Archdiocese Dual Language Academy set to open in August
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Archdiocese Dual Language Academy set to open in August
Students will learn in two languages
August 7, 2018 (OMAHA, NE) – The Archdiocese of Omaha-sponsored Dual Language Academy is set to open August 23 with an enrollment of more than 80 students.
The academy is located at the former site of St. Stanislaus School, near 41st and J Streets. It will bring together native English and Spanish speaking students.
The school will open with preschool, prekindergarten and kindergarten classrooms.
“This initial enrollment is a clear indication that Omaha families are willing to make sacrifices to enroll their children in a religious school that develops English and Spanish literacy in our youngest students,” said Dr. Michael Ashton, the archdiocese’s superintendent of schools.
Ashton said that according to research students in dual language immersion programs begin to outperform their monolingual peers as early as third and fourth grade and throughout high school.
The academy has agreed to a five-year partnership with a team from Boston College, who will mentor, provide professional development and guide school staff to ensure student success.
The academy is a member of the five-school Omaha Catholic School Consortium. Since its creation in 2012, consortium schools have experienced enrollment gains, technology enhancements, an increase in parent engagement, and improved academic outcomes. The consortium also introduced important educational initiatives such as blended learning and balanced literacy.
“A dual language program aligns with the social teaching of the Catholic Church and our efforts to unify the faithful, as well as integrate families from different cultures,” Ashton said. “It provides children the opportunity to share the good news of Christ in two languages.”
Parent Nicky Johnson said she is excited about sending her son to the academy. “My husband and I have used Spanish in our careers and believe it opens doors to many opportunities,” Johnson said. “Knowledge of the Spanish language has helped our family communicate with neighbors and other community members living in Omaha.”
Currently, the Dual Language Academy has students from 22 different zip codes. The school has picked an eagle as its mascot, red and white as its colors and “United in Christ. Unidos en Cristo” as its motto.
Parents can still enroll their children in the Dual Language Academy. More information is available at www.omahacsc.org.
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Founded as a diocese in 1885, the Archdiocese of Omaha serves spiritual and human needs in a 23-county area of Northeast Nebraska. Through its 139 parishes and missions, the archdiocese reaches out to 227,000 Nebraska Catholics. With two Catholic universities, 53 elementary schools, 17 high schools and a parish-based religious education program within its boundaries, Catholic education enriches the lives of some 58,000 young people. The Archdiocese of Omaha is one of the largest private social service providers in the region. Catholic Charities and the Center for Family Life Formation lead a network that ministers to the broadest and most fundamental needs of our community. Generous support to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal is symbolic of the collective faith that allows the Archdiocese of Omaha to continue the mission of Jesus Christ.
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