Elementary
Primary Division: Grade 1-5
Tessa International School’s Elementary recognizes the criticality of the early years in fostering a lifelong love of learning. Our thoughtfully designed curriculum, grounded in the International Baccalaureate and French frameworks, fosters intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and essential values. This comprehensive approach, extending beyond traditional academics, equips students with the foundational skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an interconnected world, while upholding the highest standards of academic excellence.
At a Glance
Grade 1 to 5
Dual-Language Program
(50% English, 50% Target Language)
“The academic, language and personal outcomes are impressive; it’s only been six months [that our son started Tessa], and we are already amazed by what he can do. He now starts to talk to me, initiate conversations in French, and his reading and writing skills have improved significantly. […] I think it’s such a great way to approach education, especially with the International Baccalaureate philosophy, helping children take charge of their own destiny in a sense, and become active members of society.”
Approach to Learning
Biliteracy
At Tessa International School, our bilingual program is crafted to ensure students acquire oral and written proficiency in both English and their chosen target language (French, Mandarin, or Spanish). In Primary School, students spend an equal amount of time with their English teacher and their target language teacher, fostering seamless collaboration and streamlined learning.
Academic Excellence
Tessa International School’s dynamic and goal-oriented program fosters academic success in core subjects like Science, Social Studies, Language Arts, and Math. Rooted in the inquiry-based framework of the International Baccalaureate (IB), our program not only imparts knowledge but also actively cultivates vital skills such as critical thinking, research, communication, conceptual understanding, self-management, and social-emotional development. With a structured curriculum drawing from both the French Ministry of National Education and US Standards, we establish a strong foundation for future success in middle school and beyond.
Acquiring Foundations of Life-long Learning
Our program is structured to encourage and facilitate critical thinking and problem-solving skills. We engage students in discovery, inquiry, and exploration, constantly and positively challenging them to reach their full potential. Our small teacher-to-student ratio allows for differentiation and individualization, ensuring each student receives tailored support while fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Transitioning from Kindergarten to Grade 1 – What to Expect
First grade is a big transition. At Tessa International School, students move from a full-immersion model in Kindergarten to a balanced bilingual schedule in Elementary. It is also a time of greater independence, where students begin managing their own materials, turning in homework, and taking more responsibility for their learning.
Overview of the Curriculum by Grade
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) is a curriculum framework which centers around a series of transdisciplinary themes that address human commonalities. The students are exposed to units of learning that integrate all subject areas and provide meaningful learning experiences for students. With a structured curriculum drawing from both the French Ministry of National Education, Spanish and Chinese national programs, and US Standards, we establish a robust foundation in core subjects such as Science, Social Studies, Language & Literacy, and Math, all the while fostering vital competencies, including critical thinking, research, communication, conceptual understanding, self-management, and social & emotional development. The knowledge is achieved both in English and in the chosen target language (French, Mandarin or Spanish).
Click the links below to download our curriculum outline:
Specials
Tessa Primary Divisions supplements its rigorous core curriculum with a multifaceted program of “Specials” classes, fostering holistic student development. These specialized courses provide students with opportunities to delve deeper into specific domains beyond the traditional academic subjects.
- STEM: 1x1h + 2×45 minutes (lab) weekly
- Physical Education (PE): 4×40 minutes weekly
- Library: 30 minutes weekly
- Music: 2×40 minutes weekly
Clubs
At Tessa International School’s Elementary, students can expand their horizons and explore their interests beyond the classroom through our engaging afterschool clubs, offered free of charge until 4:00 PM. These clubs delve deeper into various subjects like science, literacy, arts, and more, fostering a joyful learning experience through interactive and engaging activities. Whether your child is a budding scientist, a creative artist, or a bookworm, they can discover their passions and expand their knowledge in a supportive and enriching environment.
Assessments
At Tessa International School, we believe in holistically-designed, developmentally appropriate assessments. Our goal is to communicate students’ strengths and areas for improvement to both students and parents, while fostering a schoolwide culture focused on enhancing learning outcomes and instructional processes. We align our assessments with the Phases of Learning in the Primary Years Program and The French National Curriculum, as well as best practices in immersion language teaching, aiding teachers in adjusting instruction and reteaching as necessary. We are committed to building a schoolwide assessment culture that focuses on improving learning outcomes for students and instructional processes. View our full assessment policy 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.
Office: (201) 755-5585 | Location: 720 Monroe St. Hoboken, NJ 07030
