Community-Based Heritage Language Schools (CBHL)
Languages:
Lithuanian
Independent non-profit school
Boston Lithuanian School
Boston, Massachusetts 02186
70 years + experience in teaching Lithuanian Institute Background
The school operates in a contact and remote manner. There are Lithuanian language courses for adults (16+) and a course for teenagers for "Seal Of Biliteracy".
Toddler group - from 18 to 36 months.
Main classes - from 3 (3 yrs old by September 1st) to 17 years old
Currently there are 137 students that attend our Lithuanian Saturday School. The BLS was established in 1949. The students, attending the BLS, are representatives of all the periods of Lithuanian immigration (pre & post war). Due to the varying language skills of the students - there is disparity in language skills. Starting in preschool we teach language, communication, history, geography and folk dancing and folk singing.
- Access
- Excellence
Improve Access for all learners in more languages
Percentage of types Students
Heritage Language Learners 50%
Multilingual Learners 50%
Learners who speak a language that is linguistically related to the target language %
Learners who speak a language that is culturally (but not linguistically) related to the target language %
Types of language learners are enrolled
- Heritage language learners (second generation or more)
- Recent immigrants
Programs available in your school
- Continuous program from grades Pre-K to 12 (novice to advanced)
Main reasons students attend your school
- To connect with their heritage in a meaningful way
- To gain literacy in the language, in addition to oral communication skills
- To communicate with relatives in the home country
- To earn credits for high school or university studies in the U.S.
- To gain bilingual proficiency for future professional use
How does your school strive to provide incentives for students to enroll in the language programs?
- Community and/or parent outreach
- Financial support
- Community functions (e.g. culture events, clubs, etc.)
Percent of the students attend your school remotely
Students who live in same area...........3 %
Students who live in different area...........10%
Types of instructional formats your school offer
- In-person
What are the main sources of financial support for your school
- Tuition
- Private donations from individuals
- Fundraising events
Does your school offer financial assistance to students?
Yes
How important is the impact of the financial assistance on student enrollment at your school
2
Which of these common competing commitments faced by the learners most negatively impact student enrollment and/or attendance
Name
After-school activities in the mainstream schoo
Homework and other academic pursuits
Extra-curricular activities (sports, music, hobbies)
Religious obligations
Family obligations
Work
Field name
Attendance
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Enrollment
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Does your school provide information to parents and other stakeholders about essential school information?
Yes
Does your school communicate with the community at large about events and other information?
Yes
List the percentage of students by age group
PreK-K students 10%
Kindergarten students 15 %
Elementary school students 30 %
Middle school students (grades 6-8) 20 %
High school students (grades 9-12) 15 %
Adults 10 %
Excellence through transparency and accountability
Curriculum and instruction
- Curriculum and instruction that build on the linguistic skills and cultural knowledge that learners bring to the classroom
Outcomes
- The opportunity for students outside the formal education system to earn Seals of Biliteracy or other recognition of bilingual and biliteracy ability
Professional Development
- Peer mentorship among the instructors
- Facilitation of and support for participation in specialty courses offered by universities, homeland consultants, HL experts, etc., if available
Vision, Strategic Planning, and Priorities
- Well-defined and publicized rules and regulations of school operation that are specified and followed by the school board and the faculty, in meetings and in planning
Transparency, Accountability, and Outreach
- Professional and consistent engagement with the HL community and the larger community to recruit students and teachers and motivate parents and stakeholders to support and advance the aims of the CBHLS
Institution Information
Year School was Established
1947
Languages taught at your school
Lithuanian
Average Number of Students
150
Average Number of Teachers
19
Saturday or Sunday Classes
Number of weeks per year: 4
Number of hours per week: 28