English Language Learner
Language Academies

Language Academies (LA)

Language Academies are designed for newcomer students in grades 1-6 who speak less than 300 words of English. Each Language Academy classroom is comprised of both English language learners and native English speakers. ELL students work on the same academic material as their classmates, with adaptations and scaffolding assistance from ELL and mainstream teachers as well as bilingual educational assistants. ELL and mainstream teachers integrate language development across all subject areas, which has proven to be best practice for ELLs.

Approximately 700 students are enrolled in Language Academies.
Features of Language Academies
Language Academies are taught collaboratively by mainstream teachers and ELL teachers, who provide differentiated instruction and build background knowledge in order to foster academic success and language skills at the grade level. This intensive collaborative program helps students rapidly develop the English language skills that will prepare them to succeed academically.
Daily interaction with their native-English-speaking peers builds language skills and promotes acceptance and diversity among all students. ELL students in Language Academies are integrated into the school and larger communities.
Most students attend Language Academies for two years. Upon exiting the program, students continue to receive academic and language support from ELL staff as needed.
There are thirteen Language Academy sites: