If you ask students why they enroll in most electives, they often reveal personal interests and academic aspirations. Students enrolled in a Spanish Heritage class talk about much more: reconnecting with their linguistic and cultural roots, a sense of belonging where they can be themselves, and aspirations for the professional advantage of bilingual fluency.  

Spanish Heritage, an elective language and culture class, is offered at all District 196 high schools and several middle schools. It’s popular with students who want to deepen their connection to their own heritage, strengthen their literacy skills, and explore the diverse cultural backgrounds of their peers. It’s also about building community.

“A lot of kids who take this class join with the intention of building a community,” shared Alexa Vela Alonso RHS Latinx Student Union leader. ”It helps to have a community where you can hold each other accountable, spread awareness, and talk about issues that you can’t talk about with others because they don’t have the same lifestyle or background and don’t understand the struggles [of the Latinx community].”

“The kids love the class,” noted Jenedee Canino, multilingual communications specialist for the district. “They are so proud that their culture is represented in the school and that it’s a place where they can share their culture and language. Some students talked about learning Spanish to speak fluently with grandparents who still live in Spanish-speaking countries.”

Whether a student has recently arrived in the U.S. and speaks Spanish fluently or grew up speaking Spanish at home without formal literacy, the class meets them where they are and helps them grow. Students whose first language is Spanish often haven’t had formal instruction in reading or writing it. This class develops their academic language skills, better preparing them for bilingual professional careers or post-secondary academic studies. 

One of the most exciting aspects is the cultural richness. Students learn about the 21 different Spanish-speaking countries, discovering both the commonalities and the distinct traditions that shape each culture. Students are particularly fascinated by the cultural differences within the Spanish-speaking world. For example, many are surprised to learn that there is a Spanish-speaking country in Africa, Equatorial Guinea. 

“They love learning about different cultures, traditions, and even language variations from one country to another,” shared Heather Nyseth, a District 196 teacher and specialist. “Cultural projects are a highlight of the class, allowing students to research and present on different countries, often choosing elements that resonate with their personal experiences.”

Beyond the cultural exploration, the class offers a unique, supportive environment. “I’m not from Minnesota; I’m from a small town in Iowa, and there weren’t a lot of Spanish speakers there,” shared one Rosemount High School student. “So when I came here and learned about this class, they told me there were a lot of Spanish-speaking students in this class; I could learn Spanish and make friends…I saw something that I didn’t know could happen. I’m open to it.” 

For students who may feel isolated or overwhelmed in an English-dominant classroom, the Spanish Heritage class provides a much-needed brain break, according to Ms. Nyseth. “They don’t have to work as hard to understand what’s happening in class—they already understand the language. They can just focus on improving their academic skills, which is incredibly affirming for them.”

Students in the class also work toward earning the Minnesota Seal of Biliteracy, an academic honor awarded to students who demonstrate proficiency in two or more languages. For many native Spanish speakers, this class sets them on the path to earning that certification, opening doors to future academic and career opportunities. Last year, 287 of our high school seniors earned the state’s Bilingual/Multilingual Seals.

Ultimately, the Hispanic Heritage class is about more than language acquisition. It is about fostering a sense of identity and belonging. It is a space for students to celebrate their heritage, share their stories, and develop the confidence to succeed academically and personally. In a world that often pushes for assimilation, this class reminds our students to take pride in who they are and where they come from.