How to Support Heritage Spanish Speakers in Schools

By Jairo Pérez

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November 07, 2025

Contents

Introduction

Who Are Heritage Spanish Speakers?

Why It Matters: The Needs of Heritage Spanish Speaking Students

Teaching Heritage Spanish Speakers: What Works?

Program Models That Work

Community and Family Engagement

The Bigger Picture: Trends in Bilingual Education

Staying on Track: Aligning With Standards

Final Thoughts: Moving Forward

Introduction

As more schools in the U.S. improve bilingual education, one group needs special attention; heritage Spanish speakers. These students already know some Spanish, but they have unique needs in school. It is important to understand how to support heritage Spanish learners. This support helps them grow in their language skills and personal identities.

This blog will look at who heritage Spanish speakers are. It will explain how they differ from English Language Learners (ELLs). We will discuss their specific needs. Finally, we will explore how schools can improve their programs to better serve them.

Who Are Heritage Spanish Speakers?

Heritage Spanish speakers are students who grew up speaking Spanish at home but may not have received formal lessons in the language at school. Some of them speak Spanish fluently, while others may only understand it or use it in specific situations. These students are not the same as English Language Learners (ELLs), who are new to the English language and need support learning it.

Heritage Spanish vs. ELL:

Heritage speakers already know some Spanish. Their goal is to keep the language strong and improve their reading and writing in it.
ELLs are mainly focused on learning English for the first time.
Heritage speakers are also deeply connected to Spanish through family and culture. They want to keep their

Why It Matters: The Needs of Heritage Spanish Speaking Students

Schools often create programs for ELLs, but the needs of heritage Spanish speaking students can be different. Heritage speakers already understand and use Spanish, but they need more help to improve grammar, writing, and academic vocabulary.

1. Language Maintenance and Literacy

Heritage students want to maintain the Spanish language they grew up with. That means schools should offer lessons that focus on reading, writing, and grammar, not just basic conversation. A differentiated curriculum is important here.

This means creating a course just for heritage speakers. It is not a beginner Spanish class. It is also not for native English speakers learning Spanish as a foreign language.

Curriculum for heritage speakers should:

Help students grow their Spanish vocabulary
Teach formal writing and grammar
Build confidence in academic Spanish
Keep the language alive at home and in school

This helps students build bilingual skills that support success in school and later in life.

2. Cultural Identity and Confidence

Heritage Spanish students’ needs go beyond language, they also want to feel proud of who they are. When schools include cultural identity in the classroom, students feel more connected and motivated. They can learn through stories, music, and traditions from Spanish-speaking cultures.

A strong cultural identity helps students:

Feel seen and respected in school
Stay motivated to learn
Develop self-confidence
Stay connected to their families and roots

A supportive learning environment that includes culture makes a big difference.

Teaching Heritage Spanish Speakers: What Works?

Educators and school leaders must work together to support heritage Spanish speakers in school. There are several things schools can do to better meet their needs.

1. Create a Differentiated Curriculum

A differentiated curriculum is one that’s designed just for heritage speakers. It should not treat them like beginners. Instead, it should recognize that they are native speakers who need help in reading, writing, and using formal Spanish.

What should be included?

Books and articles written for heritage speakers
Writing assignments in Spanish
Cultural discussions
Vocabulary growth activities

Schools should develop a curriculum for heritage speakers that is both challenging and culturally relevant.

2. Train Teachers to Understand Heritage Learners

Teaching heritage Spanish speakers requires special skills. Teachers need to understand their students’ language backgrounds, their strengths, and what they struggle with. Schools should offer professional development so that teachers learn how to:

Identify the different needs of heritage learners
Use differentiated instruction
Teach Spanish reading and writing effectively
Build classroom activities around cultural content

When teachers are better prepared, students learn more.

Program Models That Work

There are many ways to structure school programs that serve heritage speakers. The key is to be flexible and responsive.

1. Dual Language Programs

These programs offer instruction in both English and Spanish. They help both heritage Spanish speakers and other students grow strong in both languages. Dual-language Spanish programs:

Improve academic performance
Build strong bilingual skills
Strengthen cultural identity
Benefit Spanish students from different backgrounds

2. After-School Support

Sometimes, students need extra help outside the classroom. Tutoring, clubs, and enrichment programs can help heritage Spanish learners get more support. These programs can focus on:

Homework help
Reading Spanish literature
Cultural arts like music, dance, or storytelling

This keeps students engaged and motivated to continue learning.

Community and Family Engagement

To really help heritage Spanish students, schools should work with families and the local community.

1. Get Families Involved

Parents and guardians can be powerful allies. Schools should:

Communicate with families in Spanish
Invite parents to school events
Respect and celebrate family traditions

This helps students feel supported both at home and in school.

2. Partner With Experts

Some organizations, like Comligo, offer tools and resources to support heritage Spanish learners. These partnerships can bring:

Professional curriculum help
Teacher training
Materials for students
Advice on improving bilingual programs

Working with outside experts makes programs stronger and more successful.

The Bigger Picture: Trends in Bilingual Education

Education is changing. Schools are starting to recognize the value of bilingualism and cultural diversity. More than ever, they are paying attention to the needs of heritage Spanish speaking students.

1. Academic Benefits

Students who learn two languages often do better in school. Bilingual students show:

Higher test scores
Better problem-solving skills
Improved memory
Stronger reading and writing abilities

That’s why strengthening Spanish instruction is good for everyone.

2. Cultural and Global Awareness

When students learn more than one language, they also learn about other cultures. This builds:

Respect for differences
Empathy
A global mindset

These are important skills in today’s world.

Staying on Track: Aligning With Standards

Schools should also make sure their programs match state and national guidelines.

What to Focus On:

Language proficiency in Spanish and English
Cultural understanding and appreciation
Academic achievement for all students
Regular assessment and evaluation to see what’s working and what needs improvement

This ensures that programs are not just well-meaning but effective.

Final Thoughts: Moving Forward

Supporting heritage Spanish speakers in schools takes effort, planning, and care. These students already come with valuable language skills and rich cultural knowledge. Schools should honor that by giving them the right tools and opportunities to grow.

Heritage programs in U.S. schools can help heritage speakers succeed by offering a special curriculum and training teachers. Working with families is important too. Schools can partner with experts to provide support.

What You Can Do

If you’re a school leader, teacher, or part of a school board, now is the time to act.

Call to Action: If you want to make your school’s Spanish program better for heritage learners, contact Comligo today. They offer customized curriculum solutions, professional development for teachers, and tools designed specifically for heritage Spanish speakers in schools.

Jairo Pérez

Academic Team

Jairo Pérez is the Head of Academics at Comligo. Originally from Mexico, he has extensive experience teaching Spanish as a second language and in the fields of Human and Artistic Sciences. Passionate about language, culture, and education, he enjoys exploring different cultures, visiting museums, and embracing nature.