Schools
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.
Program Objectives
Language Proficiency
Develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills following National Standards L2, with progressive benchmarks from beginner to intermediate.
Cultural Literacy
Connect language to Italian history, traditions, regional diversity, and contemporary life — fostering intercultural competence and curiosity.
Teacher Empowerment
Support educators with curriculum resources, training, and direct classroom collaboration to sustain Italian programs long-term.
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
L'Anse Creuse High School
1 beginner + 1 intermediate · 60 students total · 1 teacher
Harrison Township, MI · Mixed Level
Grosse Pointe Public Schools
1 class · ~22 students
Grosse Pointe, MI · Intermediate
St. James School
2 classes · 18 students total · 1 teacher
Columbus, OH · Beginner
Father Gabriel Richard
1 class · 10 students · small-group focus
Ann Arbor, MI · Beginner
“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.
Lessons anchored in everyday situations, from ordering at a bar to describing family and city life.
Speaking-first activities, role-play, and guided conversation to build fluency and confidence.
Clear, incremental grammar introduced through use, not memorization alone.
Each unit integrates art, music, geography, and traditions to make language meaningful.
Multimedia resources, audio labs, and interactive exercises for modern classrooms.
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.