Curriculum

An Education Based on International Best Practices

Curriculum at a Glance

At Tessa International School, our distinctive educational approach nurtures bilingualism while seamlessly blending the globally acclaimed IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) Framework with the robust French National, Spanish and Chinese Curricula, and US Standards. Students actively engage with dynamic unit topics through an immersive language experience grounded in real-life situations.

Following the transdisciplinary framework of IB PYP, excellence spans across Science, Social Studies, Language & Literacy, Math, the Arts, Social-Emotional Learning, and Physical Education, all the while nurturing a lifelong love of learning in our students. Through this approach, children explore concepts by observing patterns and making connections across a variety of real-life examples. Our inquiry-based approach fosters essential competencies that extend far beyond the classroom, including critical thinking, research skills, self-management, social skills, and effective communication.

Programs

Tessa International School Primary Division (Grade 1-5) recognizes the criticality of the early years in fostering a lifelong love of learning, while upholding the highest standards of academic excellence.

A group of kindergarten students working on assignments together

The transition to kindergarten marks a significant shift in a child’s educational experience. Play-based learning is gradually integrated with a more structured curriculum emphasizing foundational literacy and numeracy skills.

As children grow into early childhood, their world begins to open-up. Our PreK program allows your child to explore, inquire, and prepare for kindergarten in a bilingual environment.

Nursery is a special introduction to the school experience to initiate your child to a second language, develop creativity through play-based activities and prepare them to become lifelong and better learners.

A Journey of: BILINGUALISM. EXCELLENCE. HAPPINESS.

In a globalized world, where multicultural understanding is a major asset, Tessa International School prepares its students to become bilingual, adaptable and active citizens. Children benefit not only from full immersion in a second language, but also from being constantly challenged, so that they are used to and enjoy giving their best.

Learn more about the benefits of bilingualism here.

Tessa’s curriculum has been built on the principle of incorporating some of the world’s best practices in education. The school is authorized as an IB World School and follows the Primary Years Programme, by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).  Tessa International School is also accredited by the French Ministry of Education for our French pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten classes, and follows the official French program.

These dynamic and goal-oriented programs provide our students with the skills to challenge themselves in an environment that holds them to the highest academic standards. This great honor acknowledges Tessa’s high standing as one of the best schools available, where your child can gain academic excellence and global understanding.

Logo of International Baccalaureate World School

At Tessa, the development of the child is as much about the academic challenge as it is about the social and emotional evolution. Following the Yale Center of Emotional Intelligence approach, we recognize the individual needs, abilities, and interests of our students and are committed to developing the whole child in a fun and engaging environment.

Deeper Dives into Our Curriculum

Our Spanish Nursery teacher guides toddlers in language learning.

Raising a Bilingual Toddler: FAQs and Expert Tips for Success

Can young children handle exposure to two languages? Absolutely!…
Two happy French track Kindergarteners at Tessa International School

Why Kindergarten is Important

Does a good Kindergarten experience matter? The answer is yes.…
A student learns additions and subtractions with counting cubes.

Fostering Conceptual Understanding in Tessa International School’s Math Curriculum

We are living in an era of extraordinarily rapid change, where…
An international baccalaureate primary years program student in a science class

Benefits of the IB Primary Years Program in Early Education

Choosing the right early education program for your child is…
Learning Math

Unlocking Math and Science Potential in Tessa Primary Program

Have you ever wondered how a rocket blasts off to space, or how…
A boy is reading a book.

How Bilingual Children Learn to Read

It is a common misconception that bilingual students might lag…
A teacher and her student on Graduation Day

Excellence in Education at Tessa International School

Excellence, by definition, is the unwavering commitment to do…
Two students happily smiles

Tessa International School: An Education Based on Happiness

The pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human aspiration, demonstrably…
A student at TESSA French International School raising his hand in class

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

As educators at Tessa International School, we witness daily…

Personalized Learning: The Heart of Differentiated Instruction

Education is a dynamic field, and as educators, our goal is to…

End of Unit Projects in the IB PYP

The Primary Years Programme (PYP) promotes the holistic development…

Learning centers meet students’ individual learning needs

When you step into one of our PK or kindergarten classrooms,…

The Remarkable Advantages of Social Emotional Learning: A Case Study

Educational paradigms are currently undergoing a profound and…
A Look at the Importance of Differentiation in the Classroom

A Look at the Importance of Differentiation in the Classroom

Whether you’re a parent of one or a parent of a dozen, it doesn’t…
Social and Emotional Learning: Understanding Different Learning Progressions

Social and Emotional Learning: Understanding Different Learning Progressions

When it comes to the education of young children, development…

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.

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.

Tessa International School

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