• Why Tessa International School?

Tessa International School is the only international school and the only bilingual preschool in Hoboken. Our school seeks to be accredited from the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) which is recognized worldwide as the mark of high quality education. We also have a low ratio of 1 adult for six children. The result is an exceptional, enriching, and happy learning experience for students.

• Why a Bilingual School?

Research demonstrates that bilingualism has numerous benefits. Bilingual children exhibit better literacy, math, and multi-tasking abilities and they are also more adaptable, confident, and empathetic. They have the opportunity to participate in the global community, learn more about people from other cultures and their brains are very active and flexible.

The languages offered by Tessa International School are some of the most spoken worldwide.

• What is the teacher-to-student ratio?

We staff at a 1:6 adult to child ratio. The class size is 18 students. Staff Teams include a Classroom Lead Teacher and Teaching Assistant(s) to maintain the ratio.

• What are the qualifications and experiences of the teaching staff?

Our Lead Teachers have a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Education/Language either from a US university or from their country of origin. In addition our teachers are native speakers of the target language and have 3+ years teaching experience. We also recruit happy, nurturing, positive and passionate educators with an attitude for international-mindedness.

• Does my child have to be toilet-trained to attend?

For children entering our Nursery (ages 2.5-3), it is not a requirement of Tessa’s for them to be toilet trained. We will work on the process in partnership with you as parents  to make the change as stress-free and comfortable as possible while your child transitions between pull-ups and using the bathroom. For children entering our Pre-K classrooms (ages 3.5-4) the expectation is that they are fully potty-trained.

• At what age can my child begin school?

Children must be 2.5 years old to enroll in the Pre-K program. Our cutoff date is December 31^st.

• What is your calendar based upon?

Our school year starts the week after Labor Day and ends shortly before the end of June. We follow the usual calendar holidays and have a few days break in the middle of each term as well. With working parents in mind, we offer vacation care during these breaks. We offer 9 to 10 more effective school days during the school year – a full two weeks – than most other prominent independent schools in the area.

• Are there “Specials”? Who teaches them?

In the 2018-19 school year, we work with The Liberty Science Center (Science) and Tone Academy (Music – Suzuki method) to bring enrichment programs to our students weekly. These additional programs, carefully customized to Tessa International School’s learning objectives and curriculum, provide opportunities for our students to express themselves, problem solve, and work in collaboration with their peers.

• How much time do children spend outdoors?

Since children benefit tremendously from fresh air, exercise, and gross-motor play, the students play outdoors each day, during all seasons, except in the case of extreme temperatures. We look at the outdoors as an extension of our classrooms, and are very lucky to have our own playground, which is rare for city institutions.

• How do you discipline the students?

We view mistakes as learning opportunities and young children are expected to make mistakes. Students make choices and are responsible for their decisions. We address situations as they arise and on an individual basis. Our goal is to help the students develop self-control and make positive choices for the right reasons. We have a strong social-emotional program in place, which continuously helps guide students in this area so they learn to manage their feelings and behaviors at school and beyond.

• Why 80% in the target language and 20% English?

Research has shown this full-immersion model to be more effective than a 50/50 split. The reason being the target language gets stronger while the level of English remains the same, whereas a 50/50 model has shown the target language to be weaker and the English remain the same.

• Do you celebrate holidays?

We believe that celebrations can enrich classroom experiences. All families are encouraged to share their unique traditions and customs with the classrooms. And opportunities to bring in local or global customs/celebrations are planned for students and teachers throughout the year.

• In which way is Tessa International School different from a daycare?

Though Tessa International School provides morning and afternoon care for families by request, Tessa International School is a Early Years (starting at age 2.5) through Elementary School (through Grade 1 in 2019-2020 and expanding by one grade level per year) and not a daycare. While play is an important aspect of learning in our Early Years, our students receive equal academic instruction in a developmentally appropriate manner. All students follow a comprehensive curriculum that teaches students to read, write, and develop numerous other skills, including science, math, fine motor skills, critical thinking, research, social, communication, and self-management skills.

• I have some more questions. How can I get in touch?

We welcome questions and comments from families! Feel free to email us at admissions@tessais.org or call (201) 755-8555. We look forward to hearing from you!