Tessa International School’s Spanish Immersion Program in Hoboken, New Jersey, combines the best of the US and Spanish standards with the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework to provide a comprehensive bilingual education from Preschool to Grade 5. Our program is designed to nurture bilingual Spanish and English speakers while fostering a global perspective, critical thinking, and cultural awareness.
“We are very pleased with the education Tessa has been providing for our son. We feel they offer an environment in which he can thrive and shine. In the few months he’s been there, his knowledge of Spanish has grown tremendously. We love hearing him count and sing in Spanish! And we can tell the teachers and administration care about each and every one of the students; he is genuinely happy to go to school each day. We are very happy to be a part of the Tessa family!”
Foundations for Lifelong Bilingualism
In the early years, students are immersed in Spanish 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.
In Elementary School, students spend half of each week with their Spanish 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 Spanish 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 Spanish while maintaining their English proficiency. This approach actively supports long-term bilingualism and prepares students for success in various academic settings.
Completing elementary school with a solid bilingual foundation ensures students can maintain English and Spanish 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 Spanish knowledge?
Yes, we welcome students at all levels of Spanish proficiency until Grade 2. For those requiring additional support, we offer tailored Spanish reinforcement to help them develop their language skills and fully integrate into the program.
Will my child learn English in a Spanish 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 Spanish.
How do teachers teach Spanish and English?
At Tessa International School, our teachers are highly credentialed native speakers of Spanish 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 Spanish Program and IB PYP
Aligned with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme framework (IB PYP), Tessa International School follows a curriculum that integrates the U.S. Common Core standards alongside the Spanish curriculum. This comprehensive approach ensures that our students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for future academic success.
Tessa International School stands out as one of the few institutions in the New Jersey/New York City area that offers the International Baccalaureate PYP in a Spanish bilingual setting.
The IB PYP is a globally recognized program, implemented in nearly 2,000 schools across the U.S. and in over 5,500 schools worldwide. This approach emphasizes developing the whole child through critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness, equipping students with skills for success in an interconnected world. 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.
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
