Question 1

What grade levels does Teranga Academy serve?

Accepted Answer

Teranga is designed for middle and high school English learners (grades 6–12) who are developing English proficiency.

Question 2

How does the program fit within an existing school district?

Accepted Answer

Students remain enrolled in their home districts but attend Teranga as a specialized English immersion program. After two to three years, they transition back to their schools on track with their peers.

Question 3

How is the program funded?

Accepted Answer

Teranga is funded primarily through district per-pupil allocations, supplemented by federal Title III and state English learner funding. No new or additional funding streams are required. The model simply concentrates existing resources in a more efficient way.

Question 4

Will this cost our district more?

Accepted Answer

No. Teranga is designed to operate within the resources districts already receive for English learners. In fact, the program often results in long-term cost savings: once students exit Teranga, they are prepared to succeed in their home schools without the need for continued English learner services.

Question 5

How long is the partnership?

Accepted Answer

The partnership lasts for three years. During this time, your district receives intensive implementation support, professional learning, and coaching. By the end of the partnership, your staff will be equipped to sustain the model independently.

Question 6

Can the program be customized for different district needs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While the core components remain consistent, the program is tailored to each district's demographics, resources, and goals.

Question 7

What professional development do you offer outside of full program partnerships?

Accepted Answer

We offer a catalog of PD sessions for educators and leaders on topics such as the refugee and immigrant experience, language acquisition, family engagement, and trauma-informed practices.

Question 8

Is Teranga only for refugee students?

Accepted Answer

No. Teranga serves all English learners, regardless of immigration background.

Question 9

What makes Teranga different from other English learner programs?

Accepted Answer

Teranga offers an English immersion model with rapid growth, standards-aligned and mastery-based instruction that ensures academic rigor, a whole-student approach (mind, body, character), proven results with up to 2–4 grade level gains in one year, and national recognition via the U.S. Department of Education's EIR grant.

Question 10

Who leads the program?

Accepted Answer

Teranga Academy is led by Luma Mufleh, founder of Fugees Family and a nationally recognized expert in English learner education.

Question 11

How do we start a partnership?

Accepted Answer

The first step is a conversation with our team. Use our contact form to get started, and we'll reach out to discuss your district's needs and how Teranga can help.

Frequently Asked Questions