• 248 880 2399
  • education@noifdn.org
  • Michigan, USA

Schools

N.O.I. Foundation • School Programs

Italian Language &
Culture in Schools

Bringing Italian language and culture into American classrooms through curriculum-aligned programs, teacher support, and cultural exchange — from Michigan to Ohio.

Students
170
Enrolled across partner schools
Partner Schools
5
Across Michigan & Ohio
Active Classes
8
Beginner to intermediate
States
MI & OH
Growing regional network

Program Objectives

01

Language Proficiency

Develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills following National Standards L2, with progressive benchmarks from beginner to intermediate.

02

Cultural Literacy

Connect language to Italian history, traditions, regional diversity, and contemporary life — fostering intercultural competence and curiosity.

03

Teacher Empowerment

Support educators with curriculum resources, training, and direct classroom collaboration to sustain Italian programs long-term.

04

Community Bridge

Create links between schools, Italian-American communities, and Italy through virtual exchanges and shared cultural projects.

Partner Schools

L'Anse Creuse Middle School

2 classes · 60 students total · 1 teacher
Harrison Township, MI · Beginner

Middle School60 students

L'Anse Creuse High School

1 beginner + 1 intermediate · 60 students total · 1 teacher
Harrison Township, MI · Mixed Level

High SchoolMixed Level

Grosse Pointe Public Schools

1 class · ~22 students
Grosse Pointe, MI · Intermediate

IntermediateEnrichment

St. James School

2 classes · 18 students total · 1 teacher
Columbus, OH · Beginner

Columbus OHBeginner

Father Gabriel Richard

1 class · 10 students · small-group focus
Ann Arbor, MI · Beginner

Ann Arbor MISmall-group

“A growing network dedicated to keeping Italian language alive in American classrooms.”

Methodology

Our curriculum follows National Standards L2 for World Languages — Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities — blending structured progression with immersive cultural practice.

Real-Context Learning

Lessons anchored in everyday situations, from ordering at a bar to describing family and city life.

Communication Labs

Speaking-first activities, role-play, and guided conversation to build fluency and confidence.

Grammar Deepening

Clear, incremental grammar introduced through use, not memorization alone.

Culture + Language

Each unit integrates art, music, geography, and traditions to make language meaningful.

Digital & Interactive

Multimedia resources, audio labs, and interactive exercises for modern classrooms.

Virtual Exchange

Live connections with peers and educators in Italy for authentic dialogue.

Assessment & Evaluation

✓

Continuous, formative assessment aligned with ACTFL proficiency guidelines — focusing on growth, not just testing.

Comprehension Vocabulary Pronunciation Cultural Knowledge

At a Glance

CurriculumNational Standards L2
LevelsBeginner → Intermediate
FormatIn School
LanguageItalian 100% immersive