World Languages

Overview

The fundamental purpose of the DeKalb County Schools World Languages Program is to heighten students’ interest in studying world languages and to provide equitable access to instruction and enrichment opportunities that enable students to learn and practice the skills necessary to achieve proficiency in their target languages.

Mission

The mission of the DeKalb County Schools World Languages Program is to produce graduates who achieve academic mastery of receptive and expressive language skills and who demonstrate advanced proficiency in one or more languages in addition to English as they progress through elementary, middle, and high school.

Vision

Our vision is to develop curious and culturally aware citizens of the global community who exhibit a passion for diverse linguistic and cultural experiences, a sensitivity to the language acquisition process, and an appreciation for the importance of world language proficiency in a global society.

We aim to increase the number of DeKalb County Schools graduates who ultimately earn the Georgia Seal of Biliteracy, and who gain a competitive edge in the 21st-century workforce by achieving a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in their target languages. In an increasingly global economy, language proficiency and cross-cultural competence are necessary for students to succeed professionally across a variety of career fields. As such, the DeKalb County Schools World Languages program is committed to preparing students to be fully engaged citizens of the global community by providing robust language education that fosters students’ appreciation for cultural diversity and international consciousness.

Dual Language Immersion Programs

Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs provide students the opportunity to develop second language skills while studying core academics in both English and the target language. In elementary schools, DCSD implements the 50/50 model where students typically study math and science in the target language. In middle school, students typically study social studies in the target language. 

Get more information about DLI programs in Georgia

In DeKalb County, we use the three pillars of dual language immersion as our focus: bilingualism and biliteracy, academic achievement, and sociocultural competency. We aim to ensure students are able to navigate a variety of cultural situations with ease, use the target language effectively while developing skills in English, and perform at a high level in all core subjects.

Enrollment into a DCSD DLI program is through a lottery. Information on the process and deadlines can be found at School Choice.

For more information regarding DCSD’s DLI programs, you can watch the DCSD DLI Town Hall and access the presentation.

For information regarding the individual school meetings, please visit their websites.

DCSD offers Dual Language Immersion Programs at the following schools:

School	Language
Ashford Park Elementary School	German
Barack H. Obama Magnet School of Technology	Spanish
Evansdale Elementary School	French
Rockbridge Elementary School	French
Chamblee MS	German
Henderson MS	French
Stone Mountain MS	French

Please contact the individual school for more information.

DeKalb County School District (DCSD) provides a wide range of world language opportunities from elementary through high school. These programs prepare students to communicate in more than one language, explore diverse cultures, and develop global competencies.

Languages Offered

DCSD offers French, German, Latin, and Spanish, with availability varying by school. In addition, some high schools offer Spanish for Native Speakers, a course sequence designed for students who already have a strong foundation in Spanish as a heritage or home language. This pathway allows students to strengthen literacy skills, expand academic vocabulary, and deepen their cultural understanding.

Elementary Programs

FLEX (Foreign Language Exploratory)

• Focuses on exposure to a new language and culture.
• Emphasizes vocabulary, cultural awareness, and basic communication.
• Designed to spark interest and build a foundation for future study.
• Availability varies by school.

DLI (Dual Language Immersion)

• Students receive instruction 50% in English and 50% in another language.
• Builds language skills at an early age to advance to higher levels in middle and high school.
• For more information, click on the DLI tab on this website.
• Offered at select schools.

Middle School Programs

Connections

• A rotation-based course where students experience world languages along with other exploratory subjects.
• Provides an introduction to language learning and cultural understanding.
• Availability varies by school.

Carnegie Unit Courses

• Full-credit, high school–level world language courses available in some middle schools.
• Students who successfully complete these courses earn Carnegie credit toward high school graduation requirements.
• Helps students begin their pathway earlier, allowing them to progress to advanced levels sooner.
• Availability varies by school.

High School Programs

World Language Courses

• Students may begin or continue study in French, German, Latin, or Spanish.
• Specific languages and course levels vary by school.
• Most high schools offer a sequence of Levels I through IV, allowing students to build proficiency over multiple years.
• Successful completion of at least two credits in the same language is required for most colleges.
• Extended study prepares students for advanced coursework (AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment) and for earning diploma seals.

Spanish for Native Speakers

• Designed specifically for heritage speakers of Spanish.
• Focuses on advanced literacy, academic language, and cultural identity.
• Leads to higher-level Spanish courses such as AP Spanish Language and Culture or AP Spanish Literature.
• Availability varies by school.

Advanced Placement (AP)

• College-level courses offered in some schools in French, German, Latin, and Spanish.
• Students develop advanced proficiency and cultural literacy.
• AP exams may earn students college credit or advanced placement in college language courses.
• For more information about AP, please visit this link.
• Availability varies by school.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

• Available in select schools through the IB Diploma Programme.
• Focuses on global perspectives, intercultural understanding, and advanced language proficiency.
• For more information about IB, please visit this link.
• Availability varies by school.

Dual Enrollment

• In partnership with local colleges and universities, some schools may offer Dual Enrollment opportunities for students to take college-level world language courses.
• These courses may provide both high school and college credit.
• Availability varies by school.

 
 
 

DeKalb County School District is proud to recognize students who demonstrate advanced skills in world languages and global competencies. Two diploma seals highlight these achievements: the Georgia Seal of Biliteracy and the International Skills Diploma Seal. These honors appear on graduates’ official diplomas and transcripts, showcasing their readiness for college, careers, and citizenship in a global society.

Why Pursue a Diploma Seal?

These seals give students a competitive edge by formally recognizing their bilingual skills and global competencies. Colleges, universities, and employers value these distinctions as evidence of persistence, cross-cultural skills, and readiness to succeed in a global economy.

Georgia Seal of Biliteracy

The Georgia Seal of Biliteracy recognizes graduating high school students who have attained proficiency in English and at least one additional language. It signals to colleges and employers that a student can communicate effectively in more than one language.

Requirements:

• Completion of all English Language Arts requirements for graduation with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in those courses.
• Proficiency in one or more world languages, demonstrated through one of the following:
  • A qualifying score on a Tier 1 exam (Advanced Placement [AP] or International Baccalaureate [IB]) or a qualifying score on a Tier 2 exam in the absence of Tier 1.
  • Completion of a four-year high school course of study in the same world language with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.

International Skills Diploma Seal

The International Skills Diploma Seal (ISDS) is awarded to students who show strong engagement in international education and global readiness. It highlights students who can thrive in a diverse, interconnected world.

Requirements:

• At least three credits in the same world language and/or ESOL,
• At least 4 credits in courses with an international focus (world history, global studies, international economics, etc.).
• At least 4 extracurricular activities and experiences with global themes (e.g., Model UN, exchange programs, service projects).
• Twenty hours of community service with a global or multicultural focus.
• A capstone presentation on a global issue before a review panel.

 

Mr. Jacob Vuiller
Coordinator

678.676.0227

678.676.0229 (fax)

1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard | Stone Mountain, GA 30083