Korean Language Classes Thrive at Anaheim Elementary School
Korean Dual Language Program is gaining attention in Southern California as students of diverse backgrounds learn Korean language and culture at a public elementary school in Anaheim.
According to a recent report by NBC4, Thomas Jefferson Elementary School has become the first public school in Orange County to offer a Korean dual-language immersion program. Students learn both English and Korean while also taking general academic subjects in Korean.
Inside a fifth-grade classroom, students were seen singing Korean songs together to practice pronunciation and expressions naturally. Many students entered the program without any prior knowledge of Korean, but are now able to hold everyday conversations comfortably.
Luke Velasco, a student who joined the program in kindergarten, introduced himself fluently in Korean. He said his favorite aspects of Korean culture are its food and strong family-centered values.
“It feels like Korean culture values spending time with family,” Luke said. “As I learn the culture, I feel like I understand people better.”
Another student, Dayani Coto, also shared in Korean that learning the language was difficult at first, but has now become enjoyable because she can speak Korean with her friends.
Teachers Say Korean Dual Language Program Builds Cultural Understanding
Kim Jae-eun, a teacher in the program, said the experience has been deeply meaningful. As a Korean American who grew up in the United States, she said it once seemed difficult to imagine Korean language and culture being naturally embraced inside a public school classroom.
“Every time students speak to me in Korean and understand what I’m saying naturally, it feels incredibly rewarding,” Kim said. “In the past, there were not many students learning Korean, but now students from many different backgrounds are showing interest in Korean culture.”
She added that learning another language is not simply about communication, but also about understanding different cultures and perspectives. In multicultural regions like Southern California, she said, those experiences become valuable assets for children.
School officials said the Korean Dual Language Program has positively influenced students’ language abilities, cultural awareness, and self-confidence. Parents have also responded positively, saying their children are naturally learning how to respect different cultures.
California has recently seen a growing expansion of Korean-language immersion education. School districts including Los Angeles Unified School District, as well as districts in Garden Grove and Fullerton, are also operating Korean-language programs. Education experts say bilingual education can improve both academic performance and communication skills.
