Washington International School - Tregaron Campus

WIS employs the Responsive Classroom approach to connect social-emotional learning with academics and to foster a respectful learning community. Counselors work with teachers to provide classroom lessons that develop healthy friendships, solve social problems, and increase self-esteem. Counseling support includes short-term individual or small-group sessions and consultation with teachers during grade-level pastoral meetings, and with parents as needed. In Middle School, psycho-education life-skills programs cover topics such as depression and anxiety, relationships, communication, peer pressure, drugs and alcohol, stress management, conflict resolution, and sexual health. In the Upper School, counselors provide crisis intervention, psychosocial assessment, and referrals to outside services as needed.

WIS identifies learning needs and strengths through informal teacher observations, grade-level assessments in reading, writing, spelling, and math, standardized tests, parental concerns, and external evaluations when appropriate. In-class learning support strategies and other interventions are designed to support the individual student, with a Learning Specialist working with teachers and students to provide strategies. Language Support in English, French and Spanish, Grades 1-5, provides in-class and out-of-class support for individuals and small groups. Mathematics Support exists in Grades 1-5.

English, French, and Spanish language support coordinators provide in-class and out-of-class support for individuals and small groups in English, French and Spanish.

WIS approaches health and wellness in a holistic, age-appropriate manner and supports students' mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The program focuses on helping students manage academic pressure and identifying students at risk through the School Student Support Teams. Programs include strategies for managing anxiety and depression and guidance on healthy friendships, technology use, physical activity, nutrition, and proper hygiene. Faculty and staff participate in professional development to support student wellness, and wellness activities are available for employees, such as yoga and mindfulness sessions.

WIS is committed to safeguarding and protecting students and providing a secure environment. The Child Protection Policy was developed in accordance with standards from accrediting agencies and in acknowledgment of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Training on child protection awareness and procedures occurs annually. All employees and many volunteers must complete a background investigation prior to hire, renewed every two years. Security measures include guards and cameras, and students and staff participate in drills for internal and external threats. The Safeguarding Lead is Associate Head of School Natasha Bhalla. Child Protection Teams exist at the Primary, Middle, and Upper divisions.