Interpretation Services

APS offers language services to facilitate and increase meaningful communication and access to school programs, curriculum, activities, and educational opportunities for families and students. APS values the importance of communication between parents and schools. We want parents and students to know about and fully understand the educational opportunities that Arlington offers and to benefit from them.

About Interpretation Services

The Arlington Public Schools provides oral interpretation services from and into English and the four main languages spoken by our students and families: Spanish, Amharic, Arabic and Mongolian, and other common languages. These services are customarily provided during the following events:

• Parent-teacher conferences
• Special education conferences
• School meetings
• Other school functions such as Kindergarten, Middle School and High School Information Nights

Language Line services are also available to schools.

TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION ASSISTANCE

Arlington Public Schools offers translation and interpretation services to assist families in understanding critical information about their child’s education.

How to Request Translation and Interpretation Services 

• In Person

When visiting your child’s school, you may ask for an interpreter who speaks your language.  Staff will secure an interpreter on the phone via Language Line to help you.  Schools may arrange for face-to-face interpreters for most languages with prior notice.

• Over the Phone

The Bilingual Family Specialist (BFSs) at your school can assist you if you have questions about translation or interpretation services.  You may also contact your school’s main office for guidance on how to access translation and interpretation services.

• On the APS Website

Arlington Public Schools’ webpages may be translated via “machine translation” powered by Google.  By selecting a language from the menu in the upper left corner of any APS web page, you may convert the page into a language other than English.