High School: Distinctly Tessellations
Competency-Based Education
At Tessellations High School we do things differently. Our program is designed with transferable skills at the forefront. THS learning is driven by these skills and the content is a tool to convey competency.
Cross-Curricular Programming
Our subject specialists in work together to create and deliver a bespoke interdisciplinary curriculum that allows for deep understanding, lateral connections and richer comprehension and knowledge. In grade 9 for example, “Origin Stories” underpin the learning in English, History and Science.
A Meaningful Portfolio
Stand out. Over the course of four years, students will build a portfolio of work that will highlight their unique interests and talents. Anybody can deliver a page full of letter grades and test scores. At Tessellations, students create an engaging, multidimensional, 360-degree portrait of who they truly are.
Four Continents in Four Years
Students benefit from a classroom extended to the four corners of the world. In our international travel program, students will visit four continents in four years and develop a global perspective through home stays and local experiences. Freshman year, students visit Venice, Italy, where they spend time at both Liceo Guggenheim (HS for the Arts) and Instituto Di Scienze Marine (Marine Institute) in collaboration with IOC UNESCO.
Investigate through Inquiry
During this 3-week experiential elective, students can choose a class or experience, participate in an internship, or propose an advisor-guided project.
Sample Courses: Observational Astronomy Retreat, Math in Music, Shakespeare’s Cultural Impact, Analog Photography, Programming for Awesome
Sample Internships: Hospital, E-Waste Upcycling, Unhoused Org, Conservation Center, Tessellations Children’s Center (Preschool), Tech Company
Sample Advisor-Guided Projects: Art as Action, History of Teen Slang, Combating Infectious Diseases using Data Science, Graphic Novella
Learn in Community
Our students deepen their environmental stewardship with opportunities in the local environment. Our students take part in hikes, sports modules, and community service. Tessellations school will be the first on the West Coast to launch the internationally renowned “Plastic Fisherman Project.” (See Learning Partnerships on the next page.)
Learning Partnerships
We look forward to more partnerships as we grow!
Tessellations High School founding students are the first to launch the International “Plastic Fisherman” initiative on the West Coast of the US – to include Beach clean-ups and the first ever West Coast Plastic Fisherman Festival!
Tessellations High School students work collaboratively with the ISMAR Oceanographic Institute as part of their bespoke curriculum.
Tessellations High School students experience Ocean Literacy and are working with UNESCO to pioneer their “Biodiversity Walk” initiative in Venice as part of their Europe trip in their freshman year.
International School Collaborations
Freshman year, students visit Venice, Italy, where they spend time at Liceo Guggenheim (HS for the Arts).
