About Our Program
James Bonham Academy has established an internal charter school serving K-8 students with special emphasis on Languages, Fine Arts, and Environmental Science. Our Two-Way Dual Language Program adds conversational languages for both dual language (third language) and regular education students (Spanish).
Our science instruction has benefited in recent years by the addition of our PTA-sponsored; Outdoor Classroom/Outdoor Education program. Science is an area our teachers, staff and parents wish to strengthen. We plan to continue working with many collaborators, including scientists at Trinity University, UTSA, the Bamberger Ranch Preserve, Slow Foods, and area naturalists/teachers.
Our fine arts/music program is enhanced by our PTA and community sponsored ArtSmart Program offering a visual arts class weekly for our students. In addition, Jumpstart Performance Company offers an extra curricular opportunity for students every week and also works with teachers to integrate art into content area instruction.
Our academy and internal charter extends through eighth grade. Among the key benefits is that Bonham would be able to offer, for the first time in SAISD since it pioneered the Dual Language program in San Antonio back in 1995, a middle school option for Dual Language students coming out of area elementary school programs. A middle school extension of the Dual Language program is essential to the solidification of the second language learning that all Dual Language students have accomplished in their first six years of the program (K-5).
Apart from the obvious benefits for Dual Language students, the K-8 configuration has substantial social and academic benefits for students in general. Among these are continuity of parent involvement through the middle school years, safer school environment, minimal school transitions that tend to set students back both academically and developmentally, eased family lives by extending the number of years that siblings can attend school together, extension of the more nurturing, supportive, familial environment of the elementary school to students during their developmentally challenging middle school years, and leadership opportunities for older students as they tutor, mentor and set a good example for younger students. Research indicates that students from K-8 schools are generally well adjusted and well prepared to take on the challenges of their transition to high school.
"Quien Sabe Dos Idiomas Vale Por Dos"
James Bonham Academy offers the Two-Way Dual Language program. There are many benefits associated with this additive method of instruction. Benefits include high levels of oral language proficiency and literacy in both English and Spanish, increased academic achievement in all subject areas, cultivation of an understanding and appreciation of other cultures and development of positive attitudes toward fellow students, their families and the community. Research shows that students participating in dual language immersion-type programs perform well above the norm on standardized tests after several years in the program.
