The Renaissance International School

Beyond the Expected

A Trilingual Montessori school in Oakland from Preschool to Elementary.

Schedule a Tour

Sign up for a campus tour!  All Program Levels Open House: 11/16 and 12/7 at 9:30 am - Toddler-Preschool: 11/13 at 10:00 am

Our Mission


The mission of The Renaissance International School is to provide students with an international center of learning and culture that is open, supportive, and multidisciplinary, where children can develop and achieve their highest potential.


We are committed to offer students an education based on the research and resulting philosophies of Maria Montessori and Zoltán Kodály. We are a three-language immersion Montessori program with a diverse faculty and student community. 

Why do so many families choose Montessori?

Lessons are designed and given to each child when they are most ready to learn.

Social, emotional, and physical development is emphasized along with academic skills.

Freedom to move and choose activities fosters independence and self-confidence.

Current neurology and human development research consistently backs Montessori.

Programs

“We selected TRIS as our school because of its Montessori approach to learning and development. Having spent their entire matriculation in the Montessori setting, we recognized the value of continuing in this method of learning. My children immediately demonstrated a sense of familiarity and confidence in the environment. As students, they both thrived in learning how to take responsibility and learn to be engaged in their own growth process." 

J. M.

“Our daughter is entering 6th grade… wow!!! She plays flute and piano (begun at TRIS) and is keeping up with her French. She plays basketball and socially is thriving with friends and many adventures. We met up with another TRIS family in Ireland this Spring - the comfort and bonds of TRIS friendships live on. Sending lots of love and good wishes to the TRIS family. You know how much I miss you!"

A. R.

Visit us!


We invite you to visit our school, meet the teachers, and observe the children in their classrooms. We encourage you to ask questions learn about the opportunities available at all levels of our programs.

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The latest from our blog.

28 Oct, 2024
In the Montessori program, the outdoor environment is an extension of the classroom, offering unique opportunities to foster social, emotional, physical, and academic growth and development. Nature stimulates curiosity and creativity and a sense of awe and wonder that stays with children long after the outdoor experience has ended. The natural world presents opportunities to practice decision-making, problem-solving, and observation skills. For instance, students might have to decide the best route to take on a hike after evaluating options presented by peers depending on various factors such as time, varying abilities, and weather or build a shelter after collaborating to explore the best way to do so after careful observation of the terrain and surrounding area. These experiences build confidence and develop empathy, self-discipline, and initiative. They also nurture environmental stewardship and creativity and instill a sense of wonder and responsibility. This month, our elementary students will participate in two outdoor education programs. Upper Elementary embarks on a week-long adventure at Mono Lake, where they hike, explore, and learn about nature. Lower Elementary participates in the Wolf School program, spending four days and three nights immersed outdoors. These programs offer physical challenges and teach essential practical life skills. Students prepare meals, manage their personal belongings, and maintain their cabins while learning to share space and respect one another. After these trips, we witness remarkable personal growth in students and the classroom community. The experience strengthens community spirit, blossoms new friendships, and deepens bonds between students and teachers as they connect in a unique setting. The program encourages collaboration, teamwork, and social interaction while instilling an appreciation for nature and understanding the importance of environmental conservation. The memories made during these trips—whether through collaborating on a task, exploring, playing, or simply enjoying each other's company—become cherished moments that the children carry with them for years to come. These experiences shape their understanding and appreciation of the natural world, instilling a lifelong love for nature that is a testament to the lasting impact of our outdoor education program. Warmly, Wellington Pontes-Filho Elementary Program Director
Embrace the excitement of a new school year. Let's make this the best one yet!
03 Sep, 2024
Welcome to the 2024-2025 School Year! As we prepare the classroom for an exciting new year, we hope you are enjoying this last stretch of summer. The beginning of each year brings with it a time to reset and review routines. As you know, children do best in structured environments where they know the expectations for themselves as well as the daily routine. As we head into the new school year, we think it might be helpful for your child (and yourself) to know some of these school routines and implement what you can at home. These activities provide routine and structure that when practiced, allow your child to not only reinforce crucial skills for growth and development but also thrive in their learning journey. Finally, we also want to share some ideas for making the transition to school easier, especially for our younger and new students. Mealtimes At school: Food preparation and meals are important parts of our daily lives. At school, children will be involved with setting the tables, pouring water to drink, cleaning up after themselves, and occasionally preparing food. We also practice patience during mealtime. For example, we wait to eat until everyone is ready so that we can partake in the meal together. When finished eating, the children ask to be excused before cleaning their plates, table, and floor around them. At home: Children can be part of preparing the table and then clearing the dirty dishes after the meal. We recommend having a clear routine for cleaning up, which can include putting dirty dishes in the sink, dishwasher, or a dish tub after eating. We also encourage the use of cups and glasses for meals and snacks, saving a water bottle for when in the car or on walks. Younger children should be encouraged to use silverware to feed themselves. Older children can be involved with setting the menu for meals and even helping with grocery shopping. They can start to map out what they want to pack for lunch and be part of the process of getting their food ready in containers and everything into their lunch box. This also helps children have ownership and buy-in about what they are eating. While the teachers are always available to help, we recommend that your child have food containers that are easy to open and close. Bring your child with you to the store to try opening different kinds of containers. This is a great way to find some that work well!  Prepare a Goodbye Routine To be ready for the first days of school, we recommend preparing your child (and yourself) for what drop-off will look and feel like. As adults, the more clear we are about the routine, the more secure our children will feel. Short and sweet transitions are key. The longer we linger the harder it is for our children to recalibrate and settle into the classroom. To that end, figure out your goodbye process ahead of time. Perhaps it is one hug and two kisses, plus a wave goodbye. Whatever you decide, stick with it. Our children are hard-wired to test our limits and they will want to figure out if they can negotiate two hugs and a wave goodbye then more hugs. However, if that negotiation is successful, they actually feel less secure because then they can’t rely upon a predetermined plan. Most classrooms in primary request that goodbyes be said before opening the door or entering the classroom. Please keep in mind that the other children in the class may already be working or having a hard time with the transition from home themselves. It can be upsetting to them when witnessing a friend’s extended goodbye. Again, teacher’s are here to help. If your child is struggling with their goodbye, please contact your classroom teacher for help. They may be able to give you tips to help with you particular student or come up with a routine together with you. If you do decide on a goodbye routine, practice! While at home and when everyone is in a great mood, suggest a game of pretending you are doing drop-off at school. Remember (or create) the goodbye routine and then act it out together! Take turns being the adult and the child (children love getting to be the adult). Playacting is a fun way to work through what can be a stressful few moments. By establishing clear and firm routines, we help our children develop trust and confidence. If we feel hesitant or unsure, our children absorb those feelings. So we want to exude assuredness! Adjust Schedules If children have been staying up later during the long days of summer, it helps to gradually shift bedtimes and establish a consistent routine. If children have been going to bed later, start easing into a bedtime that is earlier by using 15-minute increments over a series of days. Rushed mornings tend to be more difficult, so putting some additional effort into getting enough sleep and having plenty of time in the morning can really help the transition back to school. Although earlier mornings can be tough, children do better when they can get to school with enough time to settle in. We recommend trying to come on the early side of the arrival window so that children aren’t overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of last-minute or late arrivals. Coming late can also mean that they miss out on some of the benefits of the Montessori work cycle. As a reminder, children in their kindergarten year are expected to arrive by 8:30. Think About What to Wear Children are learning to dress and undress themselves. As such, it helps if they wear loose fitting clothing. Especially our toddler friends who are learning to use the potty, a pants without buttons such as leggings or sweats might be a better choice. We know it requires a great deal of patience on the part of the adult, however It is crucial for these young people to practice these skills at home. We recommend giving your child the time and encouragement to do things for themselves, including taking shoes off, pulling pants up, unzipping jackets, and so on. Choosing clothing and shoes that are easy for your child to put on and take off is a big help for the transition to school. We ask that children avoid shoes with shoelaces until they are able to independently tie them. This is a lesson in the primary classroom and teachers will share with you when we think tie shoes are appropriate for school. Some children have strong opinions about what they wear to school. You can help them (and you) by allowing them to choose their clothes the night before school. This should help with the morning rush. Older children can gather their belongings to make sure they have everything ready for the first day of school (and every subsequent day!). They can check the weather to determine appropriate outerwear and shoes, practice setting out their clothes the night before, and prep items needed for after-school activities. Please make sure your children’s clothing is labeled with their name. Check-In As always, please let us know if you need anything or have any questions. The teachers are more than happy to help! Also, be on the lookout for a beginning of the year e-mail from your classroom teachers with more specific information and instructions on your child’s class. Cheers to a great year! Katrina Cisne
Welcome back to school, where new beginnings and endless possibilities await!
01 Sep, 2024
Dear Elementary Families, Welcome to the new school year at TRIS! It is a pleasure to embark on another year of exploration, growth, and discovery with you and your children. In our Montessori Elementary environment, we continue to build on the foundation laid in earlier years, nurturing your child's natural curiosity and love for learning. Students will have opportunities for hands-on learning, collaborative projects, and independent exploration. Our approach remains deeply rooted in Dr. Maria Montessori's philosophy, focusing on each child's holistic development. We cultivate academic excellence, support our students' social and emotional development, and aim to create a community where children feel respected, valued, and empowered to take ownership of their learning journey. Education is a vital partnership between the school and the home. We deeply appreciate your support and involvement. Throughout this year, we encourage you to stay informed and connected with us through our newsletters, community meetings, classroom updates, the school's website, conferences, and events. Please don't hesitate to contact the teaching teams with questions, concerns, or help. Together, we will support our students and create a nurturing environment that fosters every child's growth and development. We look forward to welcoming you in person at our Welcome Event for Parents. It is an excellent opportunity to meet other parents and teachers and visit your child's classroom. We also host an Elementary Back-to-School Night to share details about the curriculum, classroom routines, school and classroom events, and more and answer any questions. We eagerly anticipate the return of our students to the classroom and are excited about the many beautiful moments ahead. We are confident that this year will be filled with learning, laughter, and growth for all our students. Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. Your trust is a great honor, and we are excited to be part of their journey. We look forward to all the amazing things they will accomplish this year. Warm regards, Wellington Pontes Elementary Program Director

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