Why rethink how we educate newcomers?
Traditional ESL and pull-out programs weren’t designed for students who have fled war, persecution, or prolonged displacement. Fugees Family knows that newcomer students often arrive with significant gaps in formal schooling and may be learning to read and write for the first time. Standard approaches in the education system leave many newcomer students behind. That’s why we reimagine school entirely—from classroom structure to extracurricular activities. We believe newcomers deserve more than assimilation; they deserve a learning environment where their cultures, languages, and stories are honored.
What makes a newcomer model different?
A true newcomer model is comprehensive. At Fugees Family, relationships and personalization come first. We create small, nurturing environments where educators know each student and involve parents and guardians in the learning process. High expectations and loving accountability ensure that students take responsibility for themselves and their community. We integrate arts, music, yoga, and sports into the curriculum because mind, body, and character development are essential for their educational success. And we celebrate multiculturalism—students honor their own cultures while learning alongside peers from around the world.
How does the newcomer model benefit refugee and immigrant students?
Students in newcomer programs receive intensive language development integrated with academic content. Rather than separating language learning from subjects like science and math, teachers weave English development into every lesson. This approach leads to faster progress and better comprehension for newcomer students. It also recognizes that students and families are multilingual; they can use their home languages as assets rather than obstacles in their formal education. Research shows that when schools implement inclusive, diversity-aware practices, refugee students are less likely to miss school. For example, a teacher training program in Turkey almost halved the absenteeism gap between native and refugee students, showcasing an effective school model. When educators understand newcomers’ needs and provide trauma-informed support, attendance and engagement rise.
Newcomer models also strengthen communities. Immigrant and refugee families bring rich cultural knowledge and perspectives. The U.S. Department of Education’s Newcomer Tool Kit notes that immigrants add to the nation’s “kaleidoscope” of cultures and that diverse classrooms expand all students’ ability to participate in a multicultural democracy. When schools celebrate diversity, students learn to collaborate, empathize, and lead in an interconnected world.
How is Fugees Family leading the way?
Fugees Family is the only network of schools in the United States dedicated to newcomer education. Our newcomer model includes academic acceleration, social-emotional learning, and community engagement. We partner with public school districts and charter networks through Project Teranga to design and support newcomer programs nationwide. These partnerships provide coaching, professional development, and technical assistance that help districts implement newcomer models effectively. In districts where newcomer centers or integrated models have been adopted, students show improved graduation rates and greater participation in extracurricular activities.
How can you join the movement?
Educators, policymakers, and community members can play a role in expanding newcomer education to better support students. Visit our Newcomer Model page to learn more about our approach and see results. If you’re a district leader looking to start or redesign a newcomer program, reach out through our Partner With Us page. Together, we can ensure that newcomers receive the holistic education they deserve and that our schools are places where every student belongs.
Frequently asked questions
- Why are newcomer models more effective than traditional English learner programs?
Traditional systems often fail students by placing them in classes based on age, whereas effective newcomer models focus on skill-level placement and rapid academic acceleration. This ensures students are appropriately challenged and receive the specific, intensive interventions they need to succeed from their first day in school.
- What kind of academic progress can English learners make in these specialized models?
The results are transformative: 89% of students achieve grade-level proficiency in three years or less. On average, students in these programs see a typical growth of 201% in reading and 210% in math, with 100% of high school graduates earning college acceptance.
- How do newcomer models support the well-being of English learners beyond academics?
By integrating music, art therapy, and inclusive soccer, these models address the "whole child." This holistic approach helps students who may have faced significant trauma build a second home and a sense of belonging where they are "seen" as individuals with unique talents.
- What resources are available for school districts interested in adopting these models?
Districts can access specialized professional development, whole-school design services, and strategic planning partnerships. these offerings are designed to help schools and educators redesign the education experience to better meet the unique needs of their English learner populations.
- How can community members help promote educational justice for English learners?
Community support is vital for leveling the playing field for students from diverse backgrounds. Supporters can help by donating to provide the resources and personalized interventions necessary to ensure every child is set up to succeed.
