History, Culture & Ethics
We have so much to learn from one another.
Our international school explores peoples and cultures worldwide, especially those commonly left out of history books and curricula in the United States. Tampa Bay International School emphasizes the cultivation of a global mindset that acknowledges multiple perspectives of complex issues, an appreciation of our world’s rich diversity, and a commitment to working to solve the social, economic, and environmental problems that we all face on our shared planet.
World History/Social Studies
In grades four and above, TBIS students delve deeply into explorations of world history and pertinent international issues of the day. Common units of study are immigration, government, the influence of geography on culture and human rights. Curriculum is carefully designed to focus both on the United States and on regions not always studied in elementary and middle schools in the US, such as Latin America, Asia and Africa. During a recent unit on immigration, students studied modern immigrants who have moved from one country to another for employment; the huge waves of European immigrants to the US who passed through Ellis Island in the early 1900’s; migrant workers and refugees fleeing war and persecution; and even people who did not choose to be immigrants, such as slaves. In their geography and culture unit, students examined the Mississippi River Delta’s influence on several genres of music popular in the United States, the influence of the Andes Mountains on clothing, food and daily life in several South American nations, and on western Africa’s influence on food, dance, and religion in Salvador, Brazil.
Jewish Studies, Ethics & World Beliefs
Tampa Bay International School fosters an understanding of and respect for religions that people choose to practice around the world. As our students develop an appreciation of cultures and religions that differ from their own, they embark on a journey to become well-rounded global citizens.
TBIS is committed to providing each student with an understanding and appreciation of all religions while respecting religious and cultural diversity. Beginning in first grade, students may elect to participate in Jewish Studies or Ethics & World Beliefs. These classes meet twice weekly.
Jewish Studies provides an in-depth study of Judaism, focusing on Jewish values, the diversity of the Jewish community around the world and an introduction to Hebrew.
Ethics & World Beliefs investigates how different cultures around the world address ethical and philosophical questions, and explores the world’s major religions by studying their belief systems, traditions, and holidays.