The World Languages, ENL & Bilingual Programs Department is composed of a variety of different programs that were created to ensure all students learning a language, whether it is English as a New Language or a language other than English, have the highest quality of education. From languages spoken around the world, to learning the English language, or learning in two languages at once, our students are afforded language opportunities that follow them through commencement.
World Languages:
Hicksville Public Schools offers students the following languages beginning in the 7th grade through the 12th grade-
- American Sign Language
- French
- Italian
- Spanish
In our 3rd through 5th grade classes, our students receive Foreign Language at the Elementary School (FLES) in Spanish, which is an enrichment program where students can learn about language and culture at an early age. The continuation of language exposure follows our students to Hicksville Middle School where students receive Foreign Language Exploration (FLEX). Students are given an opportunity to explore different languages and cultures from around the world. The FLEX program gives our 6th grade students an early opportunity to choose which language they might consider further studying and learning through our college level language courses at Hicksville High School.
Our student population represents 47 different languages from around the world creating a perfect foundation for the love of language and multilingualism. Our World Language teachers are dedicated classroom leaders whose passion for language and culture is infused into their students' lives with impactful instruction that produces students who are ready for global citizenship and marketable competitiveness.
ENL:
One of the fastest growing populations of students in the Hicksville Public Schools are English language learners. Hicksville Public Schools offers English as a New Language (ENL) services to support the language acquisition process. Our English language learners arrive from all parts of the world, and are welcomed into an environment that celebrates their uniquely rich backgrounds and cultures. The ENL program is structured to support English language learners academically, socio-emotionally, and with equity. Our ENL teachers are highly qualified and exceptional professionals who go above and beyond their call of duty to ensure every student has a voice and feels supported and safe to learn the English language at their pace in their own special way while immersed in learning content.
Transitional Bilingual Education:
Students in grades kindergarten through the 3rd grade who are English language learners and speak Spanish as their home language are given the option of receiving instruction in Spanish and English. The Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE) Program is structured to ensure students are able to remain at par with their native English speaking peers in content while they acquire the English language. Students in our TBE classes receive instruction in Spanish and English. The overarching goal of the program is for native speakers of Spanish to transfer their Spanish fluency skills to acquiring English proficiency. Our Bilingual teachers are language acquisition specialists who work toward ensuring our English language learners become truly bilingual.