Proposed Bilingual Polish-English Program for 2026/2027
Join Waitlist
Jan Matejko Polish School in McHenry, IL is considering launching a new bilingual Polish-English program for children and adults. This program would be an immersive Polish language class with English support, aimed at students who come from English-speaking environments or have limited Polish background.
We are currently collecting sign-ups on a waiting list to gauge interest. If enough students join the waitlist in the next few months, our management and teachers’ board will plan to open this program in the 2026–2027 school year. (More details will be provided once the program is confirmed.)
Who Is This Program For?
Children (Grade 1–4 Equivalents): Kids approximately 6–10 years old (equivalent to U.S. 1st through 4th grade) who have little or no prior Polish language experience. This includes children from Polish heritage families who primarily speak English at home, or any children eager to learn Polish as a new language.
Adult Learners: We also invite adults (parents, community members, or older students) who want to begin learning Polish. Whether you have Polish roots or simply an interest in the language and culture, this class would start with basics and build your skills in a supportive environment.
This bilingual program is designed for those who need English support while learning Polish. For example, if you (or your child) do not speak Polish at home or only understand a little Polish, this program will be tailored for you. We will group students by age and language proficiency, ensuring everyone can learn at an appropriate pace
Program Details (Proposed)
Schedule: Classes would meet on Saturdays, following a schedule similar to our regular Polish school classes. The program will likely run weekly during the school year, aligned with our current calendar of Saturday sessions.
Location: The bilingual classes would be held at the same location as our regular school (or a similar nearby facility). We anticipate holding these new classes alongside our existing Saturday school, making it convenient for families.
Curriculum: The bilingual program will cover Polish language fundamentals – speaking, listening, reading, and writing – but with instruction in both Polish and English. Teachers will introduce Polish vocabulary and grammar gradually, using English explanations and support when needed. Cultural elements (songs, traditions, history, and simple geography) will be integrated in a fun, age-appropriate way, just as in our regular program, but paced for beginners.
Experienced Teachers: Our instructors are fluent in both Polish and English and have experience working with heritage language learners. They will provide individualized attention and a welcoming atmosphere to help students gain confidence in using Polish.
Timeline: Now through Spring 2026 – we are gathering names on the waitlist. If sufficient interest is confirmed by mid-2026, we will officially announce the program and open registration for the 2026/2027 school year start.
Benefits of a Bilingual Program
Enrolling in the Polish-English bilingual program offers many benefits for both children and adults:
Language Skills & Communication: Students will start speaking and understanding Polish from day one, which opens the door to communicating with Polish-speaking family members (like grandparents) and friends. By the end of the program, students should be able to read, write, and hold basic conversations in Polish, building a foundation for further fluency.
Cognitive Advantages: Learning a second language at any age is a great brain exercise. Bilingual children often show enhanced problem-solving skills, creativity, and cognitive flexibility. Research has shown that bilingual brains develop strong attention and task-switching abilities compared to monolinguals. These mental benefits can lead to better academic performance overall.
Cultural Connection & Identity: Students will gain a deeper appreciation of Polish culture and heritage. Through language, they’ll explore traditions, holidays, and history, fostering pride in their roots and a sense of identity. Being bilingual also encourages broader cultural awareness and empathy for others. For heritage learners, this is a chance to connect with your Polish background; for others, it’s an opportunity to discover a new culture.
Community & Family Bonds: Joining the program means becoming part of the Jan Matejko School community. Children will meet peers with similar interests, and families can engage in cultural events together. Bilingualism can also strengthen family bonds – many parents find that learning Polish helps their children communicate better with relatives and feel more connected to their family’s story.
Future Opportunities: In the long run, maintaining Polish-English bilingualism can be a valuable asset. Students who continue with Polish through high school may qualify for the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy, an official recognition of language proficiency that is honored by colleges and employers. Bilingual individuals often have an edge in careers, as many employers seek people who can speak multiple languages. Starting now in a fun, low-pressure setting will set the stage for these future advantages
Join the Waiting List – Express Your Interest
We invite you to sign up for the bilingual program waiting list if you are interested in enrolling your child or yourself. By joining the waitlist, you are not committing to payment or enrollment yet – you are simply letting us know that you would likely register if the program becomes available. This information is crucial for us to plan class sizes, hire teachers, and finalize the curriculum.
How to Sign Up: Please fill out the Bilingual Program Waitlist Google Form (link below) with the required information. It will ask for basic details and your language background. The form is available in English. After you submit, our school administration will keep you updated on the status of the program:
Deadline: We encourage you to submit the form as soon as possible. The sooner we gauge interest, the sooner we can move forward. We will review the number of interested students by Spring 2026.
Next Steps: If we reach our interest goal, we will announce the program opening (likely by Summer 2026) and contact all waitlisted families/adults with instructions on how to officially register for the 2026/27 school year. If we do not have enough interest, we will notify you as well and keep your info on file for potential future opportunities.
Questions? If you have any questions about the proposed program or the waitlist form, please contact us. We appreciate your support and feedback!
Thank you for considering this new opportunity to learn Polish in a bilingual setting. We believe this program can make Polish language learning accessible and enjoyable for more students. Dziękujemy! (Thank you!)