The marriage of Montessori-inspired education with language immersion in Spanish and Mandarin is enriching The New Century School students in many ways. Here are the Top 10 (er, 11)* ways that learning other languages is a boon for TNCS kids.

1. Benefits academic progress in other subjects

2. Narrows achievement gaps

3. Benefits basic skills development

4. Benefits higher-order, abstract, and creative thinking

5. Enriches and enhances cognitive development

6. Enhances a student’s sense of achievement

7. Helps students score higher on standardized tests

8. Promotes cultural awareness and competency

9. Improves chances of college acceptance, achievement, and attainment

10. Enhances career opportunities

BONUS: 11. Benefits understanding and security in community and society

Younger primary students love the tactile Montessori materials.

This geography lesson is given in Spanish.

Elementary students prepare dough for las arepas, Venezuelan tortillas.

Peace is the same in all languages.

Mr. Lapreziosa and our Chinese and American friends say cheese!

TNCS student practices writing in cursive.

Mandarin class.

Don’t let the important skills your child has practiced all year atrophy over summer—keep them happy and engaged at TNCS summer camp!

Li Laoshi poses with her pipa just before the concert began.

* This list was modified from The Benefits of Second Language Study: Regarding World Language Education. Research Findings with Citations. National Education Assoication Research, December 2007. Accessed 2/1/13 at http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/Curriculum/Curriculum_Root_Web_Folder/BenefitsofSecondLanguage.pdf.