Multilingual Learning
The Multilingual Learner Education Department supports equitable, effective programs and services for multilingual learners and their families from identification through reclassification.
The department focuses on research-based instruction and assessment that builds upon students’ strengths, supports educators through professional learning and collaboration, and partners with families throughout students’ educational journeys.
MLE Programs
SEI–1 supports newcomer immigrant students who are beginning to learn English. The program is designed to meet students’ cultural and linguistic needs and serves as a temporary placement as students develop English proficiency.
SEI–Gen Ed serves students at transitional levels of English proficiency. Students are fully integrated with English-speaking peers and receive ESL instruction in an inclusive classroom setting.
SEI–Special Ed serves students in substantially separate classrooms with English-speaking peers, based on services outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).
SLIFE supports students whose education has been limited or interrupted. In grades 2–8, students are placed in SEI–1 classrooms. At the high school level, some students participate in the Goal Program in partnership with Adult Education and may work toward an Adult High School Diploma from the City of Somerville.
Bilingual Programs
Unidos K–8 Dual Language Program is a K–8 Spanish-English dual language immersion program housed at East Somerville Community School. It aims to produce bilingual and biliterate students, serving both native Spanish and English speakers by providing instruction in both languages. The program promotes bilingualism, biculturalism, and high academic achievement.
Sonrisa is a bilingual prekindergarten classroom located at the East Somerville Community School for four-year-old students from families who speak Spanish. Please visit the Early Education Public Preschool Programs webpage to learn more.
SPELL is a summer program for multilingual learners at the beginning stages of English learning in grades 1 through 12. The SPELL program provides students with theme-based language learning experiences that develop students’ reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Enrichment activities will be built in throughout the week. This program is by ESL teacher referral only.
Parent Advisory Council
The Multilingual Learner Parent Advisory Council (MLPAC) is made up of parents and legal guardians of Multilingual Learners / English Learners to discuss academic and social issues those students face. Families from Unidos are also welcome! For a list of our meeting dates and times, please click here. For more information, please call the MLE Department at 617-625-6600 x6096.
Any parent, family member, or guardian of a student in Somerville Public Schools may enroll in English Basic Literacy classes offered at various locations. For more information about these classes, please contact the Somerville Family Learning Collaborative Office at 617-625-6600 x6702 or email fapolaya@k12.somerville.ma.us.
Contact the Enrollment Department
Paulina Mitropoulos
Antonella D’Eramo
The Multilingual Education Department is located at 167 Holland Street, Somerville, MA 02144.