Saint Louis Public Schools reaffirms its commitment to diversity, inclusion and the embrace of immigrant and refugee students to our school district. The district’s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program currently supports more than 2,600 English language learners (ELLs) who come from 53 countries and collectively speak 46 different languages.
We have seen enrollment in the ESOL Program grow, with the most dramatic increase in the current school year as a result of the crisis in Syria and continued political situations in Somalia, Congo and other countries. More than 500 new ELLs joined Saint Louis Public Schools this school year. Many of them started their education at Nahed Chapman New American Academy.
Named for its founder, the New American Academy provides wrap-around services to ELL newcomers and prepares them to transition to neighborhood and magnet schools within our District where they continue to receive ELL supports, work on attaining proficiency in English and mastery of content in various academic disciplines. Along with academic supports, the ESOL Program also provides language support to ELL students and families through the district’s bilingual team.
It is our responsibility as the public school system of the City of St. Louis and our privilege as educators to help welcome these new Americans to the Saint Louis Public Schools family. By inviting and encouraging children from all different backgrounds and nationalities to fully participate in our classrooms, all of our students will be better prepared to lead and succeed in the dynamic, diverse world that awaits them.
Kelvin Adams is superintendent of Saint Louis Public Schools.
