Learning at TISA
TISA International School is an IB World School in Leiden, the Netherlands, teaching children ages 3–12 through the IB Primary Years Programme, a signature 24-module entrepreneurship track, and specialized STEM and Creative Arts programmes.
Our Programmes
Three pillars of education that work together to create well-rounded, future-ready learners.
Core Curriculum
Our IB Primary Years Programme provides a comprehensive, inquiry-based education covering Math, English, Dutch, Science, Sports, Arts, and Digital Literacy.
Professional Tracks
Students choose between STEM Track (robotics, coding, 3D modeling) or Creative Arts Track (music, drama, design) to develop specialized skills.
How does TISA approach learning?
TISA is an authorized IB World School delivering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) — an inquiry-based framework designed for students aged 3–12 that develops the whole child across academic, social, and creative dimensions.
The PYP organizes learning around transdisciplinary themes that cross traditional subject boundaries, building skills that transfer beyond the classroom into the world outside.
IB World School
Authorized since 2022
Inquiry-Based Learning
Students construct meaning through exploration, questioning, and making connections to prior knowledge.
Transdisciplinary Themes
Learning organized around global themes that cross traditional subject boundaries.
Learner Profile
Developing attributes like being inquirers, thinkers, communicators, and principled.
Assessment for Learning
Continuous feedback and reflection to support student growth and development.
What does your child learn at TISA?
Our curriculum covers all essential learning areas while maintaining connections through transdisciplinary units of inquiry.
Mathematics
Developing mathematical thinking, problem-solving, and numeracy skills through inquiry-based approaches.
English Language Arts
Building strong literacy skills through reading, writing, speaking, and listening in authentic contexts.
Dutch Language
Native Dutch instruction ensuring students develop fluency and cultural understanding of the Netherlands.
Science
Exploring the natural world through experiments, observations, and scientific inquiry methods.
Social Studies
Understanding our place in the world through geography, history, civics, and cultural exploration.
Physical Education
Developing physical literacy, teamwork, and healthy habits through sports and movement activities.
Visual Arts
Expressing creativity through various artistic media, developing aesthetic awareness and skills.
Digital Literacy
Building essential technology skills, digital citizenship, and computational thinking for the modern world.
English
Primary Language
Dutch
Daily Instruction
Bilingual Excellence
At TISA, we believe multilingualism is essential for global citizenship. Our bilingual programme develops fluency in both English and Dutch.
English serves as the primary language of instruction, ensuring students develop strong academic English skills. Dutch is taught daily by native speakers, allowing students to integrate into Dutch society and pursue further education in the Netherlands.
- Native-speaking teachers for English and Dutch
- Dutch instruction meets national standards
- Cultural immersion through events and field trips
Learning Journey by Age
Our curriculum adapts to each developmental stage, ensuring age-appropriate challenges and growth.
Pre-School
3-4 years
Play-based learning, social skills, foundational literacy
Primary (IB PYP)
5-12 years
Core academics, first business projects, track exploration
The pathway continues through Grade 7, with Cambridge Assessment marking progress along the way.
Professional Tracks
Students choose between STEM Track or Creative Arts Track to develop specialized skills alongside their core curriculum.
STEM Track
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math
For students passionate about technology, engineering, and scientific discovery. The STEM track develops problem-solving skills through hands-on projects in robotics, coding, and digital fabrication.
Robotics Fundamentals
Building and programming robots using LEGO and Arduino
Coding & Programming
From Scratch to Python, developing computational thinking
3D Design & Printing
Creating digital models and bringing them to life
Electronics & Circuits
Understanding how electronic devices work
App Development
Creating mobile applications for real-world problems
Data Science Intro
Analyzing data and creating visualizations
Track 1: STEM (Science & Business)
Science, Robotics, 3D Modelling & Prototyping, Programming, Inventor Lab, Advanced Math — building real-life business and problem-solving competencies. Three parallel sub-disciplines progress together from age 4 to 10.
First Steps in Robotics
Age 4
My First Complex Mechanisms
Age 5–6
Advanced Mechanisms and Drives
Age 7–8
Robo-Sport
Age 9–10
Track 2: CAD (Creative Arts & Design)
Arts, Music (Choir, Solfeggio, Instrument), Graphic Design, Industry Design, Creative Writing, and Drama — progressing in depth from age 4 to 10.
Introduction into visual arts: exploration of art tools and techniques
Age 5–6 · Fall
Introduction into visual arts: basics of drawing and painting
Age 5–6 · Spring
How to tell a story visually — Comics
Age 7 · Fall
Moving image: storytelling in animation
Age 7 · Spring
Graphic design: the type, the image, and the book
Age 8 · Fall
Illustration: digital and traditional
Age 8 · Spring
Working with 3D: spatial thinking and product design
Age 9 · Fall
Fashion design and wearable objects
Age 9 · Spring
Individual project on a chosen pathway
Age 10 · Fall
Final show — How to make an exhibition
Age 10 · Spring
How Tracks Work
Starting from age 8, students can select a track that aligns with their interests and strengths. Both tracks develop critical thinking, creativity, and real-world skills.
Exploration (Ages 4-7)
All students experience both tracks through introductory modules, discovering their interests and aptitudes.
Selection (Ages 8-10)
Students choose their primary track while still maintaining some exposure to the other through electives.
Specialization (Ages 11-17)
Deep dive into chosen track with advanced projects, competitions, and real-world applications.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Our track programmes are supported by purpose-built facilities that enable hands-on learning and creative exploration.
- Robotics Lab with LEGO, Arduino, and 3D printers
- Recording Studio with professional equipment
- Art Studio with materials for all mediums
- Computer Lab with industry-standard software
- Theatre Stage for performances and presentations
- Maker Space for prototyping and invention
TISA Business Programme
What sets TISA apart is our unique 24-module business education programme that develops entrepreneurship, leadership, and financial literacy from age 4 to 17.
- 24 progressive modules across 4 phases
- Real business projects and internships
- Financial literacy from early years
- Partnership with industry leaders
BUSINESS KIDS
4-7
4 modules
BUSINESS START
7-10
8 modules
BUSINESS PRO
10-14
8 modules
BUSINESS FOUNDATION
14-17
4 modules
Educational Programme
The cornerstone of our school is the development of entrepreneurial thinking, which involves the development of 21st-century skills.
Academics
Core academic disciplines taught by dedicated specialist teachers.
- Math
- English
- Dutch
- Science
- Sports
- Libraries
- Social Studies
- Skills for Life
- Digital Literacy
Skills for Life: expert-led workshops on everyday essentials — crossing the street safely, paying in a store, making a healthy breakfast, and more.
TISA Business Programme
A professional business education programme for children ages 4–18, developing 21st-century skills, creativity, entrepreneurial thinking, and leadership potential. 24 modules; students work in teams and present at the end of each module (December and May).
- My First Project
- Creative Thinking
- Emotional Intelligence
- Leadership
- Economics through Fairy Tales
- Financial Literacy
- My Company
- Customer Development
- Internet of Things
Arts
Creative expression and performance arts woven through every year of learning.
- Arts and Crafts
- Music
- Drama
Music School — Saturdays
Piano · Violin · Ukulele · Flute
21st-Century Skills We Develop
This skillset helps students to be competitive, goal-oriented leaders of tomorrow.
At TISA, entrepreneurial thinking is the cornerstone of everything we do. Every subject, project, and activity is designed to build these eleven capabilities from age 3.
Unlock Your Superpowers
Every student at TISA builds four core superpowers that carry them through school and beyond.
Math Power
Mastering numbers, patterns, and logical thinking through mental math, abacus, and real-world problem solving.
Reading / Writing Power
Building fluency in English through phonics, literature, writing workshops, and public speaking from Grade 1.
Entrepreneur Power
Developing business thinking through the TISA Business Programme — 24 modules of real projects, teamwork, and presentations.
Skills for Life & Outdoor Activities
Expert-led workshops on essential life skills (crossing streets safely, healthy cooking, payments) plus regular outdoor time and field trips.
Golden Hour & Tisacoins
Student-initiated project time, born the moment teachers noticed something remarkable.
Golden Hour began when teachers noticed students voluntarily spending their breaks working on personal ideas. Now it's a standing part of the week — time set aside for students to pursue projects that matter to them.
“Golden Hour gives us the freedom to create something that matters to us.”
— TISA Student
- Writing books
- Filming short movies
- Building apps
- Running a babysitting club
- Organizing the school library
Tisacoins
Students earn Tisacoins for initiative, effort, collaboration, and contributing to the school community.
Enrichment & Field Trips
Learning that steps outside the classroom — competitions, excursions, and hands-on encounters with the real world.
Competitions
Field Trips
- Dutch National Opera — The Nutcracker
- Space Expo
- NEMO Science Museum
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center
- Hortus Botanicus
Grade 4–7 Business Trip to Germany
Older students travel to Germany to see business in action — visiting the Ritter Sport chocolate factory, the EU Parliament exhibition, and the Meissen porcelain manufactory.
Academic Subjects
Our curriculum covers all essential learning areas for students ages 3–12.
Mathematics
Developing mathematical thinking and numeracy skills, including abacus-based mental math.
English
Building strong literacy through reading, writing, speaking, and listening in authentic contexts.
Dutch
Native Dutch instruction ensuring students develop fluency and cultural connection to the Netherlands.
Science
Exploring the natural world through experiments, field trips, team lapbooks, and outdoor observation.
Social Studies
Understanding our place in the world through geography, history, civics, and cultural exploration.
Sports
Developing physical literacy, teamwork, and healthy habits through sports and movement activities.
Libraries
Cultivating a love of reading, research skills, and independent inquiry through our school library.
Digital Literacy
Building essential technology skills, digital citizenship, and computational thinking for the modern world.
After-School Care
After-School Care is open from 15:00 to 19:00 every working day — a safe, nurturing environment for students after the core programme ends.
We provide a wide range of co-curricular activities including social games, creative workshops, and regular field trips to museums, farms, production and historical places linked to the curriculum.
- Social games and team activities
- Creative workshops (cooking, experiments, and more)
- Tours and field trips linked to the curriculum
- Open Monday–Friday, 15:00–19:00
Available every working day, Monday through Friday. An alternative for students to spend quality time after the core programme.
TISA Family Handbook
Your complete guide to our school — curriculum, policies, daily schedule, and more.
What framework does TISA's curriculum follow?
TISA is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), designed for students ages 3–12. The PYP focuses on inquiry-based learning and developing the whole child.
What are the three pillars of the TISA programme?
The programme is built on three pillars: Academics (Math, English, Dutch, Science, Sports, Digital Literacy, and more), the TISA Business Programme (24 entrepreneurship modules), and Arts (Arts and Crafts, Music, Drama).
What is the TISA Business Programme?
The TISA Business Programme is a professional business education track for children ages 4–18. It covers 24 modules developing creativity, entrepreneurial thinking, and leadership. Students work in teams and present at the end of each module in December and May.
What 21st-century skills does TISA develop?
TISA develops eleven skills: Creativity, Digital Literacy, Design Thinking, Financial Literacy, Critical Thinking, Field Research, Problem Solving, Systems Thinking, Data Analysis, Project Management, and Ecological Thinking.
Is there after-school care available?
Yes. After-School Care is open from 15:00 to 19:00 every working day. It includes social games, creative workshops, cooking, experiments, and field trips linked to the curriculum.
What languages are used at TISA?
English is the primary language of instruction. Dutch is taught daily by native speakers, meeting national standards and allowing students to integrate into Dutch society.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Start the Journey?
Schedule a tour to see our innovative learning environment in action.