Foreign Language in the Elementary School

World Languages

Welcome to the world of early language learning!

Some of our elementary World Languages programs follow the FLEX (Foreign Language in the Elementary School - Exploratory) model. This is a term often used to describe world language instruction in grades K-5, in which students study one language with a systematic development of language abilities and cultural awareness. With our focus on speaking and listening skills, K-5 students in this program are learning how to express themselves in new ways. According to Gladys Lipton, Director of the National FLES* Institute, here are a few reasons why this program model benefits our students:

Children enjoy learning a new language and are curious about customs in other countries.
By starting second language study early, children advance in the development of an intelligent understanding of language concepts, which will help in learning additional languages.
Children's exposure to world languages helps them develop an openness to other people and other ways of life.
Children who have studied a foreign language in elementary school achieve expected gains and have even higher scores on standardized tests in reading, language arts, and mathematics than those who have not (Lipton 1979; Masciantonio 1977; Rafferty 1986; McCaig 1988).

The ABCs of Elementary School Foreign Language Programs: A Guide for Parents

The FLEX program is currently offered at the following CMS elementary schools :

Blythe Elementary
Billingsville and Cotswold Elementaries
Charlotte East Language Academy (non-immersion students)
Dilworth and Sedgefield Elementaries
Huntingtowne Farms Elementary (non-immersion students)
Irwin Ave. Elementary
Lansdowne Elementary
Marie G. Davis K-8
Statesville Rd. Elementary

Some of our other schools offer Dual Language/Immersion Programs (DL/I). These programs deliver grade level content in the target language, with some content in English. The goal of these programs is to develop bilingual, biliterate and multicultural students. For more information about DL/I programs in North Carolina, please see visit this site from NCDPI: North Carolina Department of Public Instruction DL/I Site.

We currently offer one-way immersion programs in Chinese, French, German and Japanese at Waddell Language Academy.

We have five two-way Spanish dual language programs at these schools:

We also have World Language Magnet Programs at two high schools, which also provide language immersion continuation courses for the students from our six DL/I schools:

P.O. Box 30035
Charlotte, NC 28230-0035
Phone: 980-343-3000

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