Discovery Language Programs · Schaumburg, Illinois
Say hello
to a bigger world.
Foreign language classes for children from Pre-K to 8th grade, taught at their own school in the Chicago area since 1992.
What are you looking for?
Programs
Pre-School, Before & After School, In-Curriculum and Pilot
Summer camps
Spanish, French and German, 1 or 2 weeks
Languages
Spanish, French, German, Italian, Polish, Mandarin
Tuition & schedules
Compare every program side by side
Curriculum
What students learn each year
Program guidelines
How a program runs at your school
Set up at your school
For parents and school staff
About us
Our story, method and teachers
Bookstore
Teacher's guides, workbooks and CDs
Teacher training
Learn the Discovery method
Pre-register
Hold your child's place in class
Contact
(847) 843-2457 · Schaumburg, IL
What we do
Discovery Language Programs is a non-profit educational organization. We provide foreign language enrichment programs to young students from Kindergarten to 8th grade, with a fully developed curriculum designed for English-speaking children.
Our teaching method uses a natural, oral approach with gradual immersion. Students build speaking skills through games, songs and hands-on activities, and reading and writing are introduced when age-appropriate. Along the way, children experience other cultures first-hand.
Before and after school classes are paid by parents, at no cost to the school or district. In-curriculum classes run during school hours and are usually paid by the school. We provide all the materials for students and teachers.
More about us
Small groups
Students are grouped by grade and level whenever possible.
Teachers you can reach
Weekly emails, progress reports, open houses and a parent survey midway.
Always supervised
Teachers arrive early and stay until the last child is picked up.
Insured
We carry liability insurance; a certificate is available on request.
Frequently asked questions
Can't find your answer? Call (847) 843-2457 or email discoverylp@msn.com.
How do I set up a program at my son or daughter's school?
Once the day(s) and time for the classes are selected, we prepare enrollment forms for all eligible students. The forms are distributed at the school and returned to the school office with payment approximately 7–10 days later (sample form provided upon request). Discovery Language Programs handles all administration.
What is the average class size?
Standard class size is 8–14 students per language. Whenever possible, students are divided by grade and ability levels.
What is the length of the program?
The length of our program varies. The longest program runs for 22 weeks and covers the whole school year. Twelve and fourteen-week programs are also available. An eight-week pilot program can be started at any time during the school year.
What happens if a class is cancelled?
At the beginning of the program, each child receives a schedule with the class dates according to the school calendar. If a class is cancelled, an additional class is added to the end of the session and a revised schedule is sent home. The school office also receives copies of each class list and calendar.
Will my child be supervised at all times?
Teachers arrive 10 minutes before the start of class and stay until the last student is picked up. All teachers are specifically instructed to never leave a child unattended at the school.
How does Discovery Language Programs select and evaluate their teachers?
Our teaching staff is carefully selected. Teachers are fluent in English and the target language. They are native speakers, have lived extensively in a foreign country, or have a degree in the language they teach. While we do not require certification, over half of our teachers are certified; if not, some form of teaching experience is required. All teachers are trained in the Discovery Language Programs method. We have over 100 teachers on staff. A supervisor evaluates them periodically on lesson preparedness, use of games and movement, use of the target language, students' knowledge of the material, pronunciation, participation, discipline and enthusiasm.
Do the instructors communicate with parents?
Communication between the instructor and the parents is an important part of our program. On the first day of class, parents receive the teacher's phone number and are encouraged to call with any questions or concerns. Parents may observe their child's class at any time. Instructors send weekly emails about what is going on in class, homework for that week and what students need to bring. Midway through the program we prepare a parent survey to ask your opinion of the program, your child's progress and any suggestions.
Will parents be updated on their child's progress?
Progress reports are sent home midway and at the end of the program.
What learning tools does Discovery Language Programs provide?
Each student receives a workbook and a CD to bring to class each week. Every unit (such as "The Family", "Food" or "Clothing") has three to four pages of fun, creative activities and a detailed vocabulary list, plus cultural notes about life in the countries where the language is spoken. The CD matches the topics covered in class exactly and is a great tool for practice at home. Additional handouts cover current events, holidays and more.
Are there any out-of-classroom learning opportunities?
At the end of the session, we encourage students to go on a "field trip" with the teacher to an ethnic restaurant. Parents and siblings are also invited. It's an enjoyable way to experience the language and culture first-hand.
Does Discovery Language Programs offer summer programs?
Yes. Summer camps are available in 1-week and 2-week formats, held Monday to Friday. Use our contact form to ask about summer programming, or see the summer camps.
Does Discovery Language Programs provide liability insurance for students?
Discovery Language Programs carries liability insurance. A certificate of insurance is provided upon request.