Discover the Difference at Charter Oak International Academy

Imagine a worldwide community of schools, educators and students with a shared mission to empower young people with the values, knowledge and skills to create a better and more peaceful world.   Welcome to Charter Oak International Academy, a vibrant and inclusive International Baccalaureate (IB) World School that celebrates diversity, fosters global-mindedness, and inspires lifelong learners. 

Nestled in the heart of West Hartford, we are a proud magnet school attracting families who value academic excellence, cultural understanding, diverse experiences, and community engagement. 

Here are three compelling reasons why you should choose to become a member of the Charter Oak Community:

#1 Diverse Learning Environment: Our students from diverse backgrounds bring unique perspectives, enhancing critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.

• Our community represents 42 languages, making COIA the 15th most diverse elementary school in CT (out of 605 schools).
• Our teaching staff includes multilingual educators who enrich the learning experience.
• Daily play-based learning is featured in all of our five NAEYC-accredited preschool and kindergarten classrooms.
• The Family Resource Center offers adult language classes, parenting workshops, and before/after-school care.
• Specialized support for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students, with sign-language interpreters in Pre-K-5 classrooms.

#2 Inquiry-Based Learning: Our students thrive in an inquiry-driven environment where curiosity and self-agency flourish.

• Inquiry-style teaching featuring hands-on learning, questioning, and collaboration.
• Interdisciplinary IB Units of Study integrating Literacy, Science, and Social Studies.
• Building Thinking Classrooms mathematics approach used in all K-5 classrooms.
• Student-Led Exhibition Projects to create meaningful change in our community.

#3 Signature Programs & Special Opportunities: Our students are given access to unique resources and programs that provide them with opportunities to engage in various areas of interest, develop unique skills, and explore new fields.

• Foreign language instruction for Pre-K to Grade 5.
• Student-led conferences and monthly Student-Led Assemblies focused on IB principles.
• Free after-school programming through Explorations (two five-week sessions).
• Suzuki Violin Lottery for students in Pre-K to Grade 5.
• Award-winning Odyssey of the Mind team.
• Partnership with Conard's Future Educators of Diversity student group.

By the Numbers…

• 38% of our student population are magnet students.
• Our Smarter Balanced State Assessment Math growth rate is 71.3% which exceeds state and district averages.
• Our School Accountability Index has increased by 5% annually over the past two years.

Come Discover the Inquiry Way!

At Charter Oak, students learn to ask questions, think critically, and take action to improve their school, community, and the world. Let your child’s journey to global citizenship begin here.