Foreign Language Academy

Foreign Language Academy is a Kindergarten through 8th grade program offering Spanish, Chinese, and French Immersion. The school administrators are:
Joell Ramsdell, Principal
Dr. Krista Sly, Vice Principal
Debra Lainez, Vice-Principal

Immersion is a method of instruction in which the regular school curriculum is taught in Spanish, Chinese, or French. Students enter the immersion program at kindergarten level. The classroom teacher, speaking in Spanish, Chinese, or French, introduces new words to the students. Using gestures, pictures and games, the teacher shows the young students how to make the connection between the object and the new word. Through the target language, the kindergarten students will acquire reading and language skills, math skills, social and study skills. As the students continue to hear Spanish or French, they will begin using their target language words, phrases and sentences.

Each grade level advances the student's knowledge of math, social studies, science and foreign language arts. Elementary students can read, write and speak in Spanish or French in each of these subjects as they acquire their academic language skills. The students also participate in art, music and physical education programs.

Instruction in English reading begins in the second grade through the implementation of the currently adopted English reading curriculum from the school district. Reading readiness skills taught in K and 1, transfer to their English reading. Phonics and spelling are taught directly.

In middle school, an increased emphasis is placed on the correct usage of spoken and written Spanish or French in each of the academic subjects. Middle school students have the opportunity to choose an exploratory class: computer applications, art, band, honors choir, debate, drill team, dj/av club, journalism and Junior grade books.

All students at Foreign Language Academy are offered the following: bus transportation, free or reduced breakfast and lunch, full time school nurse, counselors, computer labs, a full time librarian and a library with an extensive number of books in Spanish and French. They can participate in an extended day program (after school).