What is FLEX?

Program model

Goals

Enrollment procedures

FLEX Emergency Form (required at first class)

Instructor and volunteer opportunities

Contact information

What is the program model?

FLEX classes are held before or after school once or twice a week. Each class meets for one hour. Sessions can be from 10-30 weeks long, depending on the wishes of the individual school.

FLEX offers classes in Spanish, French, Arabic, Italian, German, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Hindi, and American Sign Language (ASL). All schools do not offer all languages.

Class levels include kindergarten, grades 1-3, and grades 4-6. There is a maximum of 15 children in a class. FLEX PTA representatives organize the classes at the school level following the guidance of the FLEX specialist and the guidelines of Fairfax County Public Schools, Adult and Community Education.

"I was hoping for a fun, educational experience for my son and I was not disappointed. I was glad he was introduced not only to the language, but also to the culture of China."

"Our children loved it and also learned a lot which we feel is a great accomplishment for a teacher after these young children have been in school all day."

"The class was well organized, and my son enjoyed it very much. She is a superb teacher who created a wonderful curriculum."

What are the goals of the FLEX program?

• Capture the optimal time in a child's life for learning another language.
• Learn basic foreign language vocabulary and phrases.
• Gain an understanding and knowledge of other cultures and countries.
• Enable children to enter foreign language classes in middle school at level II.

"I liked seeing friends and speaking Spanish to them."

"I liked pretending to travel."

"Learning how to speak in restaurants was what I liked best."

What are the enrollment procedures for FLEX?

FLEX classes and registrations are organized and handled at individual elementary schools by the FLEX PTA representative. Most children who attend FLEX classes are enrolled in the school. However, FLEX classes are open to children from private schools or home-schooled children, but parents must provide transportation. If a FLEX program is not offered at a particular school in Fairfax County, contact the FLEX office for information on how to start one.

Parents of FCPS students may register online. View language and schedule information for each location. After registering your child, please complete the FLEX Emergency Form. Give the completed form to your child’s FLEX instructor on the first day of class.

Contact Joy Raftelis at joyia.raftelis@fcps.edu or 703-658-1291 for paper registration procedures.

From Teachers:

"The children are a delight to teach."

"I love sharing my language and culture with the children."