HoLa Hoboken Recognized as “International Spanish Academy"

Hoboken Dual Language Charter School (HoLa) was officially designated as an International Spanish Academy by the Spanish government during a ceremony this past Friday at the school attended by local, county, state leaders and the Consul General of Spain. According to the Spanish Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, HoLa is one of only a handful of schools in the United States to earn this designation, and the first in New Jersey.

“This recognition is a profound achievement and reflects HoLa’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of global citizens,” said Jennifer Sargent, Executive Director of HoLa Hoboken. “Our commitment to academic rigor, bringing in talented educators from diverse backgrounds, and immersing students in Spanish language and culture is at the heart of everything we do.”

“HoLa is the first and only free public Spanish and English dual language charter school in New Jersey, home to the first College Board-approved Advanced Placement Spanish language arts curriculum for middle school students, which allows eighth-grade students to take AP exams and enter high school with college credits in hand,” said New Jersey Department of Education Acting Commissioner Kevin Dehmer. “The celebration of HoLa’s designation as an International Spanish Academy continues this tradition of excellence. On behalf of the New Jersey Department of Education and the entire school community, we commend HoLa for these meaningful contributions to public education in New Jersey.”

Through the International Spanish Academy program, HoLa and other high performing schools in the United States and Canada implement a Spanish-English dual language immersion curriculum with the support and recognition of Spain’s Ministry of Education and Vocational Training. HoLa was also the first school in New Jersey to establish a Visiting Teacher program with the Spanish consulate and their staff is 90% Hispanic, representing over 15 different countries throughout the Americas and Europe.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with HoLa,” said Nuria Algar Pinilla from the Spanish Consulate Education Office. “Having native Spanish-speaking educators in the classroom not only enhances language skills but brings vibrant cultures of their home countries to life for the students.”

Many local dignitaries were present for the International Spanish Academy ceremony including New Jersey Department of Education Interim Executive County Superintendent Melissa Pearce and World Languages Coordinator Lavinia Rogers, Hudson County Commissioner Anthony Romano, Hoboken City Council President Jen Giattino and Council members Tiffanie Fisher, Emily Jabbour and Phil Cohen and representatives from the offices of Congressman Robert Menendez and Hudson County Executive Craig Guy. From the Spanish Consulate in New York, Marta de Blas Mayordomo, Consul General, Diego Blázquez Martín, Education Attaché and Nuria Algar Pinilla, Technical Advisor represented the Spanish government at the ceremony.

For more information about the International Spanish Academy program, visit https://www.educacionfpydeportes.gob.es/eeuu/en/convocatorias-programas/.... Learn more about HoLa at https://www.holahoboken.org/.