Do you believe 10% of our K-12 student population should be ignored or not supported? No? Great—that’s precisely the percentage of English Language Learners (ELLs) students currently in our classrooms. That’s over 5 million students across the United States, and these students deserve a learning environment that helps them thrive—not just in English but in their academic, social, and personal growth.

More importantly, we can’t support ELL students without helping their families. When schools engage families, students succeed. CoolSpeak’s Family Engagement Expert Ernesto Mejía shares five key strategies to create a welcoming space for ELL students and their families in this blog.

1. “Why Can’t They Just Learn English?”

Why It Matters: This is a common frustration, especially in communities experiencing an influx of newcomers. The assumption is that students should just “pick up” English without structured support. But learning a language is not just about exposure—it’s about inclusion.

CoolShift: Would you feel respected and valued if you moved to another country and no one tried to communicate with you in a way you understood? Providing English language support isn’t about making things “easier”—it’s about making learning possible and creating inclusive environments where students feel safe using their native language. English leads to faster and deeper language acquisition.

2. “Are We Supposed to Cater to ELL Families?”

Why It Matters: Yes! ELL students don’t exist in isolation. Their families are essential to their success, and when we value and engage families, students perform better. But too often, schools unintentionally alienate parents by treating them as uninformed or incapable.

CoolShift: Many ELL parents are highly educated professionals who had to take any available job upon arriving in the U.S. Others may not have had formal education but bring a wealth of knowledge and experience. Treat ELL parents as partners. Invite them to volunteer, showcase their cultural skills, and participate in school events. A slight shift in mindset from “we’re helping them” to “we’re working with them” makes all the difference.

3. “What Are Some Simple Steps We Can Take Right Now?”

Why It Matters: Small, intentional actions can make a big difference in creating a welcoming environment for ELL students and families.

CoolShift: Small, intentional steps can go a long way in creating a welcoming environment for ELL students and families. Learn and correctly pronounce their names, greet them in their native language, and use visual supports like bilingual signs and labels. Celebrate the cultural and linguistic diversity on campus, and prioritize listening—whether through interpreters, translation tools, or simply being present. It’s about showing students and families that they belong, every day.

4. “How Do We Involve ELL Families in the Learning Process?”

Why It Matters: Many schools expect parents to engage how we think they should. However, many ELL families don’t know how to engage because the U.S. education system differs from what they learned back home.

CoolShift: Instead of assuming ELL parents don’t care, assume they do—but may not know how to engage with an unfamiliar education system. Build trust by asking what support they need, offering bilingual or translated family nights, and creating space for students to share their cultural traditions. Connecting parents with ambassadors who understand their experience can also foster a sense of belonging. When families feel respected and included, they’re more likely to engage in their child’s education.

5. “What Does Success Look Like?”

Why It Matters: Too often, success is narrowly defined as English proficiency alone. But ELL students bring so much more to the table.

CoolShift: Success for ELL students isn’t just about mastering English—it’s about thriving in every part of school life. That includes academic progress, even before full language fluency, building confidence to participate socially, and encouraging strong family involvement. When schools value every language and culture, they create a stronger, more inclusive community where all students can succeed.

At CoolSpeak, we believe in the Golden Triangle of Success—where students, school staff, and families work together to create a robust support system for ELL students. When we activate all three, the odds of student and family success increase.

Need help developing meaningful programming for ELL students and their families? Let’s talk. Ernesto and CoolSpeak’s ELL engagement team combines decades of experience as educators and former ELL students to create research-backed, real-world solutions for your school community.

Together, we can make a difference—one welcoming space at a time.