I know their fears and excitement. I had to show them that a Mexicana can learn it. After a year, the newcomers are taught in classes where the instruction is in Spanish with increasing amounts of English. For new students in high school, there are three courses for English language development to jump-start their transition to English. And just because they don't speak English in high school, they won't be shut out of classes that will help them get to college.
Students hear the message.
An average 80 percent of their high school graduates go onto college, with a majority of them going to the local community college. Student boosters High school seniors who have gone through the district are the best advocates for learning Spanish first, and they are testaments to the program. They're going to stay at a lower level, learning the basics. Senior Fajed Bouomar, who is student body president, knows Calexico's programs work. It guided us to English.