
| Our Mission Statement Jardín de Niños Interlingua Mission The mission of the Jardín de Niños Interlingua, Austin Bilingual school, is to develop our students' abilities to think critically and creatively, guide their emotional and physical growth, and prepare them to flourish in an increasingly international social, business, and technological world. We will also assist with the formation of sound character and high standards of personal conduct and integrity in our students, while fostering civic responsibility. The school establishes high standards in all areas and will help the students achieve or exceed these standards while strengthening personal initiative and developing a lifelong interest in learning. A child's learning ability, cultural interests, and potential for productive success are enhanced by achieving competencies in a language different from their own, in a classroom where children from various cultures learn and share together. It is our fundamental belief that a multi-lingual, multi-cultural education is the key to building a solid foundation for the future of our communities. FOCUS ON STUDENTS Small classes provide the opportunity for increased interaction between teachers and students, and more individualized instruction tailored to meet student needs. Our school will seek to maintain enrollment of 10 students per teacher (compared with public education standards of 24 students per teacher) with additional support staff to assist in various educational activities. While ensuring that our students are able to meet or exceed recognized educational standards for accreditation, our School will not aim to produce test takers, but rather strive to develop students who are able to think independently and critically. FOCUS ON LANGUAGE We have applied and are working towards being International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme Framework 3-12 years old (Certified multicultural and international curriculum) within the context of an English-Spanish Dual Language Immersion program. As part of an overall educational approach, Jardín de Niños Interlingua, Austin Bilingual school, will implement a Spanish/English dual language program in which students will attain bilingual and biliterate fluency, while achieving age appropriate goals in all academic areas such as math, social studies, arts and science. Younger students will have a higher proportion of Spanish, As students progress, the program will transition towards equal time in Spanish and English by 5th grade. In order to reach the desired levels of academic and linguistic achievement, students should be enrolled in a dual language program for a period of five to seven years. FOCUS ON DIVERSITY Our belief is that the experience of life is enhanced through interaction with people with different backgrounds. As a result, we seek to attract families from a variety of ethnic, national and linguistic origin. The school will promote positive intersocial and intercultural relationships between students, family and school staff, raising awareness of and appreciation for the complex social, historical, cultural and political dynamics of an increasingly interconnected world. FOCUS ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Students of the 21st century must possess a sound knowledge of Mathematics and Science as well as have a working familiarity with contemporary technology. Teachers will be provided with tools that help them to meet the educational goals of the school and the needs of students. As a result, students will have access to computers and other appropriate equipment. The school administration will employ the Internet as an effective and efficient means of keeping families updated on school events and activities, in and out of the classroom. FOCUS ON ARTS Jardín de Niños Interlingua, Austin Bilingual school, believes that artistic engagement is essential to the creative, emotional and intellectual development of each student. At all grade levels, students will be engaged in both fine and performing arts, exploring a variety of artistic media in expanding their creative potential. "Language and communication are at the heart of the human experience. The United States must educate students who are linguistically and culturally equipped to communicate successfully in a pluralistic American society and abroad. The imperative envisions a future in which ALL students will develop and maintain proficiency in English and at least one other language, modern or classical. Children who come from non-English backgrounds should also have opportunities to develop further proficiencies in their first language." American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, Statement of Philosophy, Standards for Foreign Language Learning. |









