Lashon Academy

About

Lashon Academy Public Charter school in Los Angeles CA

Story

Hebrew Language Charter School

Mission

The Lashon Academy mission is to prepare culturally diverse K-6 grade students to be self-directed learners and responsible global citizens, by fostering academic excellence, utilizing research-based instructional approaches in a multi-lingual and service learning integrated environment.

Our Vision
The Lashon Academy vision is to create a school where children of all backgrounds and abilities together will learn, achieve and become productive members of the world community. In a workshop environment, infused with Modern Hebrew, students will demonstrate proficiency in English and Modern Hebrew, and will be actively engaged in local and global service learning.

We Believe:
• that education is powerful, learning is lifelong, and multicultural understanding is essential to thrive in our global community;
• that all children can achieve;
• the development of proficiency in multiple languages enhances students’ cognitive development and academic achievement; and
• that the capacity to communicate and live successfully within culturally diverse environments and the commitment to serving one’s community are critical to the development of tomorrow’s leaders.
The Meaning of “Lashon”:
The meaning of the Hebrew word Lashon holds great importance in the development of language and the power of its use. A direct interpretation of Lashon is “tongue, language, speech or words”, but there is an expression that further defines the word Lashon, “The tongue is so powerful to determine Life or Death.” Lashon Academy will instill in their students the understanding that speech, or words are very powerful and have a decisive impact on our lives. In order to develop life-long learners, 21st century educated people, and socially aware leaders, Lashon Academy students will develop, understand, and apply their words in powerful and meaningful ways.

Our Values:
Lashon Academy places a high value on academic excellence, communication in multiple languages, and community service. We emphasize respect for all people and guide our students towards mutual understanding and respect for others. Through service learning, all students are instilled with a sense of their social responsibility and efficacy.
At Lashon Academy, we accept the charge to help every student achieve at their highest capacity in academics and to grow as citizens in a multicultural society. Lashon Academy realizes its mission by creating an environment of achievement, respect and accountability.

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
The founders of Lashon Academy believe that education should prepare students to take personal responsibility for tomorrow’s world. Thus, Lashon Academy will provide its students with the academic and personal foundation necessary to successfully pursue advanced studies and achieve continued personal growth as ethical and informed global citizens.
In order to accomplish this, Lashon Academy, an independent elementary charter school, will offer an academically rigorous K-6 curriculum, which includes intensive instruction in Modern Hebrew. In addition, Modern Hebrew language and culture will be integrated during social studies, science, and physical education. Students will be active learners and engaged in experiential, inductive, hands-on learning—i.e., learning that is focused on higher order thinking and addresses individual needs of all learners through differentiated instruction. Lashon Academy’s rigorous academic program will foster college and career readiness in a 21st century, globally competitive society.
What It Means to be an “Educated Person” in the 21st Century
“Whereas, In order to globally compete in the 21st Century, today’s students need to develop linguistic and cultural literacy and functional proficiency in one or more world language ”
The 21st century world necessitates that we develop students who are college and career ready. College and career readiness anchor the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science and Technical Subjects. Furthermore, as a member of a multicultural society, a person must be committed to understanding, respecting, and promoting acceptance of the differences and similarities of individuals and other cultures. One must be able to solve problems through collaboration and communication, using skills that allow them to adapt to changing environments and diverse populations.
Previously, education addressed the needs of the “Industrial Age” which was characterized by the need to learn prescribed facts by rote, to follow standard procedures and directions from higher authorities to be productive in adulthood. Currently, in the “Information Age,” facts, figures, and information of all types are readily available, but constantly expanding and updating. Workplace challenges require flexible and adaptive thinking; there rarely is a single correct answer; and problem solving is commonly a collaborative process.
Lashon Academy will offer a rigorous academic program and will engage students to develop as global citizens. Lashon Academy integrates service learning in the curriculum to reinforce values of citizenship, community and social responsibility. Moreover, given the increasing globalization of the world economy that has created a large need for the workforce that can communicate in multiple languages, Lashon Academy’s intensive focus on the acquisition of a foreign language is significant. Lashon Academy believes that an educated productive citizen of the 21st century will demonstrate the following:
• Awareness about the world
• A foundation of knowledge about what it means to be a global citizen
• Fluency in more than one language
• A focused comprehension of world communities that will serve as a springboard for multicultural appreciation
• The ability to apply information learned in the classroom to one’s personal life and the world
• Leadership skills and the ability to relate well with peers and rally peers to help achieve common goals