The America’s Language Working Group recognized Walnut Hill Elementary for their exceptional language-learning programs.
The school teaches Mandarin Chinese to all their students and offers programs to develop bilingualism and biliteracy in English and in Spanish.
The organization added Walnut Hill Elementary to their Guide To Exemplary Programs & Practices In U.S. Language Education, which identifies exemplary programs that support language education and increase access to more effective learning.
“There’s a tradition of teachers who stay here and get better at their craft, and work every year to refine and improve our language programs,” Walnut Hill Elementary Principal Phillip Potter said. “They’re prioritizing access to language and communication, and they’re the reason why our campus is being recognized on a national level.”
Walnut Hill Elementary offers two Two-Way Dual Language programs – regular and Talented and Gifted – where students receive a balanced pathway to becoming bilingual, biliterate and bicultural in English and Spanish. Each program implements the 50/50 model for dual language ensuring that students receive instruction in all content areas in both languages. In addition, all Walnut Hill students receive instruction in Mandarin Chinese.
The school utilizes the Common Instructional Framework which focus on college readiness and prepares students to be successful in high school. Walnut Hill Elementary is currently a Pre-K through 6th campus and is expanding to teach the 7th and 8th grades over the next two years. Moreover, the campus is on track to becoming a Dallas ISD Transformation School with a focus on international leadership.
