WES at a Glance

Divisions:  Early Childhood (Nursery, Transition, Kindergarten), Elementary (1-6), Middle School (7, 8)

Average class size:  14 for Nursery, Transition; 16 for Kindergarten through Grade 8

School size:  320

Student-Teacher ratio:  7:1; two teachers each in Early Childhood (Nursery-Kindergarten) classroom.

Faculty:  58 full-time; 14 part-time
        
School colors:  Blue and Gold

Patron saint:  St. George

Mascot:  Wesley the Dragon  

Motto:  Be kind.

School song:
Washington Episcopal, W E S,
Every day we work and play and do our best,
Books and games, we're singing as we go;
We are learning, and it's fun to know
We can give and we can live by the Rule,
Washington Episcopal, that's our school!
--Dexter R. Davison, 1986

Hours:
Nursery (3s): 
9:00 am to noon, option to extend to 3:25 p.m. on Monday - Thursday,
and to 2:30 p.m. on Friday

Transition (4s): 
9:00 am to 3:25 p.m.

Nursery and Transition early arrival: 
8:10 am, if riding with older siblings or in a carpool

Grades K-8: 
8:10 am to 3:25 p.m.

Transition - Grade 8 Friday dismissal:
2:30 pm

Extended Day (Transition - Grade 8): 
Daily until 6 pm


Tuition (2009-2010):

Tuition (2010-2011):

Financial aid available to students at all levels:  Families wishing to be considered for financial aid should complete a School and Student Service for Financial Aid form (SSS) and submit to SSS by February 15, with a copy to Washington Episcopal School.

Enriched academic program:  Science, Technology and Religion taught at all grade levels; French or Spanish (Transition-Grade 8), Latin (Grades 6-8); comprehensive programs in Art, Instrumental and Choral Music, and Drama.

Affiliation:  Independent Episcopal day school, affiliated with the Episcopal Diocese of Washington.  WES welcomes students from all faiths; weekly chapel services for all grade levels.  A respect for each individual and for the importance of the spiritual dimension of life underlies every aspect of WES life.  WES follows the traditions and practices of the Episcopal Church but honors the religious beliefs of all members of the school family.

Recently renovated facility: A large library, three science rooms, two art studios and a ceramics studio, two technology centers, three gyms, fitness center, full athletic field, playground, and outdoor sports courts. 

Extensive study trip program: Sessions in Desert Southwest U.S. (Grade 6), Italy (Grade 7), France or Spain (Grade 8) covered by tuition.

Athletic program: Includes movement classes for youngest children, physical education in grades T-8, and interscholastic teams for Grades 5-8.

Professional Memberships:
Association of Independent Maryland Schools (AIMS)
Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington (AISGW)
Black Student Fund
Council for Spiritual and Ethical Education (CSEE)
Latino Student Fund
Mid-Atlantic Episcopal Schools Association (MAESA)
National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES)
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)

History:  In 1986 a small group of committed parents joined together with Isabelle S. Schuessler, former head of St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School in Washington, DC, to establish the Washington Episcopal School.

Opening with 91 students housed in a section of the Pilgrim Lutheran Church, the school moved in 1987 to its present site in Bethesda, MD, a short distance from both Washington, DC and Northern Virginia. Enrollment grew dramatically and a Middle School (Grades 7 and 8) was added in 1995. 

Since 2001, Stuart Work, former Middle School Director of the National Cathedral School, has been Head of School.  He took over from Mrs. Schuessler when she completed her productive and inspiring fifteen-year tenure.

WES graduates have attended the following high schools: