Multilingual Magnet Programs

Paterson Public Schools provides comprehensive bilingual education programs for Arabic-, Bangla-, Spanish-, and Turkish-speaking multilingual learners in grades K–8. These programs are designed to support students’ academic achievement while developing proficiency in English and maintaining and strengthening their home language and cultural identity.

Through its bilingual programs, the district provides students with access to grade-level content while using their native language as a critical support for learning. Instruction is aligned with New Jersey Student Learning Standards and the WIDA English Language Development Standards, ensuring that multilingual learners receive appropriate language development support while progressing academically alongside their peers.

Paterson’s bilingual programs reflect the district’s diverse multilingual population and its commitment to providing equitable access to high-quality instruction. The programs serve students at various stages of English language development and incorporate culturally and linguistically responsive practices that recognize students’ linguistic assets as strengths. In addition to supporting English language acquisition, bilingual education helps students develop academic literacy in both languages and prepares them for continued success across grade levels.

The district’s bilingual program offerings in Arabic, Bangla, Spanish, and Turkish are an important component of Paterson Public Schools’ broader Multilingual Learner program. These programs work in conjunction with English as a Second Language (ESL) services and other language-support structures to ensure that students receive instruction that addresses both their academic and language-development needs.

26-27 Magnet Schools and Sending Schools