Why a Dual Language Program in English and American Sign Language Benefits All K–12 Students

Learning another language gives students new ways to communicate, think, collaborate, and connect with the world around them.

At Darden-Perry Academy, our proposed Dual Language Framework brings English and American Sign Language (ASL) together as part of the educational experience. Students will develop proficiency in both languages while building strong academic skills, confidence, communication, and meaningful connections with others.

Our vision is simple: two languages, one connected school community.

What Is an English and ASL Dual Language Program?

Dual-language education provides students with intentional opportunities to learn and use two languages throughout their educational experience.

At Darden-Perry Academy, those languages are English and American Sign Language.

English instruction will support students in developing the reading, writing, speaking, listening, and academic language skills required for success across subject areas.

American Sign Language instruction will develop students' receptive and expressive ASL skills while introducing them to the linguistic and cultural knowledge associated with the language.

As students progress through the grades, their language skills will become increasingly sophisticated. The goal is for students to develop meaningful proficiency in both English and ASL while meeting rigorous academic expectations.

More Than Learning a Second Language

Learning two languages is about more than vocabulary.

Students must learn how to express ideas, understand others, solve problems, collaborate, and communicate across different contexts.

Darden-Perry Academy's Dual Language Framework is designed to make communication an integral part of the learning experience.

Whether students are discussing literature, solving a mathematics problem, conducting a science investigation, participating in a group project, or presenting an idea, communication and collaboration will be essential parts of learning.

Building Strong Communicators

Communication is one of the most important skills students can develop for school, college, careers, and life.

Through English and American Sign Language, Darden-Perry students will have opportunities to develop multiple ways to express ideas and understand others.

Students will learn to communicate thoughtfully, listen and observe carefully, ask questions, explain their reasoning, collaborate with classmates, and present their ideas with confidence.

These skills extend far beyond the language classroom.

They support learning across the entire school experience.

Academic Excellence at the Center

Darden-Perry Academy's Dual Language Framework does not replace rigorous academics.

It strengthens the way students engage with them.

Students will receive instruction aligned with North Carolina academic standards while developing proficiency in English and American Sign Language.

Our educational program will emphasize strong literacy and mathematics foundations, science, social studies, STEM, critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, leadership, and character development.

The goal is to prepare students not simply to complete assignments, but to think, communicate, create, and solve problems.

Innovation Through STEM

Today's students are preparing for a world that increasingly values creativity, technology, communication, and problem-solving.

Darden-Perry Academy will incorporate hands-on STEM learning that encourages students to ask questions, imagine possibilities, plan solutions, create, test, improve, and share their thinking.

Students will have opportunities to apply academic knowledge to meaningful problems while strengthening teamwork and communication skills.

Combining rigorous academics, dual-language learning, and STEM creates opportunities for students to become active participants in their education.

Leadership and Character

Education should develop more than academic knowledge.

Darden-Perry Academy will intentionally cultivate integrity, responsibility, empathy, resilience, confidence, and leadership.

Students will have opportunities to work with others, take responsibility for their learning, contribute to their school community, and develop the confidence to lead.

We want students to understand that their knowledge and abilities can be used to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

One Connected Community

One of the most important elements of Darden-Perry Academy's vision is creating a school community where students learn with and from one another.

English and American Sign Language provide a shared framework for communication across the school.

Students will learn that differences in language, communication, experiences, and perspectives can strengthen a community when people have the skills and willingness to understand one another.

At Darden-Perry Academy, we envision a culture built around a simple idea:

We learn together. We grow together. We succeed together.

Preparing Students for the Future

The world students will enter after graduation will require much more than memorizing information.

Students will need to communicate effectively, collaborate with people from different backgrounds, solve unfamiliar problems, adapt to change, use technology thoughtfully, and continue learning throughout their lives.

Developing proficiency in English and American Sign Language gives students an additional communication skill while helping create a learning environment centered on communication, collaboration, and connection.

Combined with rigorous academics, STEM, leadership, and character development, Darden-Perry Academy's Dual Language Framework is designed to prepare students for the opportunities ahead.

Growing From K–8 Through Grade 12

Darden-Perry Academy plans to open in July 2027 serving Grades K–8 and add one grade each year until serving students through Grade 12.

This growth model will allow the school community to develop over time while maintaining a clear educational vision from the elementary years through high school.

Our goal is to build a school where students can grow academically, linguistically, socially, and as leaders.

Discover Darden-Perry Academy

Darden-Perry Academy is a proposed tuition-free public charter school planned for Wilmington, North Carolina.

Our vision brings together:

English and American Sign Language. Academic excellence. STEM and innovation. Communication and collaboration. Leadership and character. One connected

school community.

Two Languages. One Connected Community. Endless Possibilities.

Families interested in Darden-Perry Academy can join our Family Interest List to receive school updates, upcoming event information, family information sessions, and future enrollment opportunities.

Darden-Perry Academy is a proposed tuition-free public charter school. Proposed opening: July 2027, pending charter approval by the North Carolina State Board of Education.