Wake County Schools

WCPSS receives $14.1M grant for language and global studies programs

The grant will support Spanish language immersion programs at Dillard Drive Magnet Elementary and Middle schools.

Posted 2021-04-28T23:22:07+00:00 - Updated 2021-04-29T14:54:45+00:00

With Dillard Drive Elementary and Middle Schools and East Cary Middle School converting to language-based magnet schools and Smith Magnet Elementary School increasing their language offerings, Wake County Public Schools are expanding their language program options to meet community demands. (Photo Courtesy of Wake County Public Schools)

Emily Walkenhorst

, WRAL education reporter

The Wake County Public School System has received a $14.1 million U.S. Department of Education grant that will support existing plans to increase language and global studies programs at four magnet schools, the district announced Wednesday.

The district was one of nine nationwide to receive a Magnet Schools Assistance Program grant, according to the announcement.

The grant is for five years, with $3.5 million arriving this year.

The grant will support Spanish language immersion programs at Dillard Drive Magnet Elementary and Middle schools. Students not in the immersion program will be able to take daily classes in Spanish or French, and they’ll have global learning as a theme throughout courses.

Smith Magnet Elementary will add a Dual Language Spanish Immersion and World Languages theme. Students not in the immersion program will be able to take daily Spanish or Mandarin Chinese courses and will also have global learning integrated into their courses.

East Cary Middle School will offer daily Spanish or Mandarin Chinese courses and also integrate global learning into courses.