In a society that values diversity and inclusion as cornerstones of progress, it is essential to recognize the value of learning multiple languages from an early age. The Quadrilingual Academy (The Quad), located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a shining example of this principle, and the journey of its visionary founder demonstrates the power of perseverance and creativity in education.
Jessa Depew, a clinical pharmacist by profession, began a journey in 2015 that many parents can relate to, finding a language immersion school for her family. However, in Memphis, her options were limited. As Jessa was previously an exchange student in France, and a French speaker, giving this experience to her children was extremely important, if not a non-negotiable. While there was an option for Spanish immersion, there was a glaring absence of French-language programs for young children. But as with all remarkable journeys, necessity becomes the mother of invention.
In 2017 the family moved to Atlanta where they found a trilingual school that offered Spanish and Chinese. This was a huge moment in Jessa’s life. Since French immersion programs were only available after age three, Jessa decided to create a program that offered equal language learning in French, Spanish, Chinese, and English. She and her husband’s decision to open The Quad was motivated by a desire to better educate not only their children but all children in their community.
They were really passionate about what they were doing, but like many entrepreneurs, they had their doubts. Much of this hesitation came from the location they resided within, the South, where language education is usually not a priority. They opened The Quad in August 2020, but it was a bit of a rollercoaster ride with Covid-19. Jessa had to renovate a building for four months to make it a place where kids could learn and grow. But when the pandemic hit, the response wasn't what they had hoped for. The Quad, with its promise of providing children with the ability to learn multiple languages, found itself gaining the attention of parents and families, even in communities where multilingualism wasn't the norm. This proved a remarkable turning point in their journey.
The Quad reflects the diversity of Atlanta's multicultural community, with a blend of local residents and international families. This has helped to create a sense of unity. As Jessa expressed, "By breaking down language barriers, the next generation will realize that everyone is the same, and unity is only a stone's throw away."
However, the Quad’s mission is not confined to teaching languages alone. The Founder has made some big investments that go beyond just teaching languages, including the opening of a new facility center to expand through 5th grade.
The faculty at The Quad plays a crucial role in shaping the linguistic and cultural landscape of the school. Bilingual and trilingual teachers are earning a wage significantly higher than the industry average throughout the United States. Jessa is a trained liaison, well-versed in identifying opportunities that benefit both sides of the equation. This expertise has been invaluable in connecting the school with industry professionals and forging pathways to success.
The Quad is more than just an educational institution; it's a force that champions the importance of language in shaping a child's future. "Multilingualism isn't just about speaking different languages; it's about seeing the world through different sets of eyes. Our mission at The Quad is to shatter the notion that a single language is enough. By teaching our students to be multilingual, we empower them to become global citizens who embrace diversity, challenge stereotypes, and find unity in a world that too often emphasizes division." The Quad offers an inclusive environment where children learn not only different languages but also the cultures they represent. In this way, they are equipped to navigate a world where diversity is the norm, and acceptance is the universal language.
Jessa also helps the students to engage in real-world projects, including opportunities like acting and dubbing in multiple languages. She envisions a future where children become young entrepreneurs who can represent software and gaming companies from all over the world, emphasizing that language skills can cushion a child's college fund and create opportunities that are not available to monolingual American kids.
The Quad's founder is resolute in her plans for the future. She intends to expand the program over the next year, with the ultimate goal of franchising this unique model. Jessa acknowledges that this endeavor is a deviation from her previous career path in drug development but emphasizes her love for working with children. The Quad is poised to make a significant impact, not just locally, but across the United States, as Jessa aims to demonstrate that multilingual education is not just possible but necessary for the future.
Media Contact:
Name: Inga Swett
Email: Info@thequadacademy.com
Published by: Pathos Communications Ltd