Renaissance Academy prides itself on having a focus on language that is “exemplary among foreign language programs,” –Renaissance Academy Charter. Our mission statement further supports this by stating “Renaissance Academy is a center of academic excellence in World Language.” All students at RA are enrolled in daily World Language classes that focus on interpersonal communication. We believe that students must be given the opportunity to practice communicating regularly in a second language and a large percentage of the time spent in World Language class is dedicated to speaking with others. We follow the Utah World Language Core Standards For Proficiency and use the American Council on Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Can Do Statements as a guide for achieving specific proficiency targets.
Renaissance Academy stands out from other schools by offering instruction in the languages of Arabic, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. Chinese is currently offered as a dual-immersion program in the lower grades. Our selection of and focus on less-commonly taught languages—Chinese and Arabic—provides an unusual opportunity for learning. This is further fostered through relationships with institutions of higher education in the community, including Brigham Young University (BYU), a designated language Flagship school for Chinese, and home of the National Middle East Language Resource Center.
World Language is at the heart of what we believe every child can learn. Our philosophy maintains that studying a world language, even when it does not come easily, is expected of all students who have been accepted to attend Renaissance Academy. This commitment is supported by research indicating that knowledge of other languages improves students’ understanding of languages in general and enables them to use their native language more effectively. Children who learn a second language show greater cognitive development in areas such as mental flexibility, creativity, and higher order thinking skills, such as problem solving, conceptualizing and reasoning. The study of World Language at Renaissance is a cornerstone in our mission to prepare our students for an increasingly global human experience.
Renaissance Academy Proficiency Targets »
Utah World Language Core Standards »
ACTFL Can-Do Statements »
Enrollment
24-25
Contact
Breakfast
Aspire
Online
Excuse
Volunteer
