Overview
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.
World Languages Department
DeKalb County Schools offer courses in French, German, Latin, and Spanish, though offerings due vary from school to school. Students may have an opportunity to take specials courses in elementary school, connections courses in middle school, and college-level courses in high school. Additionally, students may have the opportunity to enroll in a Dual Language Immersion program where they study the language and core subjects in both English and the target language.
Middle School
Students may get a head start by earning Carnegie Unit for High School Credit. Please contact your child’s school to learn more about requirements for earning this Carnegie Unit through the WL program. This course prepares students for higher level language coursework at the high school level and ultimately for Georgia’s Seal of Biliteracy. This program is rigorous and will require students to complete coursework at the high school level.
High School
DeKalb County Schools offer a variety of programs, depending on the school, for students to enhance their language learning and earn college credit. Included in these programs are Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Dual Enrollment (DE). Inquire with your school to see which programs are available to your child.
DCSD World Languages follows guidance from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, which includes the recommendation of instruction being taught in the target language for at least 90% of the classroom time. Students’ proficiency in the language will grow over time and consistent practice, typically beginning at Novice Low (unless the student has previous experience in the language). See a list of proficiency levels, language functions, and corresponding professions.
Select schools offer students the chance to earn the International Skills Diploma Seal. This seal requires specific course work, community service, and a Capstone project to demonstrate student achievement. See more information regarding the International Skills Diploma Seal. The current schools that are approved to offer the International Skills Diploma Seal are: Druid Hills High School (approved 2015) and Martin Luther King Jr. High School (approved 2021).
Additionally, DeKalb County Schools strive to provide students with the opportunity to earn the Georgia Seal of Biliteracy. The purpose of the Georgia Seal of Biliteracy is to recognize high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in one or more languages in addition to English. See below for a summary of information regarding the seal while more information can be found here.
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 |
| Pleasantdale Elementary School | Spanish |
| Rockbridge Elementary School | French |
| Chamblee MS | German |
| Henderson MS | French |
| Stone Mountain MS | French |
Please contact the individual school for more information.