ICLS — a top-rated language school in Washington DC for federal agencies, corporations, and individuals — enters its 60th year as a nationally recognized leader in ESL programs and foreign language training.
Washington, D.C. — May 21, 2026 — For sixty years, the International Center for Language Studies (ICLS) has stood as Washington DC’s most trusted language school, built on a single conviction: that language is not a luxury. Founded in the nation’s capital in 1966, ICLS has grown into a nationally recognized, Woman-Owned language school in Washington DC, offering intensive ESL programs, foreign language training in more than 85 languages, and professional language instruction to individuals, corporations, nonprofits, NGOs, and U.S. government agencies — including specialized language training for federal agencies such as the Department of Defense and the U.S. Agency for International Development.
“Language access is a human right. It’s not just a convenience — it’s a lifeline. It’s how people participate, defend themselves, get care, access justice, and live with dignity. Denying it leads to inequality. Injustice. Real harm.”
— Karen Decker, President, International Center for Language Studies
As ICLS marks its 60th anniversary, it enters its next chapter from a position of institutional strength. In 2025, ICLS recompeted for and was awarded a new five-year contract for Language Training Services with the Defense Language Institute — continuing a government partnership in language training for federal agencies that dates to the 1980s. This milestone reinforces ICLS as the go-to language school in Washington DC for organizations requiring rigorous, government-grade foreign language training.
That same year, ICLS President Karen Decker completed her term as elected President of the Association of Language Companies (ALC) and received the William “Bill” Graeper Award — the field’s highest recognition for service, mentorship, and global leadership. Karen has also been recognized as one of the Top Women Leaders of DC since 2022, and is available for interviews and panels on language access and the future of ESL programs and foreign language instruction.
As a fully accredited language school in Washington DC, ICLS is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) and licensed by the District of Columbia Higher Education Licensure Commission (HELC). ICLS holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and has been designated by the U.S. Department of State as a J-1 sponsor in the Intern and Trainee category.
ICLS maintains memberships with TESOL, ACTFL, ASTM International, NAFSA, EnglishUSA, the International Association of Language Centres (IALC), and the Association of Language Companies (ALC). In 2025, ICLS was named a Top Workplace by both the Washington Post and USA Today.
Founded in 1966, the International Center for Language Studies (ICLS) is a woman-owned, independent language school in Washington DC. As one of the city’s most established ESL programs and foreign language schools, ICLS provides English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, foreign language training in more than 85 languages, and professional skills training to individuals, corporations, nonprofits, NGOs, and U.S. government agencies — including longstanding language training partnerships with federal agencies such as the Department of Defense, USAID, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank.
ICLS in-person and online programs include the Intensive English Program (IEP), private instruction, High-Intensity Language Training (HILT), the Lifelong Language Learning Program, Evening Group Classes, and the J-1 Intern and Trainee Program. The ICLS mission is to empower each learner with authentic language skills and the cultural understanding needed to thrive in a global environment.
Media Contact: Orietta Estrada, Community Engagement Manager marketing@icls.edu