UPPER MARLBORO, MD—Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) will introduce Portuguese at Laurel High School in 2013 as part of the Global Studies Academy under the Secondary School Reform initiative.

This “sister school” partnership with Rio de Janeiro – the first of its kind in the Washington, DC region – will seek to build a long-term relationship and develop joint programs in all areas of study with emphasis on language, technology, science and math.

The PGCPS World Languages Office will work with the University of Maryland Department of Spanish and Portuguese to develop the curriculum, scheduled to be introduced in the fall of 2013.

“We are embarking on an extraordinary journey that will benefit our school system for many years to come," said Dr. William R. Hite, Superintendent of Schools. "By entering this partnership, we are providing our students with an excellent opportunity that expands their learning while providing them with an invaluable international educational experience."

For two years, the PGCPS World Languages office has been working with educators from Rio to launch this project, culminating in the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on April 10 at the Sasscer Administration Building. The Rio delegation also had an opportunity to attend roundtable discussions about academics and human resources issues in Prince George’s County during that week.

The Academy of Global Studies will foster understanding of the ways that globalization shapes history, international cultures, the economy, politics and society through two programs of study – International Business and Finance, and International Relations and Studies. In addition to Laurel High, the academy will be housed at Central, Crossland and Parkdale high schools, serving ninth-graders.

The goal of Secondary School Reform is to transform the educational experience of PGCPS middle and high school students to ensure that all graduates are college- and workforce-ready.