Rochambeau, The French International School of Washington, DC is a French Curriculum / IB (MYP) / IB (DP) / American Curriculum school in Bethesda, United States. Founded in 1955. Annual tuition ranges from $28,315 to $33,930 USD.
Location & Getting There
NanaSays Scorecard
Key Details
Scholarships Available
Financial aid is based on financial need, awarded without discrimination, and may cover up to 80% of tuition, enrollment fees, transportation, and school trips. Applications are submitted through FACTS and are confidential. The school may provide supplemental aid to families already receiving AEFE scholarships. French citizens may also apply for AEFE scholarships via the French Consulate. The financial aid process for 2026–27 opens in January 2026.
Academic Performance
Key facts
About
Rochambeau is a bilingual French–English independent day school in Bethesda, Maryland, serving students aged 2 through 12th grade across two campuses. It is the only school in the Washington, DC area accredited by the French Ministry of Education within the AEFE network, offering the French national curriculum alongside the option of the French Baccalauréat International or the IB Diploma. With over 80 nationalities represented and 100% of graduates admitted to four-year colleges, Rochambeau provides a rigorous, internationally oriented education in a diverse community.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
Why Families Choose
Rochambeau is the only school in the Washington, DC area accredited by the French Ministry of Education within the AEFE network. It offers a bilingual French–English curriculum leading to either the French Baccalauréat International (BFI) or the IB Diploma, plus the Maryland High School Diploma. The school serves over 80 nationalities, operates two dedicated campuses, and celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2026.
Fees & Financials
| Grade / Year | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Maternelle (TPS–GS) | USD 28,315 |
| Elementary (1st–5th grade) | USD 28,315 |
| High School (10th–12th grade) | USD 33,930 |
| Middle School (6th–9th grade) | USD 29,190 |
Original currency: USD 28,315 - 33,930. Application fee: $150.
Admissions Process
- 1Register for a campus or virtual tour. 2) Complete the online application and pay a USD 150 non-refundable application fee. 3) Upload required documents: child's photo, birth certificate or French Livret de famille, letter of motivation, previous report cards, and a Teacher Evaluation Form. 4) Assessment: AEFE-network students are assessed via school records; non-AEFE students undergo a virtual assessment; French beginners for Grade 1 immersion may require WPPSI-IV or WISC-V testing and an immersion teacher interview. 5) Parent interview with admissions team or school director. Applications complete by January 15 receive decisions by March 7; applications after January 15 are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Admissions Details
The school maintains a waitlist. Families can submit a year-specific waitlist form to request placement for a specific grade level.
Student Life
All students must have a uniform for physical education and sports (EPS), including a Rochambeau-logo T-shirt available at the school store. For field trips, students wear a white shirt, navy blue pants, the Rochambeau tie (provided at the start of the school year), and dress shoes.
Students may bring lunch from home. Balducci's provides optional prepared lunches for both Maplewood Campus (CP–CM2) and Forest Road Campus (6th–12th grade), with registration via MySchoolBucks. Both campuses are nut-free.
Facilities & Programmes
Wellbeing & Safety
Mental wellbeing is supported through school-wide themes and targeted activities including Rochambeau Unplugged, Wellness Wednesdays, Mental Health Awareness Week, Recreation Recess, Motivational Mondays, and mindfulness practices. Counselors provide individual check-ins and small-group sessions, and support new families during transitions.
The Health Team includes a school nurse at both campuses. Medical requirements include immunization certificates for all students. A Communicable Disease Policy and medication administration policies are in place. The School Counseling Handbook and consent forms support privacy and appropriate reporting.
Student Demographics
School Background
Governed by a Board of Trustees operating under Rochambeau's bylaws as an independent school.