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United States, Washington Dc
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DCI supports social-emotional learning through the IB framework and a daily Approaches to Learning class that builds social skills and study strategies. The IB program emphasizes environmental stewardship, social justice, and language and culture to develop responsible global citizens. Student Agency & Technology gives students voice and ownership in their education, aligning with SEL goals. The IB learner profile emphasizes balance, reflection, and effective communication as core dispositions. The Mental Health Department provides a comprehensive counseling program addressing social, emotional, and academic needs, supported by a vision that emphasizes emotional balance and reflective growth.
DCI uses a Response to Intervention (RtI) model to address instructional concerns and reduce inappropriate referrals to special education. Students' progress is monitored at each stage of intervention, with supports provided in small groups or individually in general education or in special education. DC International School conducts Child Find to identify and evaluate all eligible students aged 11 to 22 for special education and related services. The policy requires initial evaluations within 60 days of consent and outlines referral procedures and parent safeguards. Target populations include homeless students, those in CFSA custody, and youth rehabilitation services; coordination with CFSA, DBH, and Mary's Center is maintained. The staff contact for questions about services is the Director of Student Support Services, Kimberly Colley.
Language learning is a daily requirement at DCI; students take their language class every day. DCI offers three target languages—Spanish, French, and Chinese—with language immersion of 25-50% in these languages. Electives and some content courses may be taught in the target language, while courses in English remain available when students are not yet ready for content in the target language. The program aims to improve English proficiency and intercultural competence and prepare students for tomorrow's workforce. Proficiency is measured on the ACTFL scale.
The Mental Health Department provides a comprehensive, data-responsive, and developmentally appropriate counseling program addressing social, emotional, and academic needs. The vision emphasizes the IB learner profile, with communication, reflection, and emotional balance as key elements. Counseling services support students across grade levels and align with IB values to promote wellbeing and resilience. The department operates within the school's IB framework to support the whole child. The department's approach is to empower students to develop skills for balanced, healthy growth.
DCI maintains a Child Find policy to identify, locate, and evaluate all students with disabilities between ages 11 and 22. Points of Contact for concerns about Child Find include the Director of Student Support Services, Kimberly Colley, with phone and email. Outreach efforts include information at school events, publication in handbooks and calendars, and annual conferences. DC International School coordinates with external agencies such as the CFSA, the Department of Behavioral Health, and Mary's Center. Referrals and initial evaluations follow procedures that require consent, with timelines (initial evaluation within 60 days) and protections for parental rights. Staff receive annual training to ensure adherence to Child Find responsibilities.
District of Columbia International School (DCI) is a tuition-free public charter for students aged 11–18, serving grades 6–12 on the Walter Reed Army Medical Center campus in Delano Hall. Founded in 2014, it grew from language-immersion charters to become an International Baccalaureate World School offering the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for grades 6–10 and the Diploma Programme (DP) or Career Programme (CP) for grades 11–12. DCI implements an IB for All approach, with English as the language of instruction for core subjects and three language tracks (French, Spanish, and Chinese), where language study and electives are delivered in the target language. The school runs a 1:1 Chromebook program, supporting inquiry-based, student-centered learning. Distinctive features include language immersion, work-based learning through CP, and robust electives in arts and STEM. The campus is Tier 1 per DC PCSB, and ACE activities, athletics, and partnerships enrich experiences. A true model for IB for families.
