Tessa International School’s French Immersion Program in Hoboken, New Jersey, combines the best of French pedagogy with the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework to provide a comprehensive bilingual education. Accredited by the French Ministry of Education, our Maternelle program (preschool through kindergarten) provides a strong foundation in French language acquisition and academic growth. We are also preparing the French accreditation for our Primaire (Grade 1 to 5) classes, ensuring a seamless continuation of French education throughout primary school. Our program is designed to nurture bilingual French and English speakers while fostering a global perspective, critical thinking, and cultural awareness.
Foundations for Lifelong Bilingualism
In the early years, students are immersed in French for approximately 80% of their day, building a solid foundation in the language. English instruction, which makes up the remaining 20%, includes special classes and language reinforcement, providing well-rounded bilingual development.
Students spend half of each week with their French teacher and the other half with their English teacher, developing strong oral and written fluency in both languages. This balanced approach ensures continued growth in both French and English.
We shift from an 80/20 language model in preschool and kindergarten to a 50/50 model in primary, gradually reducing language exposure to help students build a strong foundation in French while maintaining their English proficiency. This approach actively supports long-term bilingualism and prepares students for success in various academic settings.
Completing primary school with a solid bilingual foundation ensures students can maintain English and French language proficiency, regardless of their middle school choice. This comprehensive language education equips them with the skills to confidently apply their bilingual abilities in diverse academic environments.
Can my child join the school without prior French knowledge?
Yes, we welcome students at all levels of French proficiency. For those requiring additional support, we offer tailored French reinforcement to help them develop their language skills and fully integrate into the program.
Will my child learn English in a French immersion environment?
Yes, English remains the primary social language, so children often use it during recess or when interacting with students from other language tracks. In preschool, special classes (Music, PE…) and English reinforcement help develop their English skills. By primary school, the 50/50 model ensures that students build strong oral and written proficiency in both English and French.
How do teachers teach French and English?
At Tessa International School, our teachers are highly credentialed native speakers of French or English, providing students with the highest quality of instruction. Importantly, they don’t just teach the language; they teach in the language, immersing students in authentic linguistic experiences. Our educators are experts in differentiation, tailoring their instructional methods to meet the diverse needs of each student, ensuring that all learners can thrive in a bilingual environment.
The French Program and IB PYP
Aligned with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme framework (IB PYP), we follow the official French curriculum. Our maternelle program (preschool through kindergarten) is accredited by the French Ministry of Education, and we are in the process of seeking homologation for our primary classes (Grades 1 to 5).
The French school system abroad (AEFE) network is made up of 580 educational establishments with almost 392,000 students from nursery school to the end of secondary school in 139 countries.
The French official program is recognized for its rigorous academic standards and in-depth theoretical knowledge. Canadian and American universities often grant college credit to French Baccalaureate holders based on their academic performance.
Tessa International School stands out as one of the few institutions in the New Jersey/New York City area that offers both the official French Program and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). This unique combination opens doors to numerous schools in the U.S., France, and around the world, facilitating a seamless transition to institutions that follow the same programs. The IB framework not only fosters academic excellence but also develops skills that extend far beyond the classroom, shaping adaptable citizens who are well-prepared to thrive in any school system. This holistic approach equips students with critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills essential for success in diverse environments.
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
