HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Some incoming kindergartners in Hillsborough County are getting a head start on learning, and they're doing it in multiple languages.
- 5 county schools are offering dual language program
- Teachers are excited to see the students' progress
- Enrollment has doubled each year since the program began
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The Hillsborough County School District's first-ever dual language summer camp is leading the way for other programs across the state.
“To my knowledge, this is the first only dual language summer camp, so we’re really proud and we’re expecting some really great results from it,” said Melissa Morgado, who supervises the program.
The four-day camp is an orientation of sorts for kids starting the program this fall.
“Already by the second day they’re waving in two languages, waving goodbye, interacting with their new friends,” Morgado said.
In five years, students will be able to complete all of their subjects at the state level in both languages.
“I love that we’re able to get this opportunity to introduce them, just for them to get a little glimpse of what their year is going to be,” said Spanish dual language teacher Ruth Villegas.
Villegas has been a dual language instructor since the district launched the program three years ago.
“It has really opened up a whole other level of understanding of how much the students can learn and what they’re capable of,” she observed.
Some kids already speak both languages, while others are just starting to learn Spanish or English.
There are currently five Hillsborough schools offering dual language programs: Bellamy, Pierce, Crestwood, Reddick, and Westchase Elementary School.
The district says student enrollment has doubled each year.
This year’s projected student enrollment is 522.
“To be able to be a part of these students’ future as bilingual leaders and to think like what they’re going to be when they’re in high school ... It’s just so much joy. I’m just excited, super excited,” Villegas said.