A Harlem Elementary School Makes Arabic Mandatory

[A Harlem Elementary School Makes Arabic Mandatory by Elbert Chu] "Twelve second graders ran around a classroom playing “Simon Says” and “Duck, Duck, Goose.” But it wasn’t just for fun. The students at the Hamilton Heights School were learning Arabic, which will be mandatory for all second- through fifth-grade students in the fall.

“Madrasti,” the 9- and 10-year-olds yelled when their Arabic teacher put his hands together like a book. That means “my school” in Arabic. They’re part of a pilot program started in March that partly picks up where Khalil Gibran International Academy, the city’s only Arabic-themed school, which closed in 2011, left off.

The Department of Education shut the Gibran middle school after poor performance and failure to attract enough students. But the principal, parents and staff at Hamilton Heights, a K-5 public school on Amsterdam Avenue started by parents, say their Arabic program will succeed because of parents’ support, financial backing and a broader perspective.

“We’re not just about one language or culture..." Ge 11:9, 16:12 Full text: A Harlem Elementary School Makes Arabic Mandatory

A Harlem Elementary School Makes Arabic Mandatory