INSIDE OUR SCHOOLS
Santiago kids getting in the action (Photo – AEGE production studios)
On the 100-year anniversary of its founding, All Souls’ parochial school, already outstanding as the only two-track (Mandarin/English and Spanish/English) Catholic school in the country, broke ground for the addition of a new science building on its Alhambra campus.
By News Desk
Despite setbacks with the Covid-19 pandemic, All Souls World Language Catholic School is experiencing unprecedented growth. Core to this success is its re-envisioned format taken on when it transformed into a dual language school 10 years ago.
With almost 400 students, the school is expanding to accommodate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math) classes. “The Archdiocese is very proud of All Souls’ programming and its stellar success,” exclaimed Paul Escala, Senior Director and Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. “We are thankful to Shea Family Charities and the families of All Souls for their generous contribution to the capital campaign – we really are Building Bold Futures!” he added.
On hand for the ground breaking ceremony was Alhambra Mayor, Katherine Lee who said, “The City of Alhambra is excited to see this wonderful little school grow into a world class academic center. I learned Mandarin as a child and treasure the opportunity to celebrate my culture through language and tradition. All Souls’ multilingual curriculum is a window to our ancestral roots but also a foundation for diverse education and career opportunities.”
“We find that parents eager for welcoming and inclusive learning environments value diversity of cultures and languages that reflect our Los Angeles communities,” explained Dr. Carrie Fuller, Managing Director of School Networks for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Initially established in 1921, All Souls has a unique 50/50 dual language curriculum from transitional-kindergarten (TK) at age four through eighth grade. Every student learns each day in English and in either Mandarin or Spanish. All Souls offers a progressive learning environment that combines the Catholic faith with language immersion, arts programs, a pollinator garden, and even a chicken coop for students to experience nature as they learn about it in the classroom. Graduates are accepted to competitive high schools and receive accolades for their fluency in a language other than English. “Biliteracy and biculturalism are hallmarks of an education at All Souls,” explained Maria-Elena Navarro, Principal of All Souls World Language Catholic School.
The All Souls campus is located at 29 S Electric Ave., Alhambra, CA 91801. For information on All Souls’ dual language programs or to support its capital campaign, visit allsoulsla.org or call (626) 282-5695.
Source: All Souls World Language Catholic School
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