Academics
HoLa’s curriculum reflects more than three decades of research in immersion education and integrates best practices developed by HoLa as well as other model dual language programs from across the country.
HoLa’s Dual Language Program
Designed to surpass state curriculum standards while providing the opportunity for students to become proficient in two languages, HoLa offers a traditional core curriculum through instruction in both Spanish and English to a diverse student population. HoLa’s student body is culturally, ethnically, linguistically, and socioeconomically diverse. HoLa is designated a Model Program by the NJDOE and serves as a resource to other programs of its kind from across the state and beyond.
Research consistently demonstrates that students in dual language classrooms thrive academically, outperform their monolingual peers on standardized achievement tests, and excel in measures of cognitive development, flexible thinking and problem solving. HoLa utilizes a well-established immersion approach to dual language education and incorporates a range of opportunities for creative expression and experiential learning.
Elementary School Curriculum
HoLa’s elementary curriculum provides a rigorous academic program in a dual language immersion environment. The curriculum is interdisciplinary, challenging, and aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. Our immersion approach is interactive and experiential, with a wealth of opportunities to learn by doing and to use language in meaningful ways (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) in every content area.
Immersion is the most effective form of dual language instruction and provides the strongest outcomes in both language proficiency and academic performance. Early extended immersion programs have a positive cognitive impact on the developing brain and increase problem solving and creative thinking skills.
Teachers implement a range of immersion strategies and techniques to support students’ content comprehension, regardless of language background, and the curriculum is extended and reinforced through projects, presentations, and field trips.
In early Elementary (K-2nd grades), HoLa classrooms are self-contained, with a dedicated lead teacher and apprentice teacher team. Students learn in Spanish for most of the day with just 1-2 periods of instruction in English (including English Language Arts and Math).
In upper Elementary (3rd-4th grades), classrooms shift to a side-by-side model, with two lead teachers providing instruction in designated content areas. The language distribution becomes more balanced, with increased English during academic periods (50/50 by 4th grade).
Middle School Curriculum
Middle School (5th-8th grades) uses a subject-specialist framework.
Students rotate classrooms for each subject with a specialist teacher. The language distribution continues to be 50/50 (alternating Spanish/English weekly) for core academic subjects throughout Middle School, while Specials (Art, Music, PE, Yoga) and Advisory are in Spanish.
Every HoLa student benefits from advanced coursework in Middle School, including a progression of STEM courses ranging from coding and app development to robotics and 3-D modeling, a College Board-approved AP Spanish Language and Culture course, and Algebra I in 8th grade.
All HoLa Middle School students have the opportunity to sit for the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam in 8th grade, and all graduating 8th graders take the Pathway to Biliteracy exam.
HoLa’s hands-on curriculum continues through Middle School with opportunities to extend learning both in the classroom through projects and presentations, and out of the classroom, through a wealth of immersion and field trip opportunities in and around New York City. Our 8th grade immersion experience culminates in a class trip to Puerto Rico, where they are able to use their language skills in an authentic cultural setting.
Lightbulb Lab: Gifted & Talented Program
At HoLa, we understand that every learner is unique, and we are committed to tailoring our instructional strategies to support their individual needs. Our model addresses the diverse abilities and interests of our students. By using classroom data and CogAT assessments, we identify students with specific cognitive strengths who can benefit from accelerated instruction and enrichment activities, allowing for creative applications of the curriculum.
Our approach ensures that all students engage in rigorous lessons that foster creative problem-solving and collaborative learning, customized to meet a range of learning levels.
For those who master certain concepts or show exceptional abilities, we offer engaging hands-on extension activities. We also use specific criteria to select students for differentiated instruction, enhancing their understanding of the core curriculum.
To learn more click here.Awards & Acknowledgement
2024
The Spanish Consulate designated HoLa as an International Spanish Academy (ISA) in 2024 - the first school in the state of New Jersey and the only public charter school in the country to receive this honor.
2024
Ranked in the top 5% of Best Elementary and Middle Schools in NJ per US NEWS (across all public + private schools in NJ).
2022
The College Board approved HoLa’s Middle School Spanish Language Arts curriculum as an AP program.
For more information about Charters visit New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association.
