by Lilah Boig ‘26

In the MCPS district, world language classes begin being offered in 6th grade. This includes lessons in Spanish, French, and other languages that garner interest. In elementary school, world language instruction is not offered, and the only way someone can get world language education at this age is to enroll in a full immersion class or take classes outside of school. This hinders young children’s ability to have the opportunity to learn a second language. Elementary school is the best time a person can develop biliteracy skills and if classes were offered in MCPS it would be positive for the community.

“If you want to have native-like knowledge of English grammar you should start by about 10 years old,” said Joshua Hartshorne, an assistant professor at Boston College. This fact applies to all world language learning. Studies show that past the age of 10, it becomes harder for people to become fully fluent because the human brain’s ability to take in new language declines. Although the most significant decline is not until the age of 17, it’s essential to start during elementary school to reap the benefits in early life. Being bilingual comes with countless benefits, like better cultural awareness, the ability to communicate, job opportunities, and much more. If MCPS could relocate their world language focus from high school to elementary school it would benefit the young community throughout their lives.