Downtown Doral Charter School Wins Prestigious Portuguese Language Program Of The Year Award!

Downtown Doral Charter School is empowering future leaders through excellence in Portuguese language education.

Downtown Doral Charter Upper School has been recognized for its outstanding commitment to language education, receiving the prestigious Portuguese Language Program of the Year Award from the American Organization of Teachers of Portuguese (AOTP). This marks the first time the school has won this award, underscoring the innovation and excellence that sets its program apart from others nationwide.

A Legacy of Language Education

The school’s Portuguese language program has been an integral part of its curriculum since 2015, with 171 students currently enrolled across middle and high school levels. With a remarkable 100% graduation rate, Downtown Doral Charter Upper School continues to lead in fostering bilingualism and multicultural understanding.

The Heart of the Program: Dedicated Educators

The success of the Portuguese language program is rooted in the expertise and passion of its highly qualified staff. Led by Mrs. Joelma Nascimento, a Brazilian educator with degrees in Foreign Language Education and Business Management, the team brings diverse experiences to the classroom. Mr. Carlos Baruki, with degrees in Portuguese-English Language & Literature and Law, has 32 years of experience in tourism and is fluent in four languages. Ms. Renata Wilmersdorfer, a former TV Globo producer, holds a major in Social Communication and an MBA in Marketing. Finally, Ms. Tatiana Ripari Cardeal Villar has over 25 years of teaching experience and a degree in Education from the University of São Paulo. Together, this dynamic team creates an enriching learning environment that champions academic excellence and cultural understanding.

Stellar Achievements and National Recognition

One of the key factors in securing the AOTP award was the program’s stellar performance in the National Portuguese Examination (NPE). During the 2023-2024 school year, 74 students participated in the NPE, earning an impressive 13 gold medals, 15 silver medals, 12 bronze medals, and 15 honorable mentions.

A Thriving School Community

Beyond its academic excellence, Downtown Doral Charter Upper School offers a vibrant student experience with numerous extracurricular activities. Students enjoy a rich school life with events like homecoming, prom, field trips, clubs, and parent galas. The annual Global Cultural Exposition celebrates diversity and multiculturalism, fostering a well-rounded educational environment that extends beyond the classroom.

Looking to the Future

Building on its success, the school plans to expand its Portuguese language offerings further. The program has already grown from two teachers in 2019 to four full-time educators today. Future goals include enhancing the curriculum with advanced courses, cultural events, and technology-driven learning tools. The school also plans to engage more deeply with the local Portuguese-speaking community, providing students with hands-on learning and cultural immersion opportunities.

Downtown Doral Charter Upper School’s dedication to language education and student enrichment continues to set it apart as a leader in Portuguese language programs, and this award serves as a foundation for even greater achievements to come.