HOBOKEN, New Jersey – June 17, 2024 – Hoboken Dual Language Charter School (HoLa) has been recognized as an International Spanish Academy (ISA) by the Ministry of Education of Spain. HoLa students will soon be able graduate with diplomas from New Jersey and Spain and can more easily pursue higher education in either English or Spanish upon graduation from high school.

HoLa is the only school in New Jersey and the only public charter school in the country to receive this designation to date, and, along with other high performing ISA schools in the United States, will continue its bilingual education program as an official partner of the Spanish government.

“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’s dual language program fosters advanced bilingual proficiency by 8th grade, preparing students to complete advanced coursework and receive college credit before they have even entered high school. 100% of the school’s 8th graders over the past two years have received the official Pathway to Biliteracy designation upon graduating.

HoLa was also the first school in New Jersey to establish a Visiting Teacher program with the Spanish consulate. HoLa’s staff is 90% Hispanic and represents 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.”

“HoLa’s recognition as an International Spanish Academy is a significant achievement for public charter schools in New Jersey,” said Harry Lee, President and CEO of the New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association. “This honor exemplifies the high-quality educational opportunities that public charter schools have to offer.”

HoLa has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report in the top 4% of Elementary and Middle Schools in New Jersey, and is a national resource for bilingual educators from around the country.

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

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About Hoboken Dual Language Charter School:
Founded in 2010, Hoboken Dual Language Charter School (HoLa) is the first and only free public Spanish / English dual language charter school in New Jersey. Each year HoLa educates 440+ children from Kindergarten to 8th grade through an immersive dual language approach. Students predominantly join HoLa in Kindergarten and, regardless of language background, spend 90% of their day in Spanish-speaking classrooms in the early grades. Students gradually receive increasing amounts of instruction in English as they get older, and by 4th grade, academic instruction is 50% Spanish and 50% English.