Multilingual Academy Set to Open in Smyrna

A new academy that will teach children from six weeks to 12 years old multiple language skills is set to open in Smyrna within the next six weeks, a spokesman for the school told Patch.

The International Academia of Smyrna, which will occupy the former Vinings Creative Learning Center, looks to have a multidisciplinary curriculum which will include instruction in English, Spanish, and Chinese, said Simon Cardenas, a City of Smyrna employee and husband of the driving force behind the new school.

Cardenas told Patch that his wife, Acela Cardenas-Vela and their daughter, Amanda Onae-Vela, have both spent many years in the education field and the family has spent more than twenty years in the Smyrna community.

The Cardenas family lives in the Bennet Woods sudvision, and Amanda went to school at King Springs Elementary School, Campbell Middle School, and Campbell High School. Amanda now teaches Pre-K, Cardenas said.

According to Cardenas, Chinese language instruction will be provided by a former Atlanta Public Schools teacher.

Apart from language instruction, Cardenas said the school plans to offer music and exercise classes and a robust after school program.

The building is currently undergoing a renovation and the school itself is waiting for its paperwork to be approved by the city, Cardenas said. If all goes according to plan, the new school should be up and running in four to six weeks. 

"We hope to be part of the community for a very long time," Cardenas said.

Cardenas has promised to inform Patch when an official opening date is set for the International Academia.