A preschool student at a French immersion school at a graduation presentation

Preschool vs. Pre-kindergarten: Similarities and Differences

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As you explore early childhood education options for your child, you may encounter terms like “preschool” and “pre-kindergarten” (pre-k). While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, you may wonder, what’s the difference between preschool and pre-k?

At Tessa International School, we understand the importance of knowing the subtle yet meaningful differences between various educational programs to choose the best one for your child’s developmental stage and learning needs.

This blog post defines preschool and pre-k, highlights their key differences, and explains how our preschool program prepares children for future academic success.

Defining Preschool and Pre-kindergarten

Preschool at our French international school and its other two bilingual tracks, Mandarin and Spanish, is an early childhood education program designed for children aged 2 to 4. It focuses on social, emotional, and cognitive development through play-based learning and structured activities. Preschool aims to nurture a child’s curiosity, creativity, and social skills, laying a solid foundation for lifelong learning.

Pre-Kindergarten, on the other hand, is a program specifically designed for children aged 4 to 5, typically the year before they enter kindergarten. Pre-K emphasizes school readiness with a curriculum that includes early literacy, math concepts, and social skills. The goal is to prepare children for the structured kindergarten environment and beyond.

Students at a French immersion school working together at a table

The main difference between preschool and pre-kindergarten is the age of students.

What’s the Difference Between Preschool and Pre-K

What’s the difference between preschool and pre-k? Preschool programs are for younger children, usually between 2 and 4, while pre-k programs are for children 4 to 5. What is the best age to start preschool? Preschool programs are for younger children between ages 2 and 3. The average age to start is three; however, this depends on the child.

The curriculum focus also varies; preschools concentrate on play-based learning and socialization, whereas pre-k programs have a more structured curriculum emphasizing academic readiness.

Additionally, preschools offer flexible duration options, including half-day and full-day attendance, while pre-k programs often follow a more standardized schedule, similar to a full school day.

Lastly, while both programs aim to foster holistic development, preschools focus more on social and emotional skills, creativity, and basic cognitive abilities. Pre-k programs emphasize preparing children for kindergarten academic demands, focusing more on literacy, numeracy, and school readiness skills.

The Preschool Program at Tessa International School

At our French immersion school program and its other two bilingual tracks, Mandarin and Spanish, we believe early childhood education is the cornerstone of a child’s academic journey. Our preschool program is designed to nurture the whole child, providing a warm, multicultural environment that fosters curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning.

We offer bilingual education, allowing children to learn in English, Spanish, French, or Mandarin, fostering early language acquisition and cultural awareness.

A French immersion school class learning math with their teacher

Preschool at our French international school prepares children to excel in kindergarten.

Our preschool program focuses on social-emotional development, prioritizing developing social skills, emotional regulation, and empathy. We emphasize cognitive growth through play-based learning and hands-on activities, encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.

Physical well-being is another key component, with activities and outdoor play incorporated to promote healthy development and motor skills. As an international school, we celebrate cultural diversity, encouraging children to appreciate and learn from different cultures.

By providing a holistic and nurturing preschool experience, we prepare our children not just for pre-K or kindergarten but for a lifetime of learning and discovery.

Choosing the right early childhood education program is crucial for your child’s development. Understanding the differences between preschool and pre-kindergarten can help you make an informed decision that best suits your child’s needs.

At Tessa International School, our preschool program offers a unique blend of play-based learning, language immersion, and cultural diversity, preparing children for academic success and global citizenship. If you want to learn more about our preschool program, we invite you to visit our campus and experience the Tessa difference.

Are you ready to explore one of the best Hoboken private schools?

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is the best age to start preschool?

Answer: Preschool programs are for younger children between ages 2 and 3. The average age to start is three; however, this depends on the child.

Question: What’s the difference between preschool and pre-k?

Answer: Preschool programs are for younger children, usually between 2 and 4, while pre-K programs are for children 4 to 5.

A teacher and her student on Graduation Day

Excellence in Education at Tessa International School

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Excellence, by definition, is the unwavering commitment to do anything to the best of our ability. At Tessa International School, it is not an abstract ideal. Excellence is one of the three pillars of our fundamental philosophy that underpins everything we do. 

Cultivating excellence in our students goes beyond academic achievement. It encompasses developing positive character traits, fostering global visions, and instilling a lifelong passion for learning. We are committed to helping students internally embrace the notion of excellence and strive towards it. 

Excellent Educational Practices: Our Global Accreditations

Tessa’s program has been built on the principle of incorporating the world’s best practices in education. Our school holds three premier global accreditations, which highlight the high standards we maintain and our commitment to academic excellence. 

These renowned accreditations ensure a seamless transition for students into similar institutions in the US and around the world, facilitating their global mobility and fostering their continued success.

Excellent Teachers: Our Foundation and Support

Central to our pursuit of excellence is our team of passionate and experienced teachers, who dedicate themselves to the educational experience at Tessa. Our teachers are highly credentialed professionals, mostly holding advanced degrees and specialized training in their subject areas. 

The group photo of teachers

Our teachers create a supportive community that inspires students to reach their full potential.

We provide a child-centered approach tailored to each student’s unique needs and interests. With a low teacher-to-student ratio, we prioritize personalized attention, ensuring that each student receives the support and guidance they need to thrive academically and emotionally. Simultaneously, language immersion, project-based learning, and an international perspective are integral to our curriculum. 

Each member of our team is a native speaker. With their diverse backgrounds, our educators bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom, enriching the learning environment and fostering multicultural exchange. At Tessa, we celebrate our differences. It is through understanding and respect that we cultivate knowledgeable, caring, and excellent individuals who are equipped to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. Our teachers may have different origins, but they all share the same love of language and culture, and the common goal of empowering students in a warm and supportive environment. 

 

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”

– Will Durant, paraphrasing Aristotle.

 

By all means, we aim to motivate our students to pursue excellence intrinsically. It is not just a destination but a journey we embark on. Through the incorporation of world’s best educational practices and a team of highly credentialed native-speaking teachers, we strive to provide a world-class education that promotes students for excellence in an ever-changing global landscape. 

 

Are you ready to explore the only international leading private school in Hoboken? 

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

Two students happily smiles

Tessa International School: An Education Based on Happiness

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The pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human aspiration, demonstrably linked to positive life outcomes. Beyond subjective well-being, research increasingly reveals a causal connection between happiness and cognitive function, academic achievement, and social engagement. Happiness plays a key role in how well students learn and a child’s emotional well-being is the strongest predictor of adult life satisfaction. 

Any great school needs to foster a deep-seated love of learning. At Tessa, happiness is one of the three pillars of our school mission. Ensuring the well-being and happiness of our students is at the heart of everything we do. 

Understanding Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence, also known as emotional quotient or EQ, is the ability to perceive and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. This ability is essential for preparing students for real-world interactions and becoming happy and effective global citizens. 

Emotionally intelligent individuals often cultivate fulfilling relationships that contributes to happiness.

Our school employs RULER, the renowned methods of the Yale Center for Social and Emotional Intelligence (YCEI), to guide students towards enhanced emotional awareness and interpersonal skills. RULER is an acronym for the five skills of emotional intelligence: 

  1. Recognizing emotions in oneself and others
  2. Understanding the causes and consequences of emotions
  3. Labeling emotions with a nuanced vocabulary
  4. Expressing emotions in accordance with cultural norms and social context
  5. Regulating emotions with helpful strategies

Research on the impact of RULER shows that emotional intelligence can benefit youth development by modeling people’s behaviors and maintaining positive school climates. Implementing RULER can also improve leader, educator, and student outcomes in schools serving PreK to 12 students. Specific outcomes include: 

  • Development of emotion skills
  • Fewer attention and learning problems
  • Greater social and leadership skills
  • Less anxiety and depression
  • Less stress and burnout
  • Better performance in school

Creating a Positive Learning Environment

 A healthy physical school environment promotes learning by ensuring the safety of students and staff. Additionally, researchers found that school facilities, such as lighting and space, can also affect students’ degree of happiness. 

Located on three floors of the Monroe Center, our facility has been designed to offer our students a modern, bright and warm space. The architectural features are designed to promote healthy learning, enhance students’ focus, and encourage a positive attitude. Through bright classrooms and purpose-built facilities, our community’s well-being is our priority.

A bright and warm classroom at Tessa International School

Classrooms at Tessa are designed for a positive learning experience.

Take a virtual tour of Tessa International School here.

Providing Community Support

Beyond the walls of the classroom, Tessa boasts a vibrant parent organization (PTO), which plays a vital role in Tessa’s community-building efforts. It is the School’s and PTO’s joint mission to build a cohesive, global-minded community and work together to make a difference in every child. Our active and close-knit community provides a strong support system for families, fostering friendships and a sense of belonging. 

Parent Organization organized Back to School Events to raise students' happiness.

Parent involvement can help students make social connections.

A sense of community is vital to help students feel engaged and connected to the learning process. By organizing events such as United Nation Days Celebration and Career Week, parents and teachers can foster social connections with students inside or outside the school. This can be especially important for children to practice their social skills, including learning the rules of conversation and age-appropriate behavior. 

 

To ensure that our education fosters happiness, we provide concrete support psychologically, physically, and interpersonally for students to thrive in this fast-changing world. We believe that happiness is a fundamental need – a key priority in our educational aims. It is one of the most important assets in fueling children’s life-long success and the achievement of many other goals. 

 

Do you want to explore education provided by one of the top Hoboken private schools?

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

A student at TESSA French International School raising his hand in class

From Speech to Script: How Does Oral Language Empower Children’s Writing

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As educators at Tessa International School, we witness daily the incredible journey our young students undertake as they navigate learning. A key aspect of this journey, especially in the formative years of education, is the development of oral language and its significant impact on writing skills. But how does oral language support children’s writing?

Understanding the interconnection between spoken language and written expression is crucial for supporting our children’s academic and personal growth. Keep reading to learn more about this fascinating connection and how our curriculum nurtures strong literacy skills that serve our students well into the future.

The Foundation of Literacy

Oral language serves as the foundation of literacy. Before children can read or write, they speak and listen. This initial stage of language acquisition is where they start to understand language structure, expand their vocabulary, and learn to communicate effectively. In our diverse classrooms, children are exposed to a rich tapestry of sounds, words, and sentence structures, which, in turn, enriches their linguistic capabilities.

A student at TESSA French International School writing

Our French international school builds strong literacy skills through oral learning activities.

Bridging Oral and Written Skills: How Does Oral Language Empower Children’s Writing?

The leap from speaking to writing is significant. Writing requires children to process their thoughts, structure them coherently, and present them in a way others can understand. How does oral language empower children’s writing?

The skills developed through oral language activities – storytelling, discussions, and presentations provide children with a robust framework for correctly conceptualizing their ideas and transforming them into compelling writing. As children learn to express themselves verbally, they gain confidence in communicating through the written word.

Empowering Creative Expression

Creativity and self-expression flourish when children feel confident in their language abilities. What are the effects of oral language on written expression? Oral language development helps children explore their thoughts and feelings in boundless, expansive ways. At Tessa, activities like Storybuilders Drama stimulate imagination and expression.

Effective self-expression through oral communication is a highly transferable skill that paves the way for excellent writing skills. When children realize that their spoken or written words have value, they are likely to take risks in their writing, leading to more expressive and meaningful work.

A student at TESSA French International School presenting in front of the class

Our French international school fosters effective expression and communication skills.

Enhancing Academic Performance

The correlation between strong oral language skills and academic achievement is well-documented. Children proficient in oral language tend to have an easier time understanding reading materials, engaging in classroom discussions, and grasping complex concepts.

How does oral language help children? With a solid oral language foundation, students can better organize their thoughts, reason through arguments, and convey their understanding of various subjects through writing. Oral communication skills in several languages also give children a significant academic advantage.

Tessa’s French Immersion School program and its other two bilingual tracks, Mandarin and Spanish, each paired with English instruction, enhance the multicultural and immersive learning environment.

Social and Emotional Development

Oral language is deeply intertwined with social and emotional development. Children learn to empathize with others, understand different perspectives, and navigate social situations through conversations.

These skills are invaluable when it comes to writing, as they enable children to consider their audience, understand the impact of their words, and communicate more effectively.

Our Role as Educators and Parents

At our French international school, we are committed to nurturing our students’ oral language development through various activities and strategies. As our children progress through their educational journey, the ability to articulate thoughts clearly and express themselves confidently in writing will serve them well beyond the classroom walls.

Our collective responsibility as educators and parents is to empower our young learners with the gift of language, unlocking doors to endless possibilities and opportunities. The link between oral language and writing is undeniable and profound.

By fostering an environment that values and encourages the development of oral language skills, we set our children on the path to becoming confident, creative, and capable communicators.

Are you ready to explore one of the leading private schools in Hoboken?

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How does oral language help children?

Answer: With a solid oral language foundation, students can better organize their thoughts, reason through arguments, and convey their understanding of various subjects through writing

Question: What are the effects of oral language on written expression?

Answer: Oral language development helps children explore their thoughts and feelings in a boundless, expansive way. At Tessa, activities like Storybuilders Drama stimulate imagination and expression.

A girl is showing her IB Learner Profile activities to her mother.

A Closer Look at Student-Led Conferences

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Student-Led Conferences are an integral part of the assessment and learning process of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). Unlike traditional school conferences where teachers primarily lead discussions, Student-Led Conferences place students at the center of their learning journey, encouraging them to share their progress with their families. But what exactly are Student-Led Conferences, and why are they so crucial? 

A girl is showing her IB Learner Profile activities to her mother.

Student-Led Conferences can be highly beneficial for students and their educational experience.

Defining Student-Led Conferences

Student-Led Conferences involve students and parents. The main purpose is for students to take the responsibility for their learning. Students are responsible for leading the conference and sharing their learning process with their family. The conference may involve students demonstrating their understanding through a variety of different learning situations. 

During conferences, students will discuss and reflect upon samples of work that they have previously chosen to share with their parents. These samples have been selected with guidance and support from the teacher. With their parents, students are expected to reflect on their own learning journey, showcase their current progress, and set goals for the future. 

A girl shows her samples of work to her parents during her Student-Led conference.

Students presents their work and guides the discussion in the conference.

Benefits of Student-Led Conferences

  1. Learner Agency: Student-Led Conferences encourage students to exercise more agency over their learning. Students will lead all stages of the conference. They prepare work samples, plan the agenda, and reflect on the feedback from parents. These conferences establish chances and conditions for students to have voice, choice, and ownership for their own learning. In turn, students can exhibit higher levels of motivation and engagement in their journey to become an IB Learner. 
  2. Self-Reflection: Student-Led Conferences require students to give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development. Students may reflect on the following topics during conferences: 
    1. Ways in which students learn: inquiry-based learning, visible thinking, etc; 
    2. What students have been learning: knowledge, skills, etc; 
    3. Outcomes arise from our learning: stories written, dramas performed, artworks, speeches, etc.
  3. Communication ability: Leading a conference helps students develop stronger communication skills. They learn to articulate their thoughts, share their accomplishments, and discuss their challenges. This experience can enhance their ability to express themselves effectively, both in and out of the classroom.
  4. Parent involvement: Student-Led Conferences enable parents to become partners who work alongside students in their learning process, giving parents an insight into the progress and process of their child’s learning. The conferences promote open communications between parents and students, where parents can realize the process in which students transfer concepts into actions. The conference is an opportunity to empower students and parents with an emphasis on growth, progress, and development.
  5. Teachers’ Partnership: Working as a facilitator to support students’ ownership of learning can give teachers new insights that allow them to make the learning environment more effective. By observing the interactions between students and parents and reading the feedback, teachers can also provide parents suggestions about how to support their children at home during Parent/Teacher conferences.
Student's self-reflection for their Student-Led Conference.

Student-Led Conferences require students to be reflective, a key component to IB learning.

Expectations

Student

  • Demonstrate responsibility for their learning journey.
  • Plan the conference ahead of time.
  • Provide an oral and written reflection of their learning journey.
  • Lead his or her parent(s) through a variety of activities independently. 
  • Acknowledge their strengths and areas for improvement from parent’s feedback. 

Parent

  • Encourage and support their child in describing their learning journey by asking questions.
  • Provide feedback to their child; help them set goals for the future and create a corresponding action plan.

Teacher

  • Provide time for students to plan, organize, and practice for the conference. 
  • Mentor students when setting learning goals. 
  • Offer guidance and expectations for student reflection. 
A boy shows his samples of work to his parents during his Student-Led Conference.

Student-Led Conferences are an effective method for promoting parent participation.

According to this study by Cheryl Lambert of Austin Peay State University, Student-Led Conference “offers students the opportunity to take the lead in the conference using their own work evidence; thereby, encouraging ownership and responsibility for quality outcomes.” The conference is a way of letting students shine and for providing opportunities for transdisciplinary development in planning and evaluation across the school.

 

Do you want to explore how this works at one of the top Hoboken private schools?

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

A class of students learning an international school curriculum posing together in a circle on a map carpet in a classroom.

What Is an International School and Why Should You Consider One?

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As a parent of a school-going child, you may wonder how you can provide an education that prepares them for our rapidly changing world. International schools offer children a range of unique benefits and competencies that they will continue to use throughout their education and far into the future.

At Tessa, we’re proud of the diversity within our community, and we understand that a quality international education offers so much more than language instruction. Keep reading for a comprehensive introduction to international schools, the special features they offer, and why you should consider enrolling your child. 

What Is an International School?

According to a report by ISC Research, the popularity of international schools has grown significantly in the past ten years. As of 2022, we’ve seen an astounding 60% increase in the number of international schools across the globe. Why is this? Since most parents today are involved in a global workforce, they are aware of the benefits an international education offers as the world grows more connected each day.

Forward-thinking parents seek an education for their children that provides the skills and attitudes necessary for navigating an increasingly connected society. That’s where international schools come in. What is an international school? 

International schools provide globalized education to students, often introducing them to different languages and cultures. Typically located in diverse, metropolitan areas, international schools are particularly appealing to expat families who may be seeking a familiar learning environment for their children. Of course, the benefits of international schooling apply to every child, no matter their background. What unique features do they offer?

A line of students learning an international school curriculum dressed in cultural attire speaking to each other at a cultural event.

An international school curriculum is transferable and diverse.

Special Features of International School

When you enroll your child in an international school, you can expect an enriched educational experience that provides the following special features: 

  • Transferable Curriculum: International schools often follow curriculums like the International Baccalaureate, which is the same all over the world. As a result, children who transfer from one international school to another can adjust seamlessly on an academic level. Tessa is proudly recognized as an IB school offering the Primary Years Program (PYP). Academic programs are certainly major factors to consider when choosing an international school. 
  • Familiar Learning Environment For Expat Students: Intentional schools can provide much-needed familiarity to expat students. For example, Tessa is accredited by the French Ministry of Education, providing a learning experience that our French expat families are acquainted with. As many students and their families are experiencing a new culture, international schools support the needs of the multicultural experience.
  • An Introduction To Global Citizenship: Global citizenship refers to a valuable quality that an individual possesses. It’s an understanding and respect for the world’s interconnectedness and diversity. A global citizen is aware of the world around them and takes meaningful action. These individuals display qualities that employers all over the world are seeking. At Tessa, students are immersed in a wide variety of cultures and are taught to appreciate the differences among them. 

Why You Should Consider International School

There are so many reasons to consider international school for your child. At Tessa, we provide Spanish, French, and Mandarin bilingual tracks in addition to lessons in English. However, the learning experience at Tessa goes beyond language proficiency. Our lifelong learning model sets the foundation for positive development and endows our students with skills that will continue to serve them throughout life.

A class of students learning an international school curriculum presenting an internationally-themed play in front of spectators.

Our international school curriculum prepares students to thrive.

Isabelle’s dad said of her experience with us: “It’s not just bilingualism. Tessa helped my daughter speak complete sentences in Spanish (which is amazing!), but every day, there’s something new and enriching: from the cultural speakers to Liberty Science Center visitors and music classes – it’s great knowing that your child is at an elite school that’s really pulling out all the stops to help them develop.” 

Are you curious about our international school curriculum? 

Contact Tessa for more information!

Personalized Learning: The Heart of Differentiated Instruction

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Education is a dynamic field, and as educators, our goal is to help each student reach their full potential. To achieve this, differentiated instruction is a powerful tool. It’s the process of tailoring lessons to meet each student’s unique interests, needs, and strengths, all while steering them toward the same learning objectives. In this blog post, we’ll explore what differentiated instruction is, why it’s essential, and how it aligns with our educational philosophy at Tessa International School.

Understanding Differentiated Instruction

 

Differentiated instruction is all about personalization. It’s the art of crafting lessons that cater to the diverse ways students learn and grow. This method empowers students with the freedom to choose how they want to navigate the path to understanding a topic, and it’s a guiding principle of modern education. It’s the cornerstone of the International Baccalaureate, where students are encouraged to be actors of their own learning. 

 

Why Is Differentiated Instruction Important?

 

  • Meeting Individual Needs: No two students are alike. Differentiated instruction acknowledges these differences and tailors learning experiences to fit each student’s unique profile. By doing so, it ensures that every student has the opportunity to learn effectively.

 

  • Personalized Learning: Giving students choice and flexibility in how they learn fosters a sense of ownership over their education. When students are actors of their learning, they are more motivated and engaged, and the lessons become more meaningful to them.

 

  • Clarity and Goals: Differentiated instruction doesn’t mean chaos or randomness in the classroom. On the contrary, it requires instructional clarity and well-defined learning objectives. When students know the goals they need to reach, they are better equipped to meet them through their chosen pathways.

Differentiated Instruction Strategies

 

  • Content Differentiation: Teachers can vary the content students study to achieve the same learning objective. Students may have options in subjects, topics, or approaches to grasp the material.

 

  • Process Differentiation: This approach involves tailoring how students learn. It could mean grouping students based on their readiness levels or presenting concepts through different learning styles, such as visual, auditory, or kinesthetic methods.

 

  • Product Differentiation: Teachers can allow students to choose the type of assignments they create to demonstrate their understanding of a concept. This could include written reports, stories, songs, speeches, or art projects.

 

  • Environment Differentiation: Classroom environment plays a role in learning as well. By adjusting physical arrangements and routines, teachers can accommodate different learning preferences and needs.

The Benefits of Differentiated Instruction

 

  • Connecting with Diverse Learning Styles: Not all students respond to the same teaching methods. Differentiated instruction ensures that various learning styles are accommodated, making it more likely for every student to engage with the material.

 

  • Inclusivity: In some cases, differentiation is essential for students with disabilities, or non native language learners. It provides all students with the opportunity to keep pace with learning objectives. As an International School, this is a scenario we are familiar with, making differentiation an even more essential aspect of our educational philosophy. 

 

  • Motivating Learning: When students are actors of their own learning, they are more motivated. Differentiated instruction enables them to engage with the material in a way that resonates with their unique interests and learning styles.

Differentiated Learning at Tessa International School

 

At Tessa International School, individualized learning is not just a concept; it’s a fundamental part of our educational philosophy. 

 

We take pride in our international community, which brings together students from various cultural backgrounds and language proficiencies. With a substantial number of students not being native speakers of the instruction language, differentiation becomes an essential component in every aspect of the learning process. By tailoring our teaching methods, content, and assessments to accommodate the unique needs of our diverse student body, we ensure that language barriers do not hinder their educational journey. 

 

One example of how our educators achieve this are workshops, where students are grouped into smaller, focused learning environments. These workshops are designed to encourage teamwork, independent problem-solving, and self-directed learning as students rotate between various hands-on activities, in group, individually, with and without the help of a teacher. This diverse approach ensures that every student gets a well-rounded and personalized educational experience.

Differentiated instruction is a commitment to help each child shine in their unique way, and we’re excited to be a part of their growth and success. Learn more about an education at Tessa International School by visiting our website and scheduling a private tour or call. 

 

French Primary Student Smiling

Understanding the French National Curriculum at Tessa International School

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At Tessa International School, we are proud to offer a comprehensive program that combines the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework with the esteemed French National Curriculum. This unique blend of education, combined with specific adaptations for each language track, brings together the best of both worlds, focusing on academic excellence, cultural immersion, and global engagement. Let’s explore the benefits of the French National Curriculum and its significant role in fostering a vibrant French community within our multicultural environment.

French Class at Tessa International School

Elevating Academic Standards through the French National Curriculum

The French National Curriculum is known worldwide for its high academic standards. At Tessa International School, we integrate this curriculum seamlessly into our educational framework to provide students with a well-structured and comprehensive education. This helps students progress systematically and ensures a smooth continuity in their learning journey.

 

Building Strong Foundations in Mathematics and Sciences

The French National Curriculum emphasizes the importance of mathematics and sciences. This focus enables our students to develop a solid foundation in these essential subjects. By mastering these skills, students gain the tools they need to tackle complex challenges and thrive in future academic and professional pursuits.

Promoting Critical Thinking Skills

Developing critical thinking skills is a key aspect of the French National Curriculum. We encourage students to analyze, interpret, and reflect on information independently, enabling them to make informed decisions. Through engaging discussions, collaborative projects, and research-based activities, students cultivate their ability to think critically and articulate well-reasoned arguments.

 

Supporting Teachers with Established Resources

Our teachers at Tessa International School benefit from a well-established system of resources and teaching materials. This support empowers educators to deliver quality education and provides students with access to a wide range of educational materials, textbooks, and digital resources. This ensures that students receive a comprehensive learning experience.

 

Globally Recognized Education

The French National Curriculum holds international recognition and respect, opening doors to universities and educational opportunities worldwide. Students benefit from the globally recognized curriculum, enhancing their chances of admission to prestigious universities and facilitating seamless transitions between educational systems across different countries.

Creating a Vibrant French Community

The French Accreditation plays a crucial role in creating a seamless educational experience for French nationals or families who may relocate abroad. By aligning our curriculum with the French National Program and obtaining homologation, we ensure that students can seamlessly transition between our institution and any French educational institution worldwide. Moreover, the integration of the French National Curriculum fosters a vibrant French community within our school. This provides students with opportunities to engage with native French speakers, celebrate French traditions, and participate in cultural activities that deepen their understanding of the French language and its significance in the world.

 

 

Tessa International School stands as a beacon of educational excellence, combining the distinguished French National Curriculum with the globally recognized International Baccalaureate approach. Through this fusion, we provide our students with a well-rounded education that fosters academic rigor, cultural immersion, and global engagement. Our vibrant French community, supported by the French Homologation process, ensures a seamless educational journey for our French students, allowing them to maintain their cultural identity and educational trajectory. At Tessa International School, we strive to prepare our students for success in an interconnected world, nurturing their intellectual growth, cultural appreciation, and language proficiency. Schedule a tour or join our upcoming events to learn more about our programs.  

 

Bilingual Adventures: The Transformative Benefits of Learning languages in Summer Camps

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Summer camps are a wonderful opportunity for children to explore new horizons, make lifelong friends, and create lasting memories. If you’re searching for a summer camp experience that goes beyond typical activities, why not consider a bilingual summer camp? These unique programs provide an immersive language learning environment that offers numerous benefits for children. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the advantages of bilingual summer camps, with a special focus on the enriching experience offered by Tessa International School’s French, Mandarin and Spanish Immersion Camps.

Enhanced Language Skills

Language acquisition is a primary benefit of bilingual summer camps. When children are exposed to a second language in a fun and interactive setting, they naturally absorb vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar rules. Tessa International School’s Summer Camp is designed to provide a full immersion experience, allowing campers to practice their target language with native speakers and peers, thereby accelerating their language skills development.

Cultural Appreciation and Global Awareness

Bilingual summer camps provide children with the chance to embrace different cultures, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of diversity. At Tessa’s Summer Camp, campers will not only engage in language immersion activities but also learn about customs, traditions, and celebrations from around the world. By exploring various cultures, children gain a broader perspective, develop empathy, and become global citizens.

Cognitive Advantages

Bilingualism has been shown to have positive effects on cognitive development. Research indicates that bilingual individuals often exhibit improved problem-solving skills, enhanced memory, and greater cognitive flexibility. Bilingual summer camps, like the one offered by Tessa International School, nurture these cognitive advantages by engaging campers in stimulating activities that require active language processing, critical thinking, and creativity.

Increased Confidence and Self-esteem

By participating in a bilingual summer camp, children develop increased self-confidence in their language abilities. Tessa International School’s Summer Camp offers a supportive and inclusive environment, where campers are encouraged to express themselves in their target language. Through interactive games, role-playing, and presentations, children gain confidence in their linguistic skills, empowering them to communicate effectively and assertively.

Social and Emotional Growth

Bilingual summer camps provide a platform for children to build new friendships and develop their social skills. Tessa’s Summer Camp fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment, where campers from diverse backgrounds come together. The camp’s engaging activities promote teamwork, cooperation, and communication, nurturing campers’ social and emotional growth.

Long-term Educational Advantages

The benefits of bilingual summer camps extend far beyond the summer months. Research suggests that bilingual individuals often excel academically, with improved problem-solving abilities, higher test scores, and increased creativity. By attending Tessa’s Summer Camp, children gain a strong foundation in a second language, which can pave the way for future language learning success and open doors to broader educational and career opportunities.

 

Bilingual summer camps offer a unique and enriching experience for children, providing a perfect balance of outdoor fun, cultural exploration, and language learning. Tessa International School’s Summer Camp stands out as an exceptional choice, offering a nurturing environment where children can thrive linguistically, socially, and emotionally. By attending this bilingual summer camp, in Spanish, French or Mandarin immersion, children embark on a journey that not only expands their language skills but also broadens their horizons, cultivates global awareness, and instills valuable life skills.

Learn more about Tessa International School’s Bilingual Summer Camp here.

Why Early Bilingual Education Boosts Brain Function and Development

Why Early Bilingual Education Boosts Brain Function and Development

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There has been an immense amount of discussion and research done on bilingualism in recent years. As scholars and educators dive deeper into the effects of studying multiple languages, more and more evidence is found to support international language learning.

Over the past two decades, researchers have focused specifically on the cognitive benefits gained by children who are introduced to bilingualism at an early age. Specifically, they have measured the ways in which children learn and react to various aspects of their education and found astounding results for multilingual children.

According to NPR.org, these results show benefits so great, they will be utilized and carried throughout your child’s entire life. It is a lifetime of learning in a way that is unparalleled to any other learning approach available.

Bilingual Education Benefits

While the benefits of bilingual education are exponential, there are several benefits that are so great, they should be considered priority in terms of learning. Among these benefits are invaluable skill mastery of things like problem solving, concentration and focus on any given task, and the ability to think critically and choose words with purpose and meaning.

“Researchers found that young adults proficient in two languages performed better on attention tests and had better concentration than those who spoke only one language,” according to LiveScience.com.

Problem Solving Skills

For starters, children who are introduced to a second language, are essentially challenging their brains to sort out multiple information and channel appropriate times to use each piece. By doing this, it is similar to solving riddles or puzzles – it forces the brain to consider information as a whole (call it “big picture thinking”) and sort out conflicting data. In terms of language learning, the child must sort out each language and decipher which language is appropriate to use at different times.

“Bilingual people often perform better on tasks that require conflict management… (because they possess) the ability to ignore competing perceptual information and focus on the relevant aspects,” explains the US National Library of Medicine.

Mastering Focus

Another benefit of bilingual education is the inadvertent mastery of focus and concentration. Since bilingual children must constantly think before speaking in order to ensure they choose the correct language to adequately communicate, they are naturally training their minds to reach mastery levels of focus and control.

“Because both of a bilingual person’s language systems are always active and competing, that person uses these control mechanisms every time she or he speaks or listens. This constant practice strengthens the control mechanisms and changes the associated brain regions,” the National Library of Medicine explains.

Critical Thinking

This level of concentration and focus that children with bilingual education will master, is what leads to an impressive critical thinking development. Essentially, by training their minds to pause before speaking and focus on what they wish to say, bilingual students learn the basis for a lifetime of critical thinking skills.

“Bilingual children as young as age 3 have demonstrated a head start on tests of perspective-taking and theory of mind – both of which are fundamental social and emotional skills,” reports NPR.org.

Overall, children who participate in bilingual education programs are proving to be more adept at communication in general, as well as having a greater cognitive ability and focus than their monolingual counterparts. Research continues to pour in on the benefits of bilingualism in early childhood education, but the results already reported have shown exponential plusses to international language learning.

 

Learn more about a bilingual education at Tessa International School here.

Join us at Tessa International School

Discover why our bilingual curriculum is recognized as one of the best. Learn how we combine academic excellence with engaging, interactive experiences that foster global awareness.

Inquire Tour Apply

Join us at Tessa International School

Discover why our bilingual curriculum is recognized as one of the best. Learn how we combine academic excellence with engaging, interactive experiences that foster global awareness.

Office: (201) 755-5585 | Location: 720 Monroe St. Hoboken, NJ 07030