Parents apply to new language program

The Socorro Independent School District invited local parents on Thursday night to an informal meeting regarding the start of a new dual language academy.

According to SISD officials, parents have been asking about such a program for a long time and are excited to see it get going.

“Students who are not just bi-lingual but bi-literate have an advantage in the world but also in the business world as well,” said SISD Chief Academic Officer Lucia Borrego.

The potential for success in such an academy has already been proven and put into action by the El Paso Independent School District, which installed their own academy 6 years ago.

“It is really a great environment for students to learn from each other,” said EPISD spokeswoman Melissa Martinez. “It becomes a great environment for students to become partners and learn the languages together.”

SISD families that want to join the academy will have to apply through a lottery.

The results of that lottery will be revealed in April.

Duel language programs have also grown in popularity across parts of Arizona, New York State and California.