WES IS STILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR IN A FEW GRADES. CONTACT THE ADMISSION OFFICE (admissions@w-e-s.org) WITH INTEREST.

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Fast Facts

Washington Episcopal School teaches children from PK3 through Grade 8 in joyful classrooms — preparing them for the best high schools and beyond.

WES challenges Early Childhood, Elementary, and Middle School students with an appropriate balance of academic challenge and support. We are a diverse, inclusive community that respects individual differences, develops every child’s unique talents, and fosters learning inside and outside the classroom. Here, children stand out without burning out.

  • Grades: PK3 through 8
  • Founded: 1986
  • Located: Bethesda, MD
  • Enrollment: Approximately 320 students
  • Households/Families: 220
  • Typical Class Sizes: 14-16
  • Student-to-faculty Ratio: 7 to 1
  • Percentage of Faculty with Advanced Degrees: 62%
  • Students Receiving Financial Aid: 23%
  • Students of Color: 38%
What is the procedure for applying to WES?

The admissions process typically begins when parents either attend an Open House or schedule a private tour. Once an application is submitted, students are invited to a classroom visit. Required supplemental materials vary by grade. Please visit Admissions Process for more information.

WES’s open admission policy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color or national origin, religion or creed, gender, sexual orientation, family composition, economic status, age, or disability.

What testing is required?

No formal testing is required for applicants to PK3 (age 3) or PK4 (age 4). The WPPSI-IV is optional for applicants to Kindergarten and Grade 1, the WISC-V is optional for entry to Grades 2 – 5, and the SSAT or ISEE is optional for Grades 6 – 8.

How will I know that my application is complete?

The Office of Admission will log every component of your application online as it arrives into the office. Your online account will reflect the receipt of each component with a green check.

What is the average class size and student-to-teacher ratio?

PK3 is one section of 10-14 students. PK4 is two sections of 10-14 students. Kindergarten-Grade 8 have two sections each of 16-18 students. Most years, each section of Early Childhood has two full-time teachers.

Our overall student-to-teacher ratio is 7:1.

What world languages do you offer?

Students in PK4-Grade 8 have a choice of either Spanish or French. Latin is required in Grades 6-8. WES also regularly offers additional language offerings in the school’s After-School Enrichment Program.

Is WES accredited?

Yes, WES is accredited by the association of independent Maryland and DC schools.

This means that WES lives up to widely accepted professional standards. To achieve and maintain accreditation, WES completed a two-year self-examination and evaluation by outside educators. WES received a full 10-year accreditation.

WES also belongs to many professional organizations including:

  • Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington
  • Black Student Fund
  • Council for Advancement and Support of Education
  • Independent School Mathematics Association of Washington
  • Mid Atlantic Episcopal Schools Association
  • National Association of Independent Schools
What are the school hours?

The time schedule of classes during a normal school year is as follows:

Pre-Kindergarten 3 (age 3)
Core program:  8:30 a.m. – Noon
+ optional afternoons:  8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Mon. – Thurs.)
8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.  (Fri.)
+ optional early arrival: 7:45 a.m.
+ optional extended day: until 6 p.m.

Pre-Kindergarten 4 (age 4)
Core program:  8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Mon. – Thurs.)
8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Fri.)
+ optional early arrival:  7:45 a.m.
+ optional extended day: until 6 p.m.

Kindergarten-Grade 5
Core program: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Mon. – Thurs.)
8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Fri.)

+ optional early arrival:  7:45 a.m.
+ optional extended day: until 6 p.m.

Grade 6-8
Core program: 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Mon. – Thurs.)
8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Fri.)
+ optional extended day: until 6 p.m.

Extended Day
Daily until 6 p.m. for PK3-Grade 8

Do you have a uniform or dress code?

There is no uniform for children in PK3, PK4, or Kindergarten. Students in Grades 1-8 do wear a school uniform. There is also a required uniform for PE for Grades 2-8. Please click HERE to learn more.

Do you have before or aftercare?

Students may arrive at school as early as 7:45 a.m. for supervised drop-off and attend the extended day program as late as 6 p.m. There is a separate fee for aftercare.

Do you offer transportation?

Our school buses are used to transport our students to sports events and some field trips. We encourage families to carpool as we do not offer transportation to and from school. WES is located by the T2 Metro Bus Line. Visit https://www.wmata.com/schedules/trip-planner/ for public transportation.

Do you have a birthday cut-off for admission?

We believe students benefit from being in a classroom with their peers, particularly in the early years when children develop rapidly. PK3 applicants should be turning 3 by September 1 of the year they plan to enroll; PK4 applicants should be 4; Kindergarten applicants should be 5.

Is everyone at WES Episcopalian?

WES is enriched by many faiths. We welcome both students of faith and students without a faith tradition to seek clarity about their own beliefs and to honor those traditions more fully and faithfully in their lives. Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and more than 16 Christian denominations are represented in the WES community. For specific questions regarding religion at WES, please contact our Chaplain, the Rev. Kristen Pitts.

When do you notify families of admission decisions?

Decision letters are mailed in early March. Families typically have two weeks to accept the offer of admission.

Where do WES students go to high school?

WES alumni attend over 30 different high schools around DC, as well as several boarding schools. We are dedicated to ensuring that each child matriculates to a school that is a good fit for him or her.

Click HERE to view the list of the secondary schools are students are currently enrolled.

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5600 Little Falls Parkway Bethesda, MD 20816 | 301-652-7878