Driven by her experiences raising a son in a multicultural household and recognizing the transformative impact of bilingual education, Isabelle Bonneau envisioned a school that would foster both academic rigor and a global perspective. She aspired to bring the high educational standards she encountered in NYC schools to New Jersey, establishing a community where students could thrive in an enriching, international environment. In 2017, Tessa International School opened its doors, starting with a few classrooms on the first floor of the Monroe Center.
With focus and dedication, Isabelle and a team of education experts developed a curriculum that embraces linguistic diversity, social growth, and academic excellence. Tessa quickly expanded to three floors to meet the needs of its growing student body.
Today, Tessa International School proudly reflects Isabelle’s vision, equipping students with the knowledge and confidence to succeed in a diverse and dynamic world.
Isabelle, born and raised in France, founded Tessa International School in 2017, a vision she had been developing for many years: to create a bilingual, international learning environment. She dedicated a decade to building and growing Tessa into the school it is today, guided by a clear vision for academic excellence, multilingual education, and a strong sense of community.
Her background spans international business and multilingual education. Isabelle also founded Be Lingual, a leading language program and immersion summer camp. Her personal and professional journey reflects a lifelong commitment to fostering global-minded, confident learners.