Frequently Asked Questions
What languages are served?
We are delighted to introduce our new Arabic Heritage Language Program, available at both elementary and secondary levels. To learn more, please visit the ‘Arabic HLP’ section. Additionally, we are currently expanding our heritage language program to include Hindi and Korean for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year. For the latest updates, please visit the pages dedicated to the Hindi Bilingual Program or the Korean Bilingual Program.
How are the teachers trained?
All teachers are highly qualified and certificated by the state of Washington. Additionally, our teachers participate in regular professional learning on the topic of language acquisition and literacy development.
Who will be my student’s teacher?
All BSD Elementary school families will be notified of their class placement on August 30th after 4pm. Parents will receive an email from their homeroom teachers and/or directions from the school to access ParentVue. ParentVue will allow you to see your student’s class assignments, attendance, and other important information.
What can I do at home to support my child? Do I need to support my student’s English development or the language of the program outside of school?
Family support is a key factor in student success. Supporting a child in a heritage language program is similar to supporting a child in a traditional classroom. We recommend using your own language at home, whether it is the heritage language of the program, home language or English. The following advice comes from OSPI:
- Attend school events and learn a few words or phrases in the other language so you can interact with other families.
- Ask your child about their learning but don’t expect them to use the other language with you at home. Using your own language at home provides the best model and cognitive development for your child.
- Volunteer or get involved in the classroom or the school. Your child will see that you value their education and efforts to become bilingual.
- Participate on the district’s Dual Language Advisory Board to ensure the program is effective for all students.
- Encourage your child to stay in the program even when it feels challenging. Remember that it takes many years to learn another language, especially as children are still developing their first language.
Schools will offer in-person and online Parent Education events to explore this topic. We have found that parents are the best source of information regarding their children and may have ideas for all of us to learn from. Parents are welcome to enhance students’ education at home, but we do not believe it is necessary for every student to have extended learning as a universal practice. We will partner with you to support your students in a way that leverages their interests and meets their needs.
What kind of services does school offer? Will there be Counseling, Special Education, Advanced Learning, and Multilingual Learner services my child is enrolled in a Heritage Language Program?
Students enrolled in the heritage language program will be offered all services available in the district. As a civil rights obligation, Multilingual Learner services will be offered in English. For information on what services are available to all Bellevue School District students please visit our website or give us a call.
Is there an opportunity to opt-out of school activities or learning that do not align with our family values?
Yes, per school board policy, families are welcome to opt-out of lessons and school activities through written communication with the school principal.
Can students who reside outside of Bellevue School District apply?
Yes, we welcome students residing outside of Bellevue School District boundaries to apply. Non-resident students will be accepted on a space-available basis. Apply Here.
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