Welcome Families
العربية, Cabo-Verdiano, 中文, English, Français, Kreyòl Ayisyen, Portuguese, Soomaali, Español, Tiếng Việt
Meaningful Language Access
Effective communication and partnership with families are essential for ensuring students' educational success. The Office of Language Access Services (OLAS) is committed to improving two-way communication between schools and families and providing access to district programs, services, and activities for parents/guardians who require communication in a language other than English, at no cost to families.
Language Access Tool-Kit for Families
The OLAS toolkit provides information about the resources and services available to the Boston Public School District to support limited and non-English-speaking families. It also aims to raise awareness among families about the available language assistance services and resources, as well as the District's obligation to provide such services.
Arabic, Kabuverdianu, Chinese, English, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Somali, Spanish, Vietnamese
Language Access Services
Please click the links above or view the Language Access Services page for more information.
Language Access Feedback
To ensure that the quality of the translation and/or interpretation services provided meets the district's and all stakeholders' expectations, BPS is inviting feedback from parents and guardians. The goal is to create an inclusive space where all parents' voices are heard and considered, regardless of language. If you have any compliments, concerns, challenges, or suggestions for improving overall language access services, please fill out the Language Access Feedback form. Your feedback is valuable and will help us improve our services.
Please click the Multilingual Feedback Form to access it in the 10 major languages of the District.
Resources & Tips
Boston Public Schools (BPS) understands and values the crucial role parents and guardians play in ensuring the academic success of their children. That's why the district is dedicated to creating and maintaining open communication channels and building strong partnerships with families to achieve this objective. To that end, we have provided some resources and tips below to help you better understand the available services, your rights to those services, and best practices. You can visit the Resources and Tips page for more information.
How do families request language assistance services?
If you need language assistance at your child's school, simply inquire with your school leader or the front desk person. You can show them your I-Speak Card to let them know your preferred language of communication. If the staff member you're speaking with can't assist you, they will find another staff member who can or make use of available language assistance services to ensure that your communication needs are met.
If you need help with language assistance services, you can call the school's main phone number and ask for an interpreter. The staff member will use LionBridge to connect you with an interpreter who can help you. You can also use TalkingPoints to send a message to your child's teacher to request and inquire about language assistance services.
The BPS Helpline is also here to support you. The new service is designed to help members of the BPS community locate answers to basic questions and direct them to the appropriate resources. Contact the BPS Helpline at 617-635-8873 or email at helpline@bostonpublicschools.org for assistance.
You may also contact the Office of Language Access Services at 617-635-7967 or email us at languageaccess@bostonpublicschools.org