New Bilingual Charter School Opens in Georgetown

News Summary

Georgetown’s education landscape is changing with the approval of Las Américas ASPIRA Academy, the first Spanish immersion charter school in Sussex County. Set to open in 2026, it aims to address the community’s demand for bilingual education by offering a 50/50 model of English and Spanish instruction. The school will support a diverse student body, including a significant percentage of English Language Learners and students from low-income families. This initiative aligns with aspirations to foster cultural inclusion and enhance literacy among young learners.

Exciting News for Georgetown Families: New Bilingual Charter School Coming Soon!

Georgetown is buzzing with the news of a brand new charter school, Las Américas ASPIRA Academy, which is set to become the first-ever Spanish immersion school in Sussex County! This amazing initiative was approved on January 16 and is all set to cater to the educational needs of our growing Latino community. The new school will officially open its doors in the fall of 2026, welcoming youngsters from kindergarten through second grade.

A Response to Community Wishes

The establishment of the Georgetown school comes directly from the community’s calls for more bilingual education options. Families expressed their desire for educational programs that help their children become proficient in both English and Spanish, emphasizing the importance of dual literacy. The approval process involved community engagement, including collecting signatures to show the demand. It’s clear that families are ready and eager for such an enriching opportunity!

Foundation and Future Plans for ASPIRA Academy

Let’s not forget that this isn’t ASPIRA Academy’s first rodeo! The original ASPIRA Academy, which opened in 2011 near Newark, has been serving elementary and middle school students successfully for many years. It has already made quite an impact, and by May 2024, it will be celebrating its very first high school graduation. The new Georgetown school aims to build on this success with a phased approach, gradually adding one grade each year until it reaches a full capacity of 500 students by the time it covers grades K-5.

An Immersive Learning Experience

At Las Américas ASPIRA Academy, students will benefit from a 50/50 model of instruction, meaning half of their learning will be in Spanish and half in English during their early years. As they transition to middle school, the program will shift to a continuation model, which comprises 25% Spanish and 75% English. This structured approach is designed to cultivate a love for both languages while ensuring a smooth transition as students progress through their educational journey.

Cultural Inclusion and Community Focus

ASPIRA Academy is dedicated to fostering a culturally inclusive environment that celebrates the rich tapestry of its diverse student body. With a substantial Hispanic population— a whopping 71.22% of students identify as Hispanic or Latino—this school aims to embrace all identities and backgrounds.

What About the Student Body?

The future Georgetown school will offer support to a wide variety of students, particularly those who may need it. The school reports a significant number of English Language Learners at 32.44% and 25.88% of students coming from low-income households. This diverse mix is sure to enrich the school experience for everyone!

A Vision for Leadership and Growth

To kick things off, the school will be managed by its CEO and co-founder for the first two years, after which a new leader will take the helm. This smooth transition is planned to ensure that the vision and mission of ASPIRA Academy remain intact as they grow and evolve.

The Need for Bilingual Education

As Sussex County continues to grow, so too does the demand for schools that provide comprehensive bilingual education. The future ASPIRA Academy in Georgetown aligns with these needs, but also with ASPIRA’s mission to enhance family engagement, especially among Spanish-speaking parents. It’s an exciting time for Georgetown families and a golden opportunity for the students who will be walking through those doors in 2026!

So, mark your calendars and get ready to witness the opening of what promises to be an incredible educational institution that will help shape the future of many young minds in our community. The stars seem to be aligning for Georgetown, and who knows what exciting possibilities lie ahead!

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Additional Resources

• Delaware Online: Las Américas ASPIRA Academy Opens in Sussex County
• Wikipedia: Bilingual Education
• Newark Post: ASPIRA Academy Expanding to Georgetown
• Google Search: Spanish immersion school Delaware
• Delaware Online: Nola O’Connell Named Delaware Student of the Week
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Immersion Education
• Delaware Live: ASPIRA Academy’s New High School
• Google News: ASPIRA Academy Delaware