BALTIMORE – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) today joined students, teachers and administrators at the Baltimore International Academy, a unique Baltimore City Public Charter School that offers foreign language immersion classes that prepare students for a competitive and rigorous secondary and collegiate academic career by offering instruction in Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Russian and French.

Senator Cardin was greeted by students in each of the five languages taught at the school, who subsequently recited a multi-lingual version of the Pledge of Allegiance. The senator then joined teachers and administrators for a discussion on issues that confront the school as it grows. Senator Cardin next visited several classrooms to see the academy’s innovative approach to instruction, where students learned their daily lessons with only the occasional use of English.

“We have a responsibility to prepare our students with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly globalized economy,” said Senator Cardin. “Baltimore International Academy is the only school of its kind in our city and the first public school in the nation to offer a choice of five total immersion programs under one roof. Its opening is important for our city and our nation.

“As Chair of the U.S. Helsinki Commission and a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, I know that foreign language skills open the door to a whole world of career opportunities,” Senator Cardin said. “To see the foundation for success being built here for so many of Baltimore’s young people was truly impressive. “

###