Washington Episcopal School

5600 LITTLE FALLS PKWY

Bethesda, MD 20816

27 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by parent on 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.
Submitted by parent on December 03, 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.
Submitted by parent on 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!
Submitted by parent on 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.
Submitted by parent on 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.
Submitted by parent on June 05, 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!
Submitted by parent on November 04, 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
Submitted by parent on November 07, 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.
Submitted by parent on November 03, 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.
Submitted by parent on 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.
Submitted by parent on November 21, 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!
Submitted by parent on 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.
Submitted by parent on 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.
Submitted by parent on August 04, 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.
Submitted by parent on July 18, 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.
Submitted by parent on June 21, 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.
Submitted by parent on May 10, 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.
Submitted by parent on April 15, 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.
Submitted by parent on February 26, 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.
Submitted by parent on February 11, 2014

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