Our School

Horace Mann Dual Language Magnet offers kindergarten through eighth grade students an opportunity to get a quality standards based education taught in both English and Spanish in a caring family oriented environment.

All day kindergarten provides a solid foundation for bi-literacy and math.  Beginning in kindergarten, students have both an English and a Spanish language arts class where they are taught the foundations for reading in both English and Spanish. Students learn their letter names and letter sounds, develop the ability to decode text, and the skills to express themselves verbally and in writing in both languages.

All students in grades kindergarten – 8^th grade experience math and most specials classes in the English language of instruction, while experiencing science and social studies in the Spanish language of instruction. In grades K-5 students have a reading intervention class that supports their first language (L1). In grades 2^nd – 5^th, students benefit from an additional block of time known as Second Language Bridge, where students receive additional instruction in their second language (L2) that promotes increased vocabulary and comprehension in their L2.

Students are taught to think, speak, read, and write in both English and Spanish through a strong standards-based curriculum taught in both languages. Students develop the skills needed to become confident bilingual and biliterate learners who can problem solve and successfully apply their rich dual language learning to academic and social settings.

All students, kindergarten – 5^th grade also benefit from taking specials classes that support district and state standards. These classes are taught through a lens of language acquisition to support students’ dual language learning experience. While our specials classes are predominantly taught in English, our students benefit from having one music class taught in English and another taught in Spanish. Music is the perfect way to build learner confidence, increase vocabulary, and promote language proficiency in both languages.

Middle school students continue the tradition of academic excellence by participating in honors course for both math and English language arts. Students who are proficient in reading, also have access to reading and writing enrichment opportunities. Horace Mann's Gifted Program provides additional enrichment opportunities for qualifying students displaying a need for rigorous academic opportunities beyond what may be found in the general education setting. Middle school electives include art, music, band, orchestra, physical education, technology courses, broadcasting, and Spanish guitar ensemble. In addition, middle school students have the opportunity to participate in other programs or activities including athletics, STUCO, After-School Recreation Program, Baile Folklórico, Gaming Club, Art Club, Music Club, BAASE, and LAASE.

In addition to our academics which support a tradition of excellence, Horace Mann is also known for its high family engagement and parent involvement, which ensures a caring and connected community. Parents are encouraged to get involved with schoolwide activities including Parent/Teacher Conferences, field trips, Spring Carnival, parent volunteering, Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), Site Council, and a number of family-oriented events.

Horace Mann values our family-oriented culture and climate. Our staff works hard to create a warm and caring atmosphere designed to meet the needs of all students. This core value is evident in the numerous daily positive interactions observed with students and families.

To learn more about Horace Mann Dual Language Magnet, please call us at 973-3100.