The change in the demographics of classrooms in United States schools reflects the diversification of the population and mirrors the multicultural society in which we live. In School District U-46, our students come to the classroom with backgrounds representing more than 100 cultures, making our schools rich with ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic diversity, reflecting the global society to which our students will contribute their skills. We welcome all families to our learning community.

Our services are designed to meet the linguistic and academic needs of all children. U-46 opened the door of the Family Welcome Center in October 2005 to address the educational needs of our new arrivals — both the students and their families. We support the district’s aim of academic success for all!

Although we are here to serve all new families to the district, the primary function of the Family Welcome Center is ensuring that new students with a non-English background are placed in the appropriate instructional program. Students are screened at their home school or at the Family Welcome Center. This process helps determine the best placement for our students.