Student Finds Her Place at La Promesa, the Newcomer and Dual-Language Experience School

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The high school will add a grade level starting in the 2022-2023 school year to serve ninth- and tenth-grade students.

“I like the attention from the teachers. They know how to listen, and everyone makes an effort to speak Spanish to us, so we understand. I enjoy all the activities at La Promesa. Truly, I love it here. I am learning so much and thriving at La Promesa.”

These are the words of ninth-grade student Kimberly Rivas at Aldine ISD’s newcomer and dual-language experience campus, La Promesa.

Kimberly arrived in the U.S. from El Salvador via a caravan. She was living with her grandmother, but it had been nine years since she had seen her mother. Although afraid and with only a little bit of money, she made the journey alone, which she described as scary. Now, living with her mother, step-dad, and two sisters, she saw the story about La Promesa on a local Spanish news station. The campus sounded like a right fit for her.

Elizabeth B. Iglesias, the family engagement specialist at the school, described Kimberly as having a basic foundation in the English language when she arrived. She has since become comfortable and is speaking English regularly. Iglesias added that Kimberly is also doing well in school.

At first, Kimberly thought the school would only offer a learning environment. The focus would solely be on learning the English language. Instead, she found a place where she could speak both her native language — Spanish — and her new adopted language, English. Kimberly attributes her progress in learning a new language and school to the encouragement to use both languages. She doesn’t feel “lost” in class or with a new concept. Kimberly can ask questions in Spanish to ensure she understands. But she also feels like she is making significant progress in communicating in English — she strives to learn a new word each day. Kimberly was also pleasantly surprised that she is getting the whole traditional high school experience like homecoming and after-school activities.

Kimberly, who has dreams of becoming a doctor in her future, already has a few favorite things. Aside from loving soccer (fútbol), music, dancing, and singing, her favorite class is Algebra 1, and her favorite teacher is Mr. Martínez (Christopher Martínez). Algebra is challenging, but Kimberly says she works hard and likes to get positive results. She enjoys Martínez’s class because he makes his class and learning fun. He also motivates students and is always willing to listen and pay attention to students.

While only in her first year, Kimberly says she is already being impacted by her time at La Promesa.

“I have always wanted to be a doctor but felt that it was something too far to reach. Now, that dream seems more like a possibility. I know that I can make it a reality, especially because I have so much support at La Promesa to help me succeed. Here, I feel comfortable because people speak my native language. We (students) are learning better because of the dual language experience. La Promesa feels like a family. So many students have left their families and friends and everything behind. It’s a tough situation for us, and this school helps us stay the course and stay positive. La Promesa was created for just that — for students like me,” said Kimberly.

She expects to graduate with the Class of 2025.

La Promesa

Univisión 45 interviewed Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney. Click on the image to view the story in English and Spanish.

La Promesa, a Choice School option (Escuela de Opción) for families and students, opened in fall 2021 to ninth-graders. The high school will add a grade level starting in the 2022-2023 school year to serve ninth- and tenth-grade students. The school plans to expand into 12th grade in the 2024-2025 school year. La Promesa focuses exclusively on students new to this country, specifically students who have lived three or fewer years in the U.S. and are from non-English speaking countries or have limited English proficiency. The curriculum addresses their unique social, individual, and academic needs. The campus is one of the programs that stemmed from the district’s strategic plan, A New Way Forward.

“So much thought and care have gone into this school. Our communities continue to become more diverse as immigrant populations from multiple countries grow and bring with them a wide array of skills and cultures to our classrooms. Their stories of resilience and survival are amazing, and they inspire us all with their grit and perseverance. This school, this environment, will further support them as they journey toward success,” said Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney.

La Promesa students and district- and school-level leaders participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 5, 2021.

La Promesa is a stand-alone school housed within Aldine High School. Students will graduate from La Promesa. Working with Aldine HS, La Promesa students have the opportunity to expand their horizons through the activities they share as a school within a school. The school is like any other campus, including having fully-equipped science labs and classrooms. The district partnered with Internationals Network and many others in creating a program specific to newcomers. Every course has English learning instruction embedded in its lessons. Students work to improve their literacy skills all day, every day. In addition to English as second language services, Aldine ISD also addresses students’ special social-emotional needs, such as leaving family behind in their family in their country of origin.

“Being in a different country can be scary and intimidating, learning a new language, culture, and school system. Some of our students have left their home countries out of necessity. Some are here without their families. Some have stories so powerful that they bring you to tears. They all come here with the goal. A dream. A promise of something better — a better life for their future and their families. At La Promesa, it is important that every student feels like family, accepted, and supported. We know that it takes a village to raise our children. We work closely with our families and community partners to give our students opportunities to thrive.”

Learn More

Visit lapromesa.aldineisd.org or call 281-448-5237 to learn more about the school and how to enroll for the 2022-2023 school year. You can click on the image below to enroll for the 2022-2023 school year.