San Diego, CA
Serves students in Pre-K through grade 12, and adults
https://www.serbianccsd.org/school-of-serbian-language
School Administrators
- Dijana Peric, Academic Director/Instructor
- Marija Petrovic, Academic Coordinator/Instructor
Program Description
The School of Serbian Language and Culture at the Serbian Cultural Center San Diego, California, a non-profit organization, was founded in January, 2019, by a group of enthusiasts wanting to provide a unique experience of learning the Serbian language and exploring Serbian culture.
A cooking class for students to learn about Serbian Cuisine (Credit: School of Serbian Language and Culture)
Classes are held every Saturday from 2:15 to 4:45 pm. Enrollment is open for students in Pre-K through grade 12, as well as adults. Currently contracting 6 teachers, the school offers different levels of Serbian language courses, which are adapted to the age and knowledge of the students, as well as online classes for children and adults. The school boasts a high student retention rate with around 70 students currently enrolled in the program.
Program Features
The school curriculum is developed by experienced and highly skilled instructors. Furthermore, the school uses textbooks approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and the Office for Cooperation with the Diaspora and Serbs in the region. This ensures that the students receive a high-quality education that aligns with official standards.
Sensory play is an integral part of the Pre-K curriculum (Credit: School of Serbian Language and Culture)
Learning at the Serbian school is a joyful and interactive experience in a dynamic environment where students can engage with the Serbian language and culture through play, songs, acting, and a variety of other fun-filled activities. The school offers summer camps and online workshops, as well as participation in STEM workshops at Nikola Tesla Club. Here is a video of students taking part in Nikola Tesla Club workshops (1 minute, 54 seconds).
Beyond the educational offerings, the school provides opportunities for families to connect through special events, fundraising activities, picnics and playdates, and other exciting activities organized by the Serbian Cultural Center San Diego. This sense of community adds a special dimension to the school and fosters a supportive environment for both students and their families.
Faculty Development
School of Serbian Language and Culture collaborates with other community-based heritage language schools in San Diego through annual seminars and has strong ties with educational organizations in Serbia. This cooperation provides opportunities for the instructors and school leaders to keep abreast of the practices, policies, and standards in the field. In-house collaboration is a standard practice, and participation in online and in-person professional development activities is encouraged.
Play rehearsal (Credit: School of Serbian Language and Culture)
School Contacts
- Dijana Peric
- Marija Petrovic