Washington International School Achieves Prestigious LabelFrancÉducation Certification for Bilingual Excellence

Washington International School Receives Esteemed LabelFrancÉducation Certification

On May 7, Washington International School (WIS) celebrated a significant milestone by officially receiving the LabelFrancÉducation certification, a hallmark of excellence in French bilingual education. The event took place at the school’s primary campus in Burleith/Georgetown, where the French Consul General in Washington, D.C., Caroline Monvoisin, presented the honor during a festive ceremony.

The LabelFrancÉducation was established by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs to recognize schools worldwide that demonstrate outstanding commitment to promoting the French language and culture. Since its inception in 2012, only 97 educational institutions in the United States have received this recognition, marking WIS as one of the select few, an achievement that is less than one percent of all U.S. schools.

In her remarks, Consul General Monvoisin praised WIS for its rigorous French immersion and dual language programs offered from Grades 1 to 8. “Programs like yours here at WIS provide students with invaluable opportunities to learn not just another language, but to engage in studies conducted in that language. This fosters open-mindedness and academic success, while also enriching students' life experiences,” she noted, referencing scientific research that supports the cognitive benefits of bilingual education.

WIS Head of School Suzanna Jemsby expressed pride and responsibility in receiving such an honor. She emphasized that the certification reflects the school’s commitment to bilingual education, highlighting efforts from students, teachers, families, and community partners. “This label is more than an accolade; it embodies our dedication to preparing our students for success in an interconnected world,” she remarked. The French language serves as a vital bridge to a diverse Francophone community and opportunities that extend globally, while also nurturing critical thinking and creativity.

The Consul General further pointed out the importance of bilingual education in relation to economic growth, noting that French companies have generated over 700,000 jobs across the U.S. in recent years. The LabelFrancÉducation certification also provides educators with access to significant French cultural resources, enhancing the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum at WIS and broadening students' cultural perspectives and career opportunities.

Amid the celebration, Jemsby acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the school's French Primary School and Upper School Coordinators, Anne Bernoux and Anne Grelier, alongside the teachers, students, and families who contribute to WIS’s vision of a future where languages and cultures unite us.

Washington International School, established in 1966, offers a multilingual education model, including the International Baccalaureate programs at all grade levels. WIS prioritizes proficiency in multiple languages, such as French, Spanish, and Mandarin, affirming its mission to create an exemplary learning community enriched by diversity and inquiry.

With this prestigious recognition from the French government, WIS is poised to continue its journey of educating globally-minded, culturally-aware students, equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world.

For more information about Washington International School's language programs, including their admissions process, visit their official website.