September 12, 2023– World Language Middle School (WLMS) received an international distinction for its French curriculum.
The attache from the French Consulate presented the LabelFrancÉducation to the school in a special Tuesday morning ceremony and got a chance to tour the school, observing some of the classes in action. Tuesday’s ceremony featured a musical performance from WLMS students and student speeches focusing on what the French curriculum means to them.
“We are honored to receive the LabelFrancÉducation seal,” said WLMS Principal Sandra Santos. “We believe that the diversity of language and cultures of our students and families is an asset that supports our mission and vision as the District’s middle school immersion pathway.”
This distinction is a seal granted by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs based on the advice of an inter-ministerial advisory committee. It is granted to schools promoting the French language and culture as part of their curriculum.
“World Language Middle School is honored to be recognized,” said WLMS Assistant Principal Marcia Davis. “It is a huge honor. We are very proud of our students and staff, whose diligence has afforded us this notable distinction.”
WLMS is one of 65 schools in the United States and one of only eight schools in the Midwest to receive this honor. Ecole Kenwood French Immersion earned the LabelFrancÉducation seal first in 2018 and again in 2021.
“French dual language and immersion programs are playing a big part in the advancement of a new multilingual generation with a blossoming network in the U.S.,” said Nicholas Douay, attache for Higher Education, Consulat General de France. “These programs, such as [WLMS] give students the opportunity to not only study another language but to study in another language. Beyond the benefits of open-mindedness and academic achievement, this type of instruction provides students with lifelong assets that will broaden their horizons and improve their prospects.”
The seal was launched in 2012 and recognizes public or private schools offering students enhanced instruction in the French language while teaching other French subjects. Since September 2022, 587 schools from all over the world have received this distinction.
