utah, Italy, France, and Spain let students become more unified, while studying at landmarks, museums, and historical sites. Two things that would make the school better would be to get a cafeteria(currently students and teachers eat lunch in their classrooms) and to get an auditorium(currently there is a stage connected to the gym, so the audience is on folding chairs in the gym). Overall, WES is an amazing school that has taught me to work hard and to enjoy learning.

Posted: July 11, 2013

My son attended during the transitions year. The school is very rigid and does not appreciate individual personalities. It is VERY traditional and VERY rigid. Students either conform or made miserable. I do not recommend this setting for independent thinkers or self starters. If your child can easily assimilate and your parenting style easily accepts a robotic preset ideology, then your child would flourish in this ultra-traditional environment.

Posted: September 4, 2011

The thing that sets WES apart from the rest is the wonderful staff. Not only is the school blessed with a wealth of resources, but the love from the staff simply echoes through the halls. We have a child in the nursery program and we could not have anticipated a more complete experience. You will be hard pressed to find a more knowledgable, caring and loving set of teachers. I truly appreciate the time and focus they put into the development of the whole child. The entire early childhood program is simply phenomenal. In fact my wife just read me the curriculum for transition and kindergarten and my only question was "can working fathers enroll"? Truth be told, there are many good schools in this area, but the atmosphere of true relationship you and your child will feel at WES is unrivaled.

Posted: August 30, 2011

We have two children at the school and are very happy with it. It is great at identifying strenghts on all fronts: academic, sports and arts. The class room is structured early on and gives the opportunity for students in nursery, transition and kindergarten to learn arts and science. Also feel the school thus far has been able to differentiate to different curriculum when needed. There is discipline but also a warm welcoming feeling in the school - a great balance for our family.

Posted: June 24, 2011

A very impressive school in many ways. It is rich in resources; the facility is terrific. But I think WES is not very adept at teaching three and four year olds. Most of the teachers are very warm. But the the day is extremely structured. Three and four year old kids are marched from one activity to another. The "WES Way" lacks flexibility. The climate exudes hierarchy and rules. Three and four year olds get sent home from school as punishment, and their field trips have been nixed for acting up. The school's understanding of child psychology is very old school--set high expectations, demand performance, and punish deviance. The lower school's administration doesn't communicate well with parents---unless there is a problem with your child. Then you will get a terse phone call. Some kids flourish in this type of environment, but others get utterly stressed out. The school has one part-time counselor, so if your child gets stressed out you are not going to get much help from the school. It is not a place that welcomes eccentricity, so any parent who has a young child who isn't pretty tough and very disciplined probably should think twice about applying.

Posted: March 4, 2011

Our famiy has been at WES for eleven years, with one daughter who has attended from nursery to 8th grade and another currently in 1st grade. We've been pleased with WES from the beginning and feel it is improving still. We're in the middle of the high school application / admissions process, and it's going very well for our daughter and her WES friends. The Middle School is not to be missed - with excellent teachers, a protected and encouraging environment for the students, and great opportunities in sports, leadership, arts and travel, Also - pay attention to what's included in tuition at WES as opposed to other independent schools. Yes, it's very expensive (as they all are), but you get a lot for your money. There are no additional fees for sports, afterschool programs (except for extended day until 6 pm), arts, and the great field trips and middle school travel experiences. Other schools in the area charge lots of money for after school clubs, sports and field trips...not at WES.