Hindi Language Program

Elementary Program

The Bellevue School District is excited to introduce Washinton State’s first Hindi Bilingual Program. This program will be offered at Ardmore Elementary School 

School for incoming kindergarten students starting in the 2024-2025 school year. As the program grows each year, additional grade levels will be 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 Hindi 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 Hindi Bilingual Program will…

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

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

Kindergarten students will engage in Hindi instruction for nearly 90 minutes a day during social emotional learning, Hindi 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?

Students who reside within the Ardmore attendance area may use district transportation that serves their neighborhood. Students who reside outside of the Ardmore boundary may utilize current bus stops within the school transportation boundaries on a space available basis. For more information contact transportation at transportation@bsd405.org.

Elementary Program Contacts

Principal: Tina Bogucharova Bogucharovat@bsd405.org
Assistant Principal: Yusra Obaid Obaidy@bsd405.org

Secondary Hindi Heritage Language Program

BSD middle school students in grades 6-8 may register in the spring (during the annual course registration period) for a Hindi world language course and earn world language credits.

The middle school Hindi Bilingual Program will offer students the opportunity to learn the Hindi 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.

How can students register for these courses?

Students in grades 6-8 can sign up for Hindi courses during the spring class registration period. To meet the language proficiency levels of students, there will be four different levels of Hindi language courses offered: Hindi 1a, Hindi 1b, Hindi 2, and Hindi 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 school Hindi language course?

Middle School students will enhance their Hindi language skills while engaged in project-based learning. They will explore the history of the Hindi-speaking world and its cultures.

How will middle school students take part in the Hindi Bilingual Program?

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

Will students receive world language credits necessary for graduation?

Students enrolled in Hindi courses will receive World Language credits that can be applied towards high school graduation requirements.

Secondary Program Contacts

Digital Discovery: BSDDigitalDiscovery@bsd405.org
Principal: Tom Duenwald duenwaldt@bsd405.org

Hindi Family Listening Session Event, October 12, 2023

We’re excited to share the highlights of our Hindi Family Listening Session, which took place on October 12, 2023. This event marked a significant step in shaping the future of the Hindi Heritage Bilingual Program, a program that includes both elementary and secondary students.

Over chai tea and samosas, parents shared their dreams and hopes for their children, and the importance of preserving their home languages. In addition to these heartfelt discussions, we dove into the practical aspects of implementing the Hindi heritage language program and its numerous benefits.

We had an incredible turnout, with more than 130 parents joining us in person, and over 50 participants joining us online. We were honored to have community leaders like Raj Jhanwar, Founder and President of Gurukul, Raj Manhas, Former Superintendent of North Thurston Public Schools, Mahalasksmi Narendram, Interlake High School PTA President, and Ema Shirk, Dual Language Program Supervisor of OSPI, stand by us in support of BSD’s heritage language program initiative. Parents displayed remarkable generosity and a strong willingness to provide any form of support.

As we move forward, our dedicated Hindi Heritage Language Development Team is committed to taking into account the insight shared by our families. Their input will be the cornerstone in designing a program model that truly resonates with the needs and aspirations of our students and their families.

A few quotes from parents:

Through a Hindi heritage language program, I hope for my child to/would experience…

मुझे आशा है कि हिंदी विरासत भाषा कार्यक्रम के माध्यम से मेरा बच्चा अनुभव करेगा/ करना चाहिए…

• “Enjoy learning the language and culture as it’s part of school.”
• “Will be able to connect with their roots, grandparents and learn about their heritage.”
• “Proficient in mother tongue.”
• “He would speak Hindi fluently and proudly.”
• “Learn about their heritage, their culture, get a sense of community belonging right at school and not feel confused about their identity.”

For inquiries about this initiative, please contact HeritageLanguageProgram@bsd405.org