World Languages Magnet

In order to provide students with an opportunity to explore foreign language instruction, the Mark Twain Middle School World Languages Magnet started in the Fall of 2011. As one of the only secondary LAUSD schools to provide this educational experience, Mark Twain created a vital niche for students interested in studying Mandarin and Spanish.  

 

Our World Languages Magnet currently offers two languages: Mandarin and Spanish. The students in the magnet program are exposed to both languages during 6th grade at an introductory level. In addition to the language, students study the cultures and histories of regions where the language is spoken. In 7th grade students take either Spanish I or Mandarin I for the entire school year and in 8th grade, level 2. Upon completion, students enter high school with a broader world perspective and one year of high school foreign language credit.  

 

Students in the magnet program take the same classes as their residential peers: English, History, Math, Science, and Physical Education. Students in the Magnet program take a foreign language as their elective class; equally one hour of world language instruction every day. The average class size in the Magnet is 32 students per class. Magnet teachers show daily that they care about their students by checking in with them and contacting parents if there is an academic celebration or an academic or behavior concern. Teachers establish a rapport with students and state high academic and behavioral expectations.

 

The goals of the Mark Twain World Languages Magnet are to expose students to the values and views of other cultures and to learn how to speak in different languages. We live in an increasingly globalized world, and the future will require that our students acquire a wide perspective when facing challenges and solving problems. Discovering how in other parts of the world they not only speak differently, think differently and have a different set of values is one of the most mind-opening educational experiences.

 

To apply to the Mark Twain World Languages Magnet, please visit: apply.lausd.net 

Unified Enrollment begins accepting On-Time applications around October 1st. 

The window for LATE applications opens in January. The magnet program does provide transportation to students who meet certain criteria. For more information, please contact LAUSD Unified Enrollment or Ms. Omori, the Mark Twain Magnet Coordinator at: [email protected].