Korean Language Program

The Bellevue School District welcomes families to the Korean Bilingual Program at Newport Heights Elementary! This language learning opportunity allows students to learn Korean language and culture while studying core subjects like math, science, social studies, and language arts in English—all during the regular school day.

Each year, as the program continues to grow, additional grade levels will be added. Families both within and outside of the Bellevue School District are welcome to apply, no matter your student's current language proficiency.

Here’s what makes the Korean Bilingual Program an exceptional opportunity:

The program builds strong skills in both English and Korean
Language learning opens doors for the future including career opportunities
Language learning boosts critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
The program celebrates diversity, culture, and global connections

Apply to the Korean Bilingual Program

Contact Us

425-456-4246
LanguagePrograms@bsd405.org

Visit

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

Korean Bilingual Program, Elementary Students

Elementary Program Contacts

School: Newport Heights Elementary
Principal: Kristopher Hagan, haganc@bsd405.org
Assistant Principal: Alison Hook, hooka@bsd405.org

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

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

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

Korean Courses (World Language), Secondary Students

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

Secondary Program Contacts

School: Bellevue Digital Discovery, BSDDigitalDiscovery@bsd405.org

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

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

At the middle and high school level, students enrolled in a Korean course will receive online Korean instruction through Bellevue Digital Discovery School. They will access their Korean 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.

How can students register for these courses?

Students in grades 6-12 can sign up for Korean courses during the spring class registration period. To meet the language proficiency levels of students, there will be different levels of Korean language courses offered: Korean 1, Korean 2, Korean 3, and Korean 4.

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.

Korean Bilingual Program Frequently Asked Questions

How did Family Engagement shape the program?

How did Family Engagement shape the program?

In October 2023, a Korean family listening session was held to gauge family interest in the program. This event marked a significant step in shaping the future of the Korean Bilingual Program, a program that includes both elementary and secondary students.

Over Korean teas and rice cakes, 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 Korean heritage language program and its numerous benefits.

We had an incredible turnout, with more than 80 parents joining us in person, and over 25 participants joining us online. We were honored to have community organizations and leaders like board members of PNW Korean Parent Association, Jennifer Sohn, President of United Seattle and Bellevue Korean School, Joshua Hwang of Korean Culture and Education, Kyungho Park of Consul of Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Seattle, Julie Kang, Director of Professional and Continuing Education of Seattle University, and EunYoung Won, Associate Teaching Profession of Asian Languages and Literature from University of Washington stand by us in support of BSD’s heritage language program initiative.

We also take great pride in our high school Korean Student Heritage Language Ambassadors and Team Members who generously volunteered to provide childcare during the event, allowing parents to fully engage in the presentation and community discussions.

As we move forward, our dedicated Korean Heritage Language Development Team is committed to incorporating the insights shared by our families. These insights will form the foundation for crafting a program model that genuinely resonates with the needs and aspirations of our students and their families.

A few quotes from parents:

Families gathered in the gym at lunch tables

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

“Deeper knowledge and pride for their Korean language, culture, and heritage.”
“See themselves & identity in school rather than “dropping” a part of themselves when they walk in. In-person, daily instruction with a connection between language and culture/arts rather than just language for the sake of language.”
“The joy of being able to interact with their cultural heritage without harming their English language development.”
“Korean American
으로써 양국의 문화를 자연스럽게 받아들이고 자긍심을 갖고 자라는 섯.”