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Passages Charter School
1447 W. Montrose
Chicago, IL 60613
Phone: 773.728.2235
Being torn from one’s homeland, due to war or the desire to build a better life, brings complex challenges to a child’s education. Language barriers and cultural differences can make a child’s educational experience sub-standard. Under the direction of Asian Human Services (AHS), Passages Charter School opened to provide immigrant families a school environment conducive to their children’s academic success.
Through the partnership with AHS, families are offered English as a second language classes, translation, immigration and healthcare services. AHS offers translators for 24 different languages.
“The families need to feel included and that they matter and that their needs matter,” said school leader, Rajeshri Gandhi.
Gandhi is a first generation American. Her parents settled in Detroit after arriving from India. “I think that [students’] parents realize this, that I came from an immigrant family as well.” Relating to parents on a personal level helps to build their trust. Ghandi said some parents are leery because the system here is so different from that of their homelands. “In the old country, things were laid out and everything was known. Now they have a fear that they’ve messed with their kids’ future. We assure them that this has not happened.”
Many of Passages’ students began their education in other countries and teachers take this into consideration. Teachers try to provide a curriculum that is culturally sensitive and will accelerate students’ acclimation to the United States’ learning environment and culture, while preserving and valuing cultural traditions.
“You have students that, of course, were not raised here. So, in the fourth grade, maybe a student doesn’t know who created the American flag,” Gandhi explained. “But, here, we help them to catch up with what American students would already be expected to know.”
Families are encouraged to get to know each other on family night. Once a month, students perform skits, songs and readings for the families. Parents then meet with teachers to discuss their child’s progress. Some nights, families bring in traditional dishes from their homelands to provide an international smorgasbord. These functions bring about a sense of community and help to anchor immigrant families.
SCHOOL STATISTICS |
Opened: 2001 |
Success Stories
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