Tesfa International School

Our mission at Tesfa International School is to provide an equitable and empowering education for all scholars. Our scholars engage in a transdisciplinary curriculum supported by conceptual and inquiry based learning. Side-by-side with dedicated educators, scholars will develop the knowledge, skills, and characteristics necessary for active citizenship throughout the world.

Tesfa International School distinguishes itself from other educational opportunities available by our commitment to being rooted in the inquiry based education of the International Baccalaureate Program. We are a free, public charter school serving students in Kindergarten through 6th Grade.   We are publicly funded, independently run and held accountable to the same academic standards as any other district school. Our founders and school board members are COMMITTED to building a learning environment that stays true to our mission.

What makes us different? We EXPECT great things from our kids. We will offer a rigorous academic and social program to our students that shows them they are worth it.  We believe in the potential of kids.

We have strategically located ourselves in the diverse community in the Midway area in St Paul, and we are charged with creating transformational change that will shift mindsets around what is possible for some of our most at-risk students.

We have made a firm commitment to close the gaps that persist in education. We will provide students access to a high quality PYP school which will prepare them to become active, caring, lifelong learners who demonstrate respect for themselves and others, and have the capacity to participate in the world around them. We will focus on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both within and beyond the classroom.  The driving force behind the PYP is the philosophy is to build internationally-minded learners who recognize their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, helping to create a better and more peaceful world.  Internationally-minded learners are thinkers, knowledgeable, caring, inquirers, courageous, principled, communicators, open-minded, balanced, and reflective.

We will work to nurture our young people to help them recognize they are global citizens and we will motivate them to make changes to and in the world.  We will encourage students to put what they have learned into practice through service to the school community, the local community and the global community.

With your support, we can help make our scholars hopes and dreams a reality.

With Gratitude,

Tesfa International School