Friday, August 24, 2007

Alternative Language Programs

It seams that more and more parents are realizing the importance of foreign language education at an early age. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to quality bilingual programs in their area. So what other alternatives are their for parents seeking out foreign language education for their children? Some parents hire aupairs or nannys that speak the language they would like their children to learn. Others look for classes that may meet once or twice a week.

One woman took the bull by the horns and started a morning program in her local public schools that would allow students to arrive half an hour earlier for instruction in a foreign language. Students were able to choose between two different languages. Not all students were required to attend the special program but any child, whose parents consented for them to attend, was welcome. It takes a lot of work to get something like that going but the reality is that there really isn't enough out there for parents who want their children to learn a second language.

Escuela Bilingüe Internacional, a PK-8 grade school started in 2006 and opened with 80 students. This was far more than expected since the first year only included the pre-primary grades and kindergarten. It just goes to show you there is an incredible demand for language instruction and there is a void of opportunities.

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