High School
At Tessellations, our accelerated core curriculum engages students with depth and relevance with a mix of direct instruction, facilitated discussion, and interdisciplinary hands-on projects. Alongside traditional subjects, all students take Tessellations Studio, a class in which they develop research methods, design thinking, and collaboration skills by working on complex, long-term projects with real-world impact.
Complementing the core curriculum and Studio, our programs that are Distinctly Tessellations provide students with opportunities to explore, make real-world connections, and create a meaningful portfolio. During our 3-week experiential elective term, students can choose an intensive class, participate in an internship, or propose an advisor-guided project. In our outdoor experiences, students develop environmental stewardship, practice self-sufficiency, and bond with their classmates. Finally, through our yearly 10-day international immersive program, students are given a global perspective, visiting four continents in four years.
Tessellations prioritizes Student Wellness – students benefit from a reasonable homework load and regular 1-on-1 check-ins with staff mentors. Our PATH Program is delivered via Advisory Sessions, which are are small-group classes led by two staff mentors. In this program, students learn social-emotional and executive functioning skills through the lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Enrichment Activities at Tessellations High School include after school experiences and opportunities that reflect the interests of our students – Tessellations has an award-winning debate team, Live Action Role Playing (LARP) club, visual arts, and an ensemble music program. Students are empowered and supported in starting clubs and events.
Tessellations students engage in deep self-discovery, tailor their experiences and projects to their interests, and create a portfolio that represents their authentic academic journey, articulated in a competency-based transcript. After four years, they have the clarity of purpose, agency, and durable skills needed for graduation and college admissions and success in a rapidly changing world.
Introduction from the Head of School
A message from Anne Beneventi, Founder
Program Highlights
- Rigorous competency-based curriculum
- Flexible studio time (Tessellations Studio)
- Learning for mastery
- Narrative assessments
- Reasonable homework load
- Learning Communities (SEL+DEI+EF)
- 3-week experiential elective term
- Outdoor learning experiences
- 10-day international immersive program: four continents in four years
High School Leadership Team
Grace Stanat
Head of School
• Founding Head of School, Tessellations K-8, responsible for successful growth and innovation
• Responsible for Tessellations’ exceptional approval rating
• Pomona College Valedictorian, Marshall Scholar, dual advanced degrees from Oxford University
Anne Beneventi
Founding Visionary
• Certified Master Practitioner of Gifted Qualitative Assessment (GQA)
• Associate of the Gifted Development Center
• Former Chair of the Global Awareness Network of the NAGC
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG)
Rebecca Bradley
Director of High School
• BA Hons in Fine Art & French (University of Liverpool)
• 23+ years experience as a High School Educator, Modern Languages Leader, Teacher Training and Newly Qualified Teacher Lead in the UK
• Founding Head of High School in Switzerland, building a new British International School
• Passionate teacher of French, Spanish and Art to students from Grades 6-12
Michael Prater
Director of High School Education
• Masters in Secondary Education and Social Sciences from Columbia University’s Teachers College
• 20 years of experience as a High School educator, administrator, and mentor
• Collaborator with administrators at schools throughout the country and abroad
• 12 years of service with independent school accreditation, with a special focus on curriculum, wellness and belonging, and curricular innovation
Jenny Dumas
Director of College Counseling / High School Admissions
• BA in Social Work, M.Ed in K-12 School Counseling
• 15+ years experience as a school counselor and independent college counselor
• Assist HS students in their academic, social/emotional, and career development
• Mentor for HS students in developing and implementing personal projects
Isaac Strong
Director of Competency-Based Education
• BS in Biology (Gonzaga University)
• PhD in Cellular Biology (UC San Francisco)
• Educator with experience at the high school, college, and graduate levels
• Former Co-Chief Program Officer of the non-profit college prep mentorship organization Minds Matter Bay Area (formerly Minds Matter San Francisco)
Susan Stanat
Director of Admissions
• 4 years serving as Admissions Director for gifted schools
• Gifted school board member experience
• Adept at educating families who are new to giftedness
• Trained in recognizing giftedness in the student population