Washington, DC is one of the most internationally connected cities in the world. Embassies, international organizations, NGOs, and multilateral institutions bring families from every continent to the nation's capital — families who understand the value of education that prepares students to think globally, engage across cultures, and navigate complexity.
Finding a school that matches that worldview, however, isn't always straightforward. Many of DC's elite independent schools serve relatively homogeneous communities. International schools offer global curricula but can feel disconnected from the local DC community. And public selective schools require lottery admission that isn't available to families new to the District or without established residency.
A Global Education at Templeton Academy
Templeton Academy offers international families something distinctive: a non-sectarian, culturally diverse independent school at Gallery Place/Chinatown that integrates a global perspective into every aspect of the curriculum while deeply connecting students to Washington, DC itself. With access to embassies, international organizations, the Smithsonian, and government institutions — all within walking distance of campus — Templeton provides the kind of globally minded, locally rooted education that diplomatic and international families value most.
Serving Diplomatic and International Families
Templeton understands the needs of international families because we've been serving them for a decade. Families from the diplomatic community, international development, NGOs, and global business bring unique perspectives and priorities to school selection:
- Academic continuity across transitions. Families who've moved between international school systems need confidence that their child's education will be rigorous, well-documented, and recognized by universities worldwide. Templeton's mastery-based approach and college-ready transcripts translate effectively for both US and international university admissions.
- Cultural integration without cultural erasure. International families want their children to engage authentically with American education and DC culture — not in a school that ignores the global perspectives they bring. Templeton's diverse student body and project-based curriculum value multiple viewpoints as an educational asset.
- Stability in a mobile lifestyle. For families who may be in DC for a defined posting, Templeton's small community of approximately 10 students per class provides the relational stability and sense of belonging that frequent transitions can disrupt.
- No lottery, no waitlist uncertainty. International families new to DC can't navigate public school lottery timelines. Templeton's holistic admissions process is open year-round and welcomes families from any background or country of origin.
A Global Mindset in the Curriculum
Templeton's Gallery Place/Chinatown location places students at the intersection of DC's international community. The school's Fieldwork program leverages this geography directly:
- Embassy visits connecting students with diplomatic perspectives and international affairs
- International organizations and NGOs providing exposure to global development, human rights, and cross-cultural collaboration
- The Smithsonian museums offering world-class collections that span cultures, histories, and scientific traditions from around the globe
- Capitol Hill where students observe US governance and its intersection with global policy
Beyond Fieldwork, Templeton's project-based learning model naturally develops the skills that internationally minded families prioritize: the ability to research complex issues from multiple perspectives, communicate across differences, and apply learning to real-world problems that cross borders and disciplines.
The curriculum includes foreign language instruction (Spanish, French, and Mandarin), integrated humanities that connect US and global history, and advanced coursework in areas like environmental science and philosophy that are inherently international in scope.
Non-Sectarian, Welcoming All Backgrounds
Templeton is a non-sectarian independent school that welcomes students and families of all faiths, nationalities, and cultural backgrounds. Our educational philosophy is built around intellectual inquiry, civic engagement, and the development of purpose — not around any religious framework.
For international families — many of whom come from diverse religious and cultural traditions — this non-sectarian commitment matters. Your child's identity and background are honored as part of the community, not overlooked or assimilated. Templeton's Core Advisory program explicitly supports self-awareness and identity exploration, helping students from all backgrounds develop a clear sense of who they are and how their unique perspectives contribute to the community.
Cultural Diversity as Educational Practice
Diversity at Templeton isn't a demographic statistic — it's an active component of the educational experience. In a class of 10 students where every voice is expected to contribute, diverse perspectives don't just coexist — they enrich discussion, challenge assumptions, and prepare students for the multicultural professional world that international families know firsthand.
Templeton draws students from across the DC metro area — different neighborhoods, different states, different backgrounds. For international families, this means your child learns alongside American peers from varied communities while contributing the global perspective that their own experience provides.
The result is graduates who are culturally competent, intellectually curious, and prepared for both US and international university environments — with a 95% acceptance rate to their colleges of choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Templeton have experience with international transcripts and school records?
Yes. Templeton's admissions team has experience evaluating international transcripts and working with families transitioning from international school systems. Our mastery-based approach allows students to demonstrate their understanding regardless of the grading system they previously used.
Is there support for students transitioning to the US education system?
Templeton's small class sizes and Core Advisory program provide a strong support structure for students in transition. Faculty who know every student individually can identify adjustment needs quickly and provide targeted support. The school's diverse community also means your child won't be the only student navigating a cross-cultural experience.
Can international families apply mid-year?
We encourage you to contact our admissions team to discuss current availability. Templeton's holistic admissions process accommodates the timelines that international families often navigate, including mid-year transitions.
How does Templeton prepare students for international university applications?
Templeton's college counseling program, which begins one-on-one in ninth grade, supports applications to both US and international universities. Our mastery-based transcripts, narrative evaluations, and portfolio-based evidence of learning are well-received by admissions offices worldwide.
Connect with Templeton's International Community
We invite diplomatic, international, and globally minded families to schedule a campus tour and meet our diverse community. Our admissions team offers international family consultations to address the specific needs and questions that come with cross-cultural school transitions.
Contact us to begin the conversation.
Now enrolling grades 6–12.