The Los Alamitos Education Foundation (LAEF) is proud to expand its free World Language classes this year. Starting this fall, 3rd graders now have the opportunity to enroll in one of LAEF’s Free World Language Classes along with 2nd graders. Free classes for both 2nd and 3rd graders are offered on all six of the district’s elementary schools and range from Mandarin and Japanese to Spanish, French and American Sign Language depending on the school site. In addition, LAEF reduced the fee for additional language classes, offered to all grades, from $175 to $95. As always, tuition scholarships are always available to families in need.
With the expansion, LAEF offers students who took a free class as a 2nd grader the option to continue their learning as a 3rd grader in the same language or try a new language. “We are extremely grateful to the community for their generosity which allows LAEF to expose even more children to this incredible learning opportunity,” said LAEF Programs Manager Mike Kahn.
Over 200 students have already signed up for these free classes. All elementary languages offered are currently available for Los Alamitos High School students. LAEF’s goal is to expose children to languages they can pursue further in their secondary education and to introduce them to other cultures. Studies have shown that learning another language at an early age is great for brain development, enhances academic achievement, boosts empathy and cross-cultural understanding, and increases creativity and problem-solving skills.
Fall classes began on August 26 at Weaver Elementary and on September 3 at all other Los Al USD school sites. There are still spots available in several free language classes and registration is open at LAEF4Kids.org/programs. The free World Language classes have 17 seats available. As classes fills up, LAEF will make every effort to offer an additional class at that school.
LAEF is the non-profit partner of Los Alamitos Unified School District. LAEF enhances educational excellence by providing after-school and summer enrichment programs to children in grades Pre-K to 12. LAEF provides significant funding for STEAM teachers and instruction, as well as igniting new programs and providing valuable resources, to impact all students. For additional information on LAEF, please call 562-799-4700 Extension 80424 or visit www.LAEF4Kids.org.