Volusia County Schools announces Dual Language Program for the 2022-2023 school year.

Written by Anthony Bicy

Belden Communications News

Volusia County Schools will begin its first Dual Language Program in the 2022-23 school year for elementary students at Holly Hill K-8 and Spirit Elementary.

According to a release, the Dual Language program will offer English-speaking and Spanish-speaking students a unique, enriching, and challenging educational opportunity to read, write, and communicate effectively in English and Spanish while achieving high levels of academic success.

Unlike other language programs, this program allows students to learn the languages naturally through interactions and practice, teaching them crucial bilingual skills and cross-cultural competencies necessary for an everchanging global society and economy.

Research also shows that students receive higher grades and attend class more when learning a second language.

The Dual Language program has certified teachers to teach the languages until the students take the State’s required standardized tests. The American Council on Teaching of Foreign languages even stated in 2019 that Spanish is the most in-demand foreign language for U.S. employers.

Orientation for the programs will be held at:

- Holly Hill K-8: Thursday, March 3, at 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

- Spirit Elementary: Wednesday, March 2, at 5 p.m. in the school’s cafeteria

Interested students and families may contact the ESOL office at (386)734-7190.