By: Joshua Finley
In the heart of Jersey City, a unique educational institution has quietly but meaningfully emerged, aiming to shape young minds and redefine perceptions of what a school can strive to be. Waldo International School, founded by Daniela Sarbu, is not just a place of learning; it reflects one woman’s vision, dedication, and pursuit of excellence in education.
The roots of Waldo International School trace back to Daniela Sarbu’s personal journey as a mother and a professional. After the birth of her first son, Sarbu faced a dilemma familiar to many working parents: the lack of high-quality educational options in her area. “I had to return to work and there weren’t enough options,” Sarbu recalls. “After researching and visiting the only available schools, I didn’t feel their current curriculums were as competitive as I had hoped.” It was this realization that sparked an idea — an idea that grew into Waldo International School.
A Humble Start and Steady Growth
Waldo International School opened its doors in 2011, welcoming preschool-aged children for its inaugural year. From day one, the school was fully enrolled, and growth quickly followed. Each year, as Waldo expanded to include additional grades, its reputation grew. Within a few years, the need for more space became apparent, leading to the establishment of multiple buildings that now house students from preschool through middle school.
“Since our first day of classes, we have consistently met capacity,” Sarbu says. “Even with steady expansion and without franchising, we’ve become a valued part of the community, serving hundreds of families.” Today, Waldo International School stands as an example of academic achievement, offering an advanced curriculum paired with the amenities of private schools.
What Makes Waldo Different
At its core, Waldo International School operates on a philosophy that education is a powerful tool parents can provide to help their children succeed in life. Unlike traditional educational models, Waldo prioritizes individualized learning in small classroom settings. “There is no one-size-fits-all in education,” Sarbu explains. “We teach our students how to learn, where to find information, and how to do research. These are skills that can sometimes be overlooked elsewhere.”
The curriculum at Waldo International School reflects this progressive approach. Students are not simply memorizing material; they are taught to understand, analyze, and apply their learning to real-world situations. Key programs include drama, public speaking, and informational technology starting as early as kindergarten, while music and art are introduced at the PreK-3 level. This is designed to foster a well-rounded education that prepares students to succeed in an increasingly complex, globalized world.
A distinguishing feature of Waldo is its adoption of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, an internationally recognized curriculum that encourages critical thinking, character development, and a global perspective. “We are fully accredited for the Primary Years Program (PYP) and are in the process of getting accredited for the Middle Years Program (MYP),” Sarbu explains. For middle school students, Waldo offers accelerated math programs, including algebra in eighth grade, to help them transition to advanced high school courses.
A Comprehensive Educational Experience
Waldo International School currently serves students starting at age two and continuing through eighth grade. Though the school once offered programs for infants and toddlers, space constraints led Sarbu and her team to focus on preschool, elementary, and middle school education.
Beyond the standard school day, Waldo offers a variety of extracurricular programs designed to enrich students’ lives. From 3:30 p.m. onward, students can participate in a wide range of clubs, including sports (fencing, basketball, soccer, cheerleading), STEAM activities (science, technology, engineering, art, and math), and academic pursuits (robotics, logic, public speaking, musical theater, and more). Notably, the school boasts an on-site saltwater swimming pool where children as young as three can participate in swimming lessons.
The school’s summer program further extends its commitment to education, offering a blend of fun and academics during July and August. “We strive to give our families options that meet their needs, both during the school year and beyond,” Sarbu says.
Diversity and Global Reach
Jersey City, home to a diverse population, is the perfect backdrop for Waldo International School’s globally minded curriculum. “Our students come from all over the world,” Sarbu shares. “Families are drawn to our STEAM program and the International Baccalaureate curriculum, which can make transitions easier for international students.”
Languages are a cornerstone of the Waldo experience. Spanish is offered as part of the curriculum starting at kindergarten, while students as young as three can explore foreign languages like French, Mandarin, and Japanese through after-school clubs. For international students arriving with limited English proficiency, Waldo develops individualized learning plans to ensure a smooth academic transition.
“We believe that learning a foreign language is most effective when it starts early and remains consistent,” Sarbu explains. “It’s essential for students to grow into confident, well-rounded individuals.”
Looking to the Future
As Waldo International School prepares to enter 2025, the institution’s future appears bright. Plans were recently announced for the school’s expansion into an additional 10,000-square-foot facility that will include a larger gymnasium to support the school’s growing sports programs, including fencing, volleyball, and basketball teams. The expansion reflects Waldo’s continued momentum and growing role in the middle school education segment.
In addition to physical growth, Waldo is making strides in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into its curriculum. Rather than banning AI outright, the school has adopted a forward-thinking policy that emphasizes ethical, responsible usage. “It’s important to teach students about the limitations and biases of AI while helping them develop critical thinking skills,” Sarbu says. Teachers are also trained to leverage AI as a tool to enhance their instruction and create differentiated learning experiences.
A Community of Care and Excellence
While Waldo International School’s academic achievements and programs are impressive, what truly sets it apart is its strong sense of community. “We know everybody here,” Sarbu says proudly. “We are a school of the heart.”
Parents, teachers, and students alike appreciate Waldo’s nurturing environment, where every child is seen, known, and celebrated. The school’s commitment to character development alongside academic excellence ensures that students not only succeed in their studies but also grow into compassionate, principled individuals.
As Daniela Sarbu looks to the future, she remains committed to building on Waldo’s strong foundation. From expanding facilities to integrating cutting-edge technology, her vision is clear: to continue providing an education that equips students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
A School Worth Watching
Waldo International School is more than an educational institution; it is a community, a family, and a pathway to future possibilities. Under the visionary leadership of Daniela Sarbu, the school aims to be a model of innovation, inclusivity, and excellence in education. As Jersey City continues to grow and evolve, Waldo International School seeks to remain at the forefront, shaping generations of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers.
Published by Elle G.
