Lone Star Language Academy

West Plano is now home to a new learning opportunity for children in kindergarten through third grade that promises an individualized and personal experience.

Lone Star Language Academy, located at 5301 Democracy Drive, is a tuition-free charter school that teaches foreign language to children starting in kindergarten. The upcoming school-year curriculum focuses on Spanish, but the school plans to add French and Mandarin in the near future.

Currently the school is accepting enrollment until they are full and will then use a lottery system to choose future students. Lone Star is a public school and follows the same requirements Texas district schools do for programs such as STAAR and TEKS. As a charter school, Lone Star does not receive tax dollars. Staci Weaver, superintendent and principal, said Lone Star strives to meet each student’s individual needs, which she believes is what ultimately sets the academy apart from other public schools.

“Teachers are more focused and more attention is given to students. Because of our smaller size, parents feel there is more safety and security than on a larger campus,” she said. “And our curriculum is exceptional.”

That curriculum includes a computer for every student and instruction in Singapore math, which Staci believes helps children see mathematics in a whole new, less intimidating light. There will be a science lab where students may perform experiments as young as kindergarten. Along with after-school programs, Lone Star will have club opportunities such as chess and robotics. In fact, every teacher is going through training to be STEM and STEAM certified in addition to being ESL and Gifted/Talented certified.

“In education, my belief is that the teachers really have to care and love children,” said Staci. Lone Star staff will ensure every student is receiving the instruction they need to be successful while also meeting the needs of the parents. Staci added, “I have [personally] met with every parent that has a child enrolled.”

Staci believes that Lone Star will lay the right foundation for each child’s future and have the right balance of addressing both academic and social/emotional needs. Next year the school plans to add fourth and fifth grades, then middle school and finally high school where students will have the opportunity to graduate with an Associates degree.

Additionally, they will begin to learn about college as early as kindergarten. Students will have the opportunity to tour college campuses with the ultimate goal of attending an Ivy League school, Staci said. The staff wants students to be excited about the opportunities accessible to them. Staci added, “We want every student to be prepared for college.”