International schools offer quality education, and can prepare for the International Baccalaureate. They have a reputation for putting the student’s personal development at the heart of their program and promoting their talents.
Logo Tessa International School
Expatriation, when well prepared, is a real opportunity for children. But changing countries is not without some challenges for families. Finding the ideal school is often the number 1 question. Should it be better to choose a local school in the language of the country, an international school – French-speaking or not – or simply a French-speaking school? Finding a good school is above all a matter of compatibility; each school has unique and distinct qualities.
In New Jersey, Tessa International School strongly believes in the benefits of multilingualism. Located in Hoboken, at the gates of New York, the school offers bilingual programs in French, Spanish or Mandarin, from kindergarten to primary school.
As their name suggests, this type of school offers an international program to accommodate students of all nationalities. A bilingual school will combine the best of both worlds – exposure to the French language and curriculum, with an international outlook. Some of the main benefits include:
cultural openness . Tolerance is one of the key values advocated to promote living together. With over 50 cultures represented (see Youtube video below), Tessa International School offers its students unique exposure to different languages and cultures. They learn to adapt, and to appreciate the difference. Exposed not only to French and English, but also to Mandarin and Spanish, the children interact with students from other courses, creating in them the desire to learn and master several languages.
An international program allows you to receive an education and qualifications recognized around the world. This also makes it easy to switch between schools if you move to another city (or another country). Among the most prestigious programs is the International Baccalaureate , which Tessa International School follows. By coupling it to the official French curriculum, the school allows its students to move from one international school to another or to enter the French system without experiencing major upheavals in the organization of their studies.
an approach for the benefit of human contact and personal development. The idea is to value the student in order to develop his self-confidence. For example, Tessa International School follows the curriculum of the Yale Center for Social and Emotional Intelligence , and through the culture of respect for others, prepares its students to gain confidence, explore, and express themselves. Well-being is one of its three pillars (Bilingualism, Excellence, Well-being) and is at the heart of the program.
The benefits of the International Baccalaureate
The diploma obtained is recognized by many universities – both abroad and in France. In some countries, such as the United States, an IB diploma allows direct access to the second year in certain subjects. The IB also attests to great adaptability, autonomy, open-mindedness and academic rigor. Highly valued qualities in higher education.
Integrity, altruism and reflection are at the heart of the teaching philosophy. The IB teaching method encourages curiosity, critical thinking and invites more holistic and independent thinking. Students also develop their creativity, sense of leadership and teamwork through social, sports and community activities.
By coupling the teaching method of the international baccalaureate and the official French curriculum, Tessa International School combines rigor and personal development, and ensures great flexibility in terms of mobility and school transfer.
An international school has the advantage of allowing children from different language groups to mix
Which immersion model?
Proficiency in English or a second (see third language) is often the main criterion that leads families to choose an international school, rather than a French school. But the question of the immersion model always arises, especially since it can change from one school to another. Each family has its own goals:
Maintain the child’s English and French
An international school has the advantage of allowing children from different language groups to mix. In the United States, the predominant language is going to be English, allowing beginners to master the language quickly. On the other hand, a child needs more than family exposure to maintain his French, whether orally but especially to master the complex grammar.
At Tessa International School, from 2 years old to the large kindergarten section, students benefit from 80% immersion in the chosen language (French, Spanish or Mandarin). The remaining 20% are taught in English. From primary onwards, the week is divided almost equally between the target language and English.
Choose your location well
Choosing a school also often means choosing a city or a district. The location of a school is a fundamental parameter that should not be overlooked. Find an environment that is both close to the various workplaces and suitable for family life.
Often called the “6th borough of New York” because of its accessibility, Hoboken faces Manhattan on the other side of the Hudson River. 10 minutes from the World Trade Center and Midtown with the Path Train, it is a family town, preserved from the hustle and bustle of New York but lively and dynamic.
Known for its safety and cleanliness, the city is also more affordable than Manhattan or Brooklyn and is attracting more and more New Yorkers looking for space. Hoboken is now seeing its French community grow!
Ideally located in the Monroe Center, the city’s main center for children’s activities, and easily accessible by car, bus or streetcar, Tessa International School is at the heart of the Hoboken community.
