Tamil Language as Elective in CUSD

Tamil is currently available at:

• Arizona College Prep (ACP)

• Hamilton High School

Both schools are part of Chandler Unified School District (CUSD).

Students enrolled at ACP or Hamilton High School (Grades 9–12) may register for Tamil as part of their world language or elective course options, subject to scheduling availability.

Tamil is open to:

• Students with Tamil background

• Students without prior Tamil knowledge who is interested in learning a new language

Yes. Current 8th grade students who will be entering Arizona College Prep (ACP) or Hamilton High School for the 2026–2027 school year are eligible to enroll in Tamil.

Students should select Tamil during their high school course selection process and consult with their school counselor to ensure proper enrollment.

Students should:

1. Speak with their school counselor during course selection.

2. Select Tamil as their preferred world language elective.

3. Confirm enrollment based on availability and scheduling.

Tamil is one of the world’s oldest classical languages with a rich literary and cultural heritage. Learning Tamil helps students:

• Connect with heritage and identity

• Strengthen bilingual skills

• Gain cultural awareness

• Enhance college applications

Enrolling in Tamil offers several advantages:

• Alignment with Tamil School curriculum (for students with prior Tamil education)

• Opportunity to earn strong grades and support GPA

• Easier transition for students who speak Tamil at home

• Strengthens reading, writing, speaking, and cultural knowledge

• Enhances college applications with bilingual proficiency

Students will develop:

• Reading and writing skills in Tamil

• Speaking and listening proficiency

• Understanding of Tamil culture and heritage

• Grammar and vocabulary fundamentals

The curriculum follows: HSCP Level 1 & Level 2 (Tamil 1 & Tamil 2)

Course materials and content details are available at:
https://www.catamilacademy.org/HSCPCourseContentMaterials.html

Tamil 1 and Tamil 2 are aligned with the Tamil School syllabus developed by California Tamil Academy.

Like other world languages:

• Students should complete 2 years (Tamil 1 & Tamil 2) to meet college world language credit requirements.

• Students may continue up to 4 years, if offered, to further strengthen language proficiency.

Since this is the first year Tamil is being offered in CUSD, placement guidelines are still being defined.

Currently:

• Students are expected to enroll in Tamil 1.

• Future placement policies and updates will be communicated by CUSD.

Tamil is offered as an elective and is structured to be student-friendly.

• For students who studied in Tamil School, the syllabus will feel familiar.

• Students who speak Tamil at home will find it easier compared to learning a completely new foreign language.

• Even beginners can perform well with consistent practice and participation.

Overall, the course is designed to help students succeed.

Tamil counts toward GPA just like any other elective or world language course.

Since Tamil is offered to both Tamil and non-Tamil students, the syllabus is designed to be accessible and manageable.

• Students with a Tamil background may find it easier to earn strong grades.

• This can positively contribute to overall GPA.

• Students can strategically focus on other core academic subjects while maintaining strong performance in Tamil.

Yes. Tamil fulfills world language credit requirements, similar to other languages offered in the district.

Parents may contact:

• AZTS Tamil School - Chandler

  • Iyappan Ananthavenkatraman - +1 (602) 702-9495

  • Priya Selvakumar - +1 (480) 389-7721

• Your school counseling office

• Your school world language department

• Chandler Unified School District administration