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Aventura Community School is at the forefront of education reform. In this episode of Back to the Whiteboard, host Scott Campbell sits down with Natalie Morosi, the founder and Executive Director of Aventura, to discuss how this innovative K-8 bilingual school is shaping the future of bilingual learning in Nashville.

As you’ll hear in the interview, what makes Aventura stand out are the three key pillars of its mission: a dual-language program, project-based learning, and a community-driven approach that makes it an excellent choice for families.

The Power of Dual-Language Education

Aventura’s most distinctive feature is its dual-language program, where students learn in both English and Spanish. Their innovative model is not just about learning a second language, it’s about integrating multilingual education into every aspect of a child’s learning journey.

Natalie explains that 90% of Aventura’s staff are bilingual, ensuring that communication with parents happens in both English and Spanish, breaking down language barriers and fostering inclusivity.

“Students don’t have to wait until they learn English to have access to grade-level content in math or social studies,” Natalie shares. “They start learning those things in Spanish right away.”

This is a game-changer for both native Spanish and English speakers in the Nashville area. For Spanish-speaking students, it ensures they won’t fall behind in core subjects while also developing their English speaking skills, while for English-speaking students, it provides them with an immersive bilingual experience that will serve them throughout their lives.

“Our district has grown to serve more than 30% of students who are Hispanic and about 20% or more students who are multilingual learners,” she explains. “There's so much evidence across the country that dual language models and multilingual models are really successful in both language acquisition but also in academic achievement.”

But as Natalie shares, the benefits of dual-language learning go beyond academics. Aventura also fosters a culture where both English and Spanish speakers become linguistic leaders, helping each other learn and grow. 

“English speakers have the chance to be linguistic leaders, and Spanish speakers do too. They bring the language and culture they have at home and see it valued, celebrated, and elevated in a school setting,” she shares.

Current research supports Aventura’s approach. Studies have shown that students in dual-language programs outperform their monolingual peers in both literacy and cognitive flexibility, while also gaining critical skills in cultural competency. 

“In today’s world, bilingualism is a huge advantage,” Natalie explains. “Learning two languages from an early age enhances cognitive abilities, improves problem-solving skills, and creates global career opportunities. 

As a result, Aventura students gain fluency in both English and Spanish, setting them apart in a competitive world. Additionally, Aventura’s commitment to multilingual education in a diverse city like Nashville ensures that students graduate with the ability to thrive in an increasingly globalized world.

“Diversity is getting invited to the party, and integration is being invited to dance,” Natalie believes. “And so everyone's really invited to dance here, and share their grain of sand in both our academic program and our community events.”

Project-Based Learning: Education with Purpose

Aventura doesn’t just focus on what students learn, it emphasizes how they learn. The school’s project-based learning (PBL) model encourages students to engage in hands-on, meaningful projects that connect classroom concepts to the real world.

“Purposeful learning opportunities where students are really the leaders and are working on meaningful projects and work in collaboration with the community is something we really wanted to see,” Natalie shares.  

As an example, the school partners with local community organizations and allows students to actively engage in their own education.

“First-graders were working on a project about tools and work. They partnered with Forge Nashville to learn about construction tools and the design process. Then, they built and installed little free libraries in the community.”

Another exciting project involved second-graders exploring fossils. “They participated in an edible fossil dig where everything, including insects, were safe to eat,” she says. “This hands-on experience made learning about fossils fun, memorable, and interactive.”

Aventura’s “hands-on” learning approach allows for students to not just read about topics like engineering and construction, but actually allows them to become the builders, problem-solvers and active participants in their own education.

Projects like these aren’t just hypothetical, they also create tangible benefits for the school and the community.

“The community engagement with the projects I think is another great indicator that it's working,” Natalie says. “We have these community partners that didn't just do one project and abandon us, but they come back time and time again year after year.”

At Aventura, students aren’t just memorizing facts; they are creating, building, and solving real-world problems. This approach not only makes learning more engaging but also develops critical thinking, collaboration, and leadership skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom.

A Model for the Future of Education

Aventura is leading the way in reforming traditional education in Nashville. In fact, its success has already inspired the local school district to launch more bilingual magnet programs.

“We wanted to be this catalyst. We wanted to serve the vision for charter schools to be incubators of new practices that weren't pervasive in an educational ecosystem yet, but could be,” Natalie shares. “I think that's a tremendous opportunity for our city to say that this is something that we value in a polarized political climate. We value inclusivity. We value providing opportunities for bilingualism and for these connections across cultures.”

Students enrolled at Aventura will be at the forefront of a movement that is shaping the future of education in Nashville and beyond.

“Children are viewed as powerful and capable, and as participants in society,” Natalie explains. “If we believe that's true, what type of opportunities do we provide them? Do we tell them that this is how they learn, or do we watch them and follow their interests?”

Why Parents Should Choose Aventura

If you’re a parent looking for a school that offers academic excellence, a diverse and inclusive community, and a forward-thinking approach to education, Aventura Community School may be the perfect fit for your child.

A Dual-Language Advantage for the Future: Aventura Community School’s dual-language program immerses students in both English and Spanish, ensuring academic success while fostering inclusivity. With a bilingual staff and a curriculum that integrates both languages, Spanish-speaking students stay on track while developing English skills, and English-speaking students gain a valuable bilingual foundation. 

Engaging, Purposeful Learning: If your child struggles in a traditional classroom setting, Aventura’s project-based model provides an alternative that prioritizes engagement, creativity, and real-world applications. Every lesson has a purpose, and students learn by doing. With small class sizes, bilingual teachers, and hands-on projects, students stay engaged and excited about learning.

A Supportive, Inclusive School Community: Aventura isn’t just a school, it’s a community where families, educators, and local partners work together to provide the best education possible. Parental involvement is a key part of the school’s success.

How to Get Involved:

Aventura Community School welcomes parents, educators, and community members to learn more and get involved. Schedule a school visit to experience Aventura firsthand! Tours are available for prospective families by visiting AventuraNashville.org or call (615) 657-4201.

If you’re looking for an exceptional school that values bilingualism, hands-on learning, and a thriving community, Aventura Community School is the place to be!