Embassy Adoption Program 

Introduction

Since 1974, the Embassy Adoption Program, in partnership with the Washington Performing Arts Society, works with 5th and 6th grade students, to infuse global education in the classroom. A class is “adopted” by an embassy, creating a bond with both our local and international community. Students spend a year immersed in programs that aim to enhance cultural competency; increase cross-cultural communication skills; and aid in student understanding of local and global communities. 

Program highlights include classroom sessions, hosted by embassy representatives; field trips to gain hands-on experience with their adopted culture; a final presentation demonstrating acquired knowledge for the ambassador and embassy representatives; and a Mini United Nations event held between all DCPS Embassy Adoption classrooms.

The Embassy Adoption Program is a compelling opportunity that could only exist in the District of Columbia, and at DC Public Schools. It is an opportunity to expand students’ global understanding, increase interactive programming options, and continue on that road to becoming the highest performing urban district in the nation.

Goals

• Enhance students’ cultural competency
• Increase cross-cultural communication skills
• Aid students’ understanding of their local and global communities
• Offer students a variety of challenging themes and programs
• Partner with community members who demand better schools

Details About the Program

Classroom sessions

Embassy representatives visit classrooms to share their culture, history, languages and society employing visual aids, art and other educational resources.

Download information about classroom sessions.

Download information about embassy visits at DC Public Schools.

Field trips

Students often travel to cultural centers, museums, film screenings and even restaurants to gain hands-on experience with their adopted culture.

Download the complete listing of field trips.

Embassy presentation

In the spring, students are invited to demonstrate what they have learned about their adopted country by performing a presentation for the ambassador and embassy representatives. Past performances have included skits, music, dance and puppet shows.

View past embassy presentations.

Mini United Nations

At the close of the school year, select student ambassadors convene to debate and draft resolutions on global challenges in a General Assembly simulation.

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Teachers and Principals 

Educators will be invited to participate in the Embassy Adoption Program at the beginning of each school year. 

If you are interested, please apply to get involved in the Embassy Adoption Program.

Embassies 

New embassies are always welcome to contact our program staff to participate in the program. In early August, our staff will begin inviting embassies to participate in the upcoming academic year.

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