Arabic Language Program - Bellevue School District

The Bellevue School District welcomes families to the Arabic Bilingual Program. Started in the 2023-2024 school year, the program admits incoming students to Ardmore Elementary School.

Each year as the program grows, additional grade levels are added to accommodate the expansion. Both in-district and out-of-district students, with diverse language proficiencies, are welcome to apply.

This unique program offers students the opportunity to learn the Arabic language during the regular school day while studying core subjects such as math, science, social studies, and language arts in English. The primary goal of this program is to celebrate culture and language and foster positive identity.

The Arabic Bilingual Program will…

Develop a strong linguistic proficiency in English and Arabic.
Expand horizons for future education.
Enhance cognitive skills and critical thinking.
Embrace diversity and global perspectives.

Apply to the Arabic Bilingual Program

Student holding pen in front of classroom.

Contact Us

425-456-4246
LanguagePrograms@bsd405.org

Visit

12011 NE 1st Street
Bellevue, WA 98005
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Which Arabic dialect is taught in the classroom?

Teachers will instruct in Fusha, encompassing Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). MSA is the formal, standardized form used in writing, media, and formal discourse across the Arab world, facilitating cross-regional communication. Learning MSA provides a strong foundation for future dialect exploration. While MSA is the primary focus, we also value dialects for daily use and cultural exchange. We enhance skills through cultural activities, authentic materials, and community exposure, promoting a holistic understanding of Arabic’s richness and linguistic diversity. Our aim is students’ communicative competence, blending MSA proficiency with dialect appreciation for a comprehensive Arabic language education.

Arabic Bilingual Program, Elementary Students

Elementary Program Contacts

School: Ardmore Elementary School
Principal: Tina Bogucharova, Bogucharovat@bsd405.org
Assistant Principal: Yusra Obaid, Obaidy@bsd405.org

How many minutes of Arabic instruction will be offered each day?
What kind of transportation options will be offered?

How many minutes of Arabic instruction will be offered each day?

Kindergarten students will engage in Arabic instruction for nearly 90 minutes a day during social emotional learning, Arabic language arts and social studies.

As the program develops, feedback from students, parents, and teachers will be incorporated into the design. The heritage language program aims to be culturally responsive and student-centered, remaining flexible and adaptive to the needs of students and their families.

What kind of transportation options will be offered?

Teacher and students sitting in classroom.

Arabic Bilingual Program, Secondary Students

BSD middle school and high school students in grades 6-12 may register in the spring (during the annual course registration period) for a Arabic world language course and earn world language credits.

The secondary Arabic Bilingual Program will offer students the opportunity to learn the Arabic language during the regular school day while studying core subjects such as math, science, social studies, and language arts in English.

Secondary Program Contacts

School: Bellevue Digital Discovery, BSDDigitalDiscovery@bsd405.org

How can students register for Arabic classes?

Students in grades 6-12 can sign up for Arabic courses during the spring class registration period. To meet the language proficiency levels of students, there will be different levels of Arabic language courses offered: Arabic 1, Arabic 2, and Arabic 3

Families who currently live outside of Bellevue School District Boundaries, must first apply to attend school in the Bellevue School District. Once accepted, you will be notified and receive enrollment instructions via email.

What will students learn in their middle and high school Arabic language course?

How will middle and high school students take part in the Arabic Bilingual Program?

At the middle and high school level, students enrolled in a Arabic course will receive online Arabic instruction through Bellevue Digital Discovery School. They will access their Arabic courses virtually from each school. The district will provide students with all the essential technology resources, including laptops, headsets, keyboards, and instructional materials, to support their learning experience.