Waldo International School
Secular
Updated July 2026
IB PYP
Waldo International School is an International Baccalaureate World School located in Jersey City, serving students from infancy through 8th grade. It offers an innovative, STEAM-integrated curriculum within a nurturing environment focused on fostering curiosity and academic excellence.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
Waldo International School utilizes an inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning, aiming to challenge and empower students to become global citizens. The school is guided by the core values of creativity and innovation, compassion and integrity, and global-mindedness. It emphasizes eco-conscious practices, healthy living, and the social-emotional development of its students.
Programmes
The school offers a comprehensive International Baccalaureate (IB) program, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP). The academic structure spans from the Early Years Program (Infants, Toddlers, and PreK 2) through Preschool (PreK 3 and PreK 4), Primary School (Kindergarten–5th grade), and Middle School (6th–8th grade). The curriculum integrates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and emphasizes critical thinking, research, and interdisciplinary innovation.
Outcomes
The school emphasizes the development of curious, compassionate global citizens who are prepared for the 21st century. Students have achieved recognition in various academic competitions, including the Hudson County STEM Showcase and the Noetic Math Contest National Honor Roll. The curriculum aims to foster critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation, preparing students for future academic and personal success.
Student support
Learning support
The school employs a dedicated school nurse and a counselor to support student well-being. Teachers are certified and provide personalized, one-on-one instruction in small class settings to meet individual student needs. The staff includes specialists focused on gifted and talented programming and support for students with specific learning disorders.
Frequently asked questions(5)
- What curriculum does Waldo International School offer?
- Waldo International School offers IB PYP.
- How much is tuition at Waldo International School?
- Annual tuition at Waldo International School is $19.3K–$36K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What accreditations does Waldo International School hold?
- Waldo International School holds accreditations including IB.
- Is Waldo International School co-educational?
- Waldo International School is a co-ed school.
- Where is Waldo International School located?
- Waldo International School is an international school in New York City, United States.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (3 - 12 months) Toddlers (12 – 24 months) - AM Program (8:30 am – 12:00 pm, 12 Month Contract) | 0–2 | $24K |
| Infants (3 - 12 months) Toddlers (12 – 24 months) - Full Day Program (8:30 am – 3:30 pm, 12 Month Contract) | 0–2 | $31.2K |
| Infants (3 - 12 months) Toddlers (12 – 24 months) - Extended Day (7:30 am – 6:00 pm, 12 Month Contract) | 0–2 | $36K |
| PreK 2 and 3 (2 or 3 years by Dec 31) - AM Program (8:30 am – 12:30 pm, 10 Month Contract) | 2–3 | $19.3K |
| PreK 2 and 3 (2 or 3 years by Dec 31) - Full Day Program (8:30 am – 3:30 pm, 10 Month Contract) | 2–3 | $25.3K |
| PreK 2 and 3 (2 or 3 years by Dec 31) - Extended Day (7:30 am – 6:00 pm, 10 Month Contract) | 2–3 | $29.8K |
| PreK 4 (4 years by Dec 31) - Full Day Program (8:30 am – 3:30 pm, 10 Month Contract) | 4–4 | $25.3K |
| PreK 4 (4 years by Dec 31) - Extended Day (7:30 am – 6:00 pm, 10 Month Contract) | 4–4 | $29.8K |
| Kindergarten (5 years by Dec 31) - Full Day Program (8:30 am – 3:30 pm, 10 Month Contract) | 5–5 | $24.8K |
| Kindergarten (5 years by Dec 31) - Extended Day (7:30 am – 6:00 pm, 10 Month Contract) | 5–5 | $29.3K |
| 1st – 8th Grade - Full Day Program (8:30 am – 3:30 pm, 10 Month Contract) | 6–14 | $24.8K |
| 1st – 8th Grade - Extended Day (7:30 am – 6:00 pm, 10 Month Contract) | 6–14 | $29.3K |
Admissions
The school requires an online application form and a $100 non-refundable fee. Prospective preschool students participate in a play date, while applicants for Kindergarten through 8th grade undergo an assessment interview. All applicants must provide school transcripts and a recommendation form completed by their current teacher.
Calendar
The school operates on a 10-month academic calendar for PreK 2 through 8th grade, typically running from early September to mid-June. Infants and toddlers follow a 12-month contract, with summer camp sessions extending through late August. The calendar includes standard holiday breaks, such as Thanksgiving, winter, and spring breaks, alongside designated professional development days.
Facilities
About the campus
The school operates out of multiple locations in downtown Jersey City, including facilities at 110 1st Street, 125 1st Street, 125 2nd Street, and Harborside 3. The campus includes specialized classrooms for infants and toddlers, as well as dedicated spaces for primary and middle school students. The environment is designed to support an inquiry-based curriculum with a focus on safety, health, and sustainability.
Co-curriculars
Students have access to a variety of after-school classes and activities designed to foster talent and personal growth. Offerings include athletics, such as basketball, and participation in competitive STEM events like the Scripps Spelling Bee, FIRST Lego Robotics, and the Noetic Math Contest. The school also hosts guest speakers and organizes field trips to enhance the student experience.
Daniela SarbuFounderDaniela Sarbu is the founder of the Waldo International School and has been running the institution for over 11 years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Economy and Business from the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest and has completed business certifications at eCornell and Harvard Online. She is dedicated to social-emotional development, STEAM education, and providing scholarships to children in need.
Courtney VitaleDirectorCourtney Vitale is the school director and the International Baccalaureate PYP Coordinator. She graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in Psychology and has been with the school since 2012, serving as a teacher before moving into leadership roles. Her focus is on fostering an inquiry-based, collaborative environment for students and supporting teacher success.
Danielle LarsenAssistant DirectorDanielle Larsen is a graduate of La Salle University with a degree in Early Childhood and Special Education. She joined the school in 2018 as a first-grade teacher before transitioning into her current role as Assistant Director, where she works to maintain a positive environment for students, teachers, and parents.
Rene GonzalezCommunity Liaison and Affairs DirectorRene Gonzalez holds a degree in International Relations and Political Science and has extensive experience in community engagement and non-profit work. She serves on the boards of The Youth Foundation of Jersey City and the Drug Alliance Committee of Jersey City, and she is a member of the Civil Air Patrol.
Angela MohabirHead of STEM/Robotics TeacherAngela Mohabir is a graduate of The New Jersey Institute of Technology with a degree in Electrical Computer Engineering Technology. She has been with the Waldo School for 7 years, where she serves as the Head of STEM and Robotics Teacher while also working as a Substation Engineer.
Dr. Gurpreet Kour SharmaHead of Gifted & Talented Program & Aftercare CoordinatorDr. Gurpreet Kour Sharma holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Pt. Ravi Shankar Shukla University and has over 12 years of experience in education. In her role, she focuses on developing critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills through the Gifted & Talented program.
Krystal RabindradatAftercare CoordinatorKrystal Rabindradat serves as the Aftercare Coordinator, where she supports lead teachers in classroom management and student engagement. Originally from Guyana, she has a long-standing passion for working with children and is also a talented balloon artist and event planner.