Our Unique Learning Programs
Our programs
The Italian American Academy offers three unique learning program tracks and special classes, to fit your specific language needs. All classes are taught in a fun and nurturing environment where kids will be encouraged to open their minds to a new language and a new perspective on the world.
Using the communicative approach, Italian native speaker teachers guide students toward a greater understanding of Italian culture as they teach them how Italians really interact in their day-to-day lives.
Italian as a Foreign Language (IFL) – for beginner and or intermediate learners
In these courses of Italian as a Foreign Language for beginner and intermediate learners, the goal is to reach a level of confidence with the language that will enable students to interact with other Italian speakers both inside and outside the classroom. The complexity of the language, the richness of the vocabulary and the grammar embedded are progressive, therefore they will start from fairly easy topics that are part of the students life (such as greetings, colors, numbers, school objects, family members, etc…) to move toward other topics that relate to the world around them (such as asking information about someone’s health, talking about vacation plans, asking and giving information about future plans, talking in detail about feelings, etc..).
Italian as a Heritage Language (IHL) and Advanced Italian as a Foreign language (AIFL) – for advanced learners
This course is intended for advanced students that have an excellent understanding of the language. In this course students will have an opportunity to improve their writing, reading and speaking skills through a variety of selected texts of Italian literature, poetry, history and geography. Students are grouped by age/grade and by their level of competency. The programs for each class are based on the same curriculum adopted in Italy in elementary and middle schools.
Accredited courses – for 7th graders and up
IAASD has been accredited by the San Diego Unified School District as an International World Language School (IWLS). This recognition allows IAASD to give credits for Italian as foreign language to meet the high school graduation requirements. Accredited courses begin in 7th grade and require two years of study of the same world language although three years are highly recommended. Coursework may be taken at District-approved independent world language schools outside the regular school day provided that the student notifies the principal in advance.
IAASD currently offers three graduation courses, one for beginners (IFL) one for advanced students Advanced Italian as Foreign Language and one for Heritage Speakers (Italian as Heritage Language) equivalent to two semesters, Italian 1-2, Italian 3-4 and Italian 5-6.
Special Classes specifically designed to share Italian culture and custom in a fun, engaging way. Classes rotate frequently and are offered only if a minimum of 5 students are enrolled.
Our teaching method
IAASD uses a Communicative Language Teaching approach (CLT) that is an approach to language teaching that emphasizes interaction as both the means and the ultimate goal of study. This method considers the language as an essential instrument to communicate and allows the gradual development of the four linguistic abilities (listening, speaking, reading and writing). Even though during the lessons particular emphasis will be given to dialog and oral expression, the importance of the written language and its grammar will not be forgotten. Grammar and written language will be approached according to the following pattern: comprehension, assimilation and production. Particular importance will be given to the Italian cultural aspects because the Italian culture represents an intrinsic element in learning Italian as a foreign language.
In addition to the communicative approach, IAASD stresses the importance of using all the senses (visual, auditory, kinesthetic-tactile, gustatory, and olfactory) as much as possible to enhance learning and retention.
Full Immersion versus an enrichment program
IAASD is a school that offers afternoon enrichment classes in Italian Language and Culture. Classes meet once a week from September to June, at a different time, day and location depending on the level of the class. The length of the lesson varies from 60 minutes for very young children to a maximum of 2 hours for advanced students.
Unlike a language immersion program that meets every day for at least 5 hours each time and in which all the subjects, such as math, science and social studies are taught in the second language, IAASD offers an after school Italian enrichment program that aims to preserve and promote the Italian language and culture. Therefore, for its nature, content and format IAASD cannot be considered a full immersion type of school.
Download our school discipline policy
