Dual Language Program vs Classical Education

Updated on August 14, 2015
M.R. asks from Lewisville, TX
3 answers

I know this is last minute and I should have made a decision by now but those of you that are familiar with Founder's Classical Academy/Vista Schools and the Dual Language programs that are offered at other public schools please give me some insight. Which program would you choose for your Kindergartner and why?
**Clarification-The Classical Academy/Vista is a school that offers a Classical Education. Basically the method of teaching is more Western world/Traditional learning. They focus a lot on making sure the student is a well rounded citizen and incorporate liberal arts, classic readings, handwriting, etc. If you are not from TX, emphasis is placed on the standardized tests so the teaching is to the test leaving out other things that I would think are essential. The regular public schools offer the dual language programs. I'm trying to decide which is best so I appreciate the feedback.

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A.V.

answers from Washington DC on

Your mileage may vary. However, my friend and I both enrolled our children into different dual language programs and both girls are doing well. In my case, my child learns Spanish half the day and English the other half. It is immersion for the language the child is not yet fluent in. Not only has she done fine, she's learned much about other people and cultures. I think that even if she doesn't continue into MS, she has a good foundation and it is easier for her to learn Spanish now than in HS. She enjoys it. Her math skills and English reading are above grade level. We actually did not know this was available at our school until we enrolled her and they asked if we wanted to be in the lottery. Yes, please! She will be in 2nd grade and we have liked all of her teachers so far. In our school, there are teams and each team has an English and Spanish teacher and they trade after lunch. They also make sure children have instruction on new concepts in both languages so that if a child misses a concept in one, they can catch it in the other. It is probably harder on the teachers than it is on the children.

ETA: It is also offered in other schools in our district in Chinese, French and I believe Russian as well as Spanish, but those programs are harder to get into. Ours is only for our school. You can't opt in. I do agree with Eric (though I am highly suspicious of his extra links) that it is an outgrowth in some areas of bilingual education. It makes it easier for schools with a high ESOL population, but also benefits children who speak both/either language.

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J.C.

answers from New York on

My nephew entered one 25 years ago and it continued through high school. It was an amazing program. He's also a very smart kid! If you have the opportunity, why not give it a try.

T.D.

answers from Springfield on

my son was not accepted into dual language becasue he was " not a good language role model for his peers" has your child passed the testing for the dual language class?
we are enrolled in the science magnet thru our public school system because we were not accepted into dual language. and the founders/vista is not offeren in this area
if you have passed the testing (if any) i would go with the dual language.

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