TCC Admissions
Finding Your People
For many families, Tessellations is where something begins to click. Their child’s questions are welcomed, their strengths and needs are understood, and they find a community that feels like home.
You may notice that your child experiences the world differently—through deep concentration, unexpected connections, vivid imagination, strong emotions, unusual sensitivity, or a sophisticated sense of humor. You do not need to have all the answers before starting a conversation with us.
From TK through Grade 8, students meet peers who share their curiosity, intensity, humor, and ways of seeing the world. Parents and guardians find educators and families who understand both the joys and complexities of gifted development.
A Preschool That Understands
TCC honors the natural rhythms of early childhood. Our three-year-olds learn through imaginative play, storytelling, movement, nature, relationships, and hands-on discovery.
Our educators pay close attention to what captures each young person’s interest, the questions they return to, and the ways they communicate their thinking. Learning grows from those observations through responsive projects, thoughtful guidance, and the freedom to explore ideas from different directions.
We do not accelerate for speed’s sake. At this age, meaningful challenge comes through depth: staying with an idea, noticing patterns, trying another approach, asking new questions, and making connections through play.
Intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and executive-functioning development do not always move at the same pace. Our educators understand this asynchrony and support each young person as a whole, with room for remarkable strengths and areas that are still emerging.
Learning With and From One Another
Being surrounded by other curious young people changes what is possible. TCC peers introduce one another to new questions, ideas, interests, and ways of thinking. They learn how to share what they know without taking over, listen to someone else’s perspective, and let another person’s idea change their own.
They also begin learning how to recognize and support each other’s strengths. A young person who feels confident in one area may help a friend, then discover that they need support with something else. These everyday experiences help young people practice collaboration, empathy, flexibility, and asking for help.
The Beginning of the Tessie Journey
TCC is the youngest arc of a Tessie education. Families who are noticing signs of giftedness may begin talking with us before their child turns three, so we can explore together whether TCC may be a good fit.
Young people who join TCC are expected to continue into Transitional Kindergarten and then Kindergarten. Throughout these years, our educators observe each young person closely, communicate regularly with families, and share what they are noticing about their learning, development, relationships, readiness, strengths, and support needs.
Progression through the Early Years arc is considered through ongoing partnership and holistic review. Families must provide a cognitive assessment by October of the TK year. The assessment is not required before a family begins the TCC or TK admissions process.
Kindergarten brings a significant increase in depth, complexity, independence, and classroom readiness. Current TK families receive priority for Kindergarten. Spaces for young people joining Tessie for the first time in Kindergarten are limited.
Age Eligibility
Children applying for the 2027–28 school year must be 3 years old by August 19, 2027, the first day of school, to enroll in Preschool at Tessellations.
Children may apply during the current admissions season while they are still 2 years old, as long as their birthdate allows them to turn 3 on or before August 19, 2027.
If you have questions regarding your child’s eligibility, please contact our Admissions Team before applying. We will help you think through timing and readiness.
How TCC Admissions Works
1. Start a Conversation
Tell us what you are noticing and what you hope your young person will find in a preschool community. You are welcome to contact us before your child turns three.
2. Come Experience TCC
Visit our indoor and outdoor learning spaces, observe the program in action, and meet members of our team. Bring your questions about
gifted development, early learning, or the Tessie experience.
3. Tell Us About Your Child
When your family is ready to move forward, our Admissions Team will guide you through the application materials in Ravenna. These help us understand your young person’s interests, strengths, development, daily rhythms, learning preferences, and support needs.
4. Get to Know One Another
Your young person may be invited to a play-based experience with our educators. This gives them an opportunity to explore the
environment and gives us another window into how they approach play, relationships, questions, and unfamiliar situations.
5. Holistic Review
Our Admissions Team considers the information provided by the family alongside our observations and other available materials. We are looking at whether TCC can provide an environment in which the young person will feel known, engage deeply, build relationships, and thrive.
TCC Program Highlights
A 6:1 young-person-to-educator ratio supporting attentive, relationship-based care
Regular exploration of nature and the outdoor world
Social-emotional learning woven throughout the day
Storytelling, books, and playful early literacy
Patterns, counting, building, and hands-on mathematical thinking
Art, music, and movement throughout the week
Mandarin classes
Rest and quiet time that honor each young person’s daily rhythm
Come Experience the Tessie Magic
The best way to understand TCC is to spend time here. See our classrooms and outdoor spaces, observe young people learning through play, and talk with educators who understand gifted development in the early years. We arrange visits for prospective TCC parents and guardians, giving you a closer look at the program and time to share what you have been noticing.
Start a Conversation
Come meet us, share what you are noticing, and learn more about the Tessellations Children’s Center. Your family’s Tessie journey may begin here.
Contact Admissions
admissions@tessellations.school
408-372-6187
Tuition for the 2026–2027 school year is:
- Preschool – Transitional Kindergarten: $44,500
- Kindergarten – Grade 1: $44,900
- Grades 2–5: $45,050
- Grades 6–8: $46,150
Financial aid is available to qualified families and is determined based on demonstrated financial need.
