Eisenhower Elementary is the fourth school in Indiana to have an International Spanish Academy designation.
The ISA designation is a recognition given to schools that implement a dual language immersion (DLI) program in Spanish and English awarded by the Embassy of Spain. The designation is awarded to schools that demonstrate strong instructional practices, student achievements and rigor in their programs, according to the International Spanish Academy program.
Eisenhower Principal Jenna Moree said there was a formal process Eisenhower had to go through to get the designation. The school had to go through an interview process and have it verified they had everything in place, as well as sharing documents with the embassy.
During the DLI program, students are taught half the day in English and half the day in Spanish, she said. There are some students who speak primarily Spanish and learn English and vice versa in the program. There are two DLI classes in each of the seven grade levels at Eisenhower.
Warsaw Community Schools Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert said the DLI program started 10 years ago when a Warsaw School Board member challenged WCS to think outside the box for language learning.
He said the DLI program has expanded to Leesburg Elementary School and Lakeview Middle School.
Next year, the DLI program will be expanded into Warsaw Community High School and give students an opportunity to take AP courses and possibly get enough credits to possibly get a minor in Spanish, he said.
Students have benefitted from a multi-language education, including one of Hoffert’s sons. Hoffert said his sons, like all the students in the DLI program, will carry a special gift of language that will impact them throughout their lives.

    Pictured (L to R) are Dr. Diego Blázquez, the education attaché for the Consulate General of Spain; Eisenhower Principal Jenna Moree and Warsaw Community Schools Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert. Photo by Jackie Gorski, Times-Union
  

Student Parker Sale said when students get exposed to different languages, it increases job opportunities. Wanting to be a doctor, he said by knowing another language, it will allow him to help more people.
There are also studies that show brain development is better if people can speak two languages, he said.
Student Cecilia King said Spanish is the most common non-English language spoken in the U.S.
She said knowing another language is her superpower. She wants to be a lawyer and by knowing another language, it can benefit her career. It also helps create empathy.
Moree said the designation is a reflection of the school’s commitment to continued excellence to education. The journey of the recognition took collaborative efforts and shared beliefs that language is not only a tool for communication, but also a bridge between cultures. By embracing the Spanish language, it is preparing students for a global future and opening doors for perspectives and fostering empathy and nurturing the next generation.
She also recognized the efforts of teachers to inspire students every day.
“To our students, this achievement belongs to you. Your curiosity, perseverance and enthusiasm for learning has brought us to the point,” she said.
Moree also thanked parents for their belief in the power of education.
Dr. Diego Blázquez, the education attaché for the Consulate General of Spain, said, both Spain and the U.S. think the most important thing the countries have is the children because they are the future. It is important to invest in the future by having programs the DLI program.