With the start of the school year, you may already have received invitations to various back-to-school events, including Curriculum Night. Curriculum Night is an interactive information session hosted by schools across the country a few weeks after children return to school. It takes place at all levels, from early years to high school, in both public and private schools.

So, what should parents know about Curriculum Night? Let’s take a closer look.

At Tessa International School, Curriculum Night is designed to be both informative and engaging.

What is Curriculum Night?

Curriculum Night is designed to give parents a clear picture of the year ahead. Typically, your child’s teachers will walk you through the year’s curriculum, classroom routines, assignment expectations, and the concepts, skills, and knowledge that will be addressed throughout the year.

These insights help parents understand not only what their children will be learning but also how they will be supported academically, socially, and emotionally.

Curriculum Night in Preschool vs. Elementary School

While the purpose of Curriculum Night remains the same, the focus varies depending on your child’s developmental stage.

For Preschoolers (Nursery to PK4):

For parents and caregivers of younger children, Curriculum Night usually provides the first window into their child’s school journey. Unlike normal daycares, nursery and preschool programs always emphasize early childhood education. Teachers will highlight how carefully designed learning experiences support children’s early development and build fundamental academic skills.

At Tessa International School, for example, you will learn about our 80:20 bilingual immersion model (80% in target language and 20% in English) to strengthen early language proficiency, and how social-emotional learning practices help children develop emotional intelligence.

For Elementary Students (Kindergarten to Grade 5):

As children begin formal education in Kindergarten and Primary School, the emphasis of Curriculum Night shifts toward more structured academics and skill-building. Teachers outline literacy, numeracy, and other core subjects, along with the methods used to assess student progress.

Different schools focus on different educational frameworks. As an IB School, Tessa teachers will explain how inquiry-based learning fosters critical thinking, problem solving, and conceptual understanding in elementary students.

What to Expect on the Curriculum Night at Tessa

At Tessa International School, Curriculum Night is designed to be both informative and engaging. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Meet your child’s teachers. Connect with lead, assistant, and specialist teachers to understand what and how your child will be learning.
Step into your child’s learning environment. Presentations take place in your child’s homeroom, allowing you to sit in your child’s seat and experience learning from their perspective.
Understand routines and expectations. Learn about the daily schedule, classroom routines, and goals for the year.
Mark key dates: Important conferences and events will be shared to help you plan ahead and celebrate your child’s learning process and progress.
Build connections with other parents. Meet other families to foster community and support.
Participate in the Uniform Swap: Families of older students can donate preloved uniforms, which other parents can pick up to support the community and promote sustainability.

Education at Tessa: A Blend of International Best Practices

At Tessa International School, Curriculum Night translates the coherent educational principles to their child’s everyday experiences, showing how our thoughtfully integrated curriculum (IB PYP, French, Spanish, Chinese National Curricula, and US Standards) is brought to life in a bilingual setting.

Our approach ensures that students develop academic competency, bilingual proficiency, and a global perspective. Parents leave Curriculum Night with a clear understanding of how their child will be nurtured as a whole child, in alignment with Tessa’s mission: bilingualism, excellence, and happiness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between Curriculum Night and Open House?

The Open House is for prospective families to tour the facilities and learn about the school’s overall offerings, whereas the Curriculum Night is a specific type of back-to-school event for currently enrolled families to meet their child’s teachers and learn specifically about what their children will learn in class that year, including curriculum, classroom procedures, and expectations.

How can parents prepare for Curriculum Night?

Most of the evening will focus on the teachers’ sharing. Depending on what is presented, you may find it helpful to ask a few follow-up questions, such as:

What does a typical daily schedule look like? How are learning, play, and social time balanced?
What are the main learning goals for this grade level? How will progress be assessed?
What do assignments look like at this grade level?
How do you encourage social-emotional growth?
What role do specialist classes (such as STEM, Music, Library, or PSPE) play in the curriculum?
How can parents best support learning at home and stay informed?

Are kids supposed to go to Curriculum Night?

Curriculum Night is intended for parents, so children are not suggested to attend. This helps ensure a focused and productive evening. Planning ahead ensures you can be present and fully engaging.

What if I cannot attend the Curriculum Night?

Life can be busy. Check if your school offers an online option. If that doesn’t work for you either, contact your teacher or the school for more information.

At Tessa International School, our homeroom teachers will share resources after the night, and grade-level information sessions are organized regularly for any additional questions. Our Head of Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning is also always happy to help!

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Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

A new school year is around the corner. A little preparation before the first school bell rings can effectively boost your child(ren)’s confidence for the months ahead. Here are some easy tips to set kids up with a good start, helping them be ready for a successful school year.

Heartwarming classroom decorations to welcome students back to school

Welcome Back to School. Let’s make this year the year of “Fulfillment and Joy”!

1. (Re-) Establish daily routines.

Summer break is often associated with rest, leisure, and a more relaxed schedule. To ensure a smooth transition back to school, it is helpful to spend time readjusting to structured school life. Introducing consistent routines helps children improve their time management skills and reduce any possible anxiety they may feel about entering a different environment.

Start by adjusting bedtime and wake-up times. Gradually shift these schedules closer to the school timetable. Such step-by-step changes will ease the transition and benefit children over a longer term.

2. Check the backpack.

Do the school uniforms still fit? Are the water bottles and lunch boxes packed? The beginning of a new school year is an ideal time to create a checklist for all necessary school supplies. Ensuring the right supplies are organized and ready fosters your child(ren)’s enthusiasm for what lies ahead.

Lovely students learning English when they back to school

Being prepared keeps children motivated and excited.

3. Complete all paperwork required

There are often forms and documents that need to be filled out and signed by parents before the school year officially begins. These documents are essential for accurate record-keeping and ensuring your child(ren)’s safety. By checking your email inbox and submitting these forms on time, you can avoid last-minute scrambles and help the school get to know your child(ren) better.

4. Initiate constant communications with teachers.

Have you received our Back-To-School email with your child(ren)’s class and teachers information? Open communication between parents and teachers is essential for maintaining a supportive educational atmosphere that benefits students. Always keep an eye on the communication channels, and remember to keep your contact information up-to-date. For the latest updates on school life and student achievements, be sure to check the school’s social media as well.

Parents and teachers keep constant communication as a school year starts

Positive Parent-Teacher communication plays an important role in student development.

5. Get involved in the school community

Decades of research have shown that parental involvement is crucial for empowering your child(ren). Actively participating in the school community demonstrates to your kid that you value every step of their development. Additionally, this engagement helps you develop a collaborative network, keeping you informed about school events, policies, and opportunities.

At Tessa, we believe that it is both the School’s and our parents’ joint mission to build a cohesive, global-minded community. Besides our amazing Parent Organization, we offer a range of leadership opportunities and chaperone positions awaiting your passion and ideas. Check out our recent school community email and event calendar. Sign up for those that fit into your schedule and interests. We are excited to create a thriving community where everyone feels welcome and valued!

Tessa Community celebrates World Music Festival together.

You can help our Tessa community forge a path towards a brighter future. Join us today!

As summer comes to its inevitable end and a new school year begins, we cannot wait to discover the many ways your child(ren) will grow and develop this year. By working together, we can help make the new school year filled with growth, learning, and memorable experiences. Here’s to a fantastic school year where every moment is an opportunity for success and celebration!