A new language program is coming to Harrisonburg schools, providing a new cultural experience for kids.

A voluntary program, where kids will be taught for half the day in English and half the day in Spanish, will start next year in kindergarten at Smithland Elementary. The city school board approved the program Tuesday.

Families would have to opt in to the program and traditional kindergarten classes will still be taught.

The idea behind the program is that students who start in kindergarten would continue in the immersion program throughout elementary school.

However, there are concerns about how to finance it over several years.

A of couple board members voted against the program. They weren't opposed to the concept but were concerned about funding this program beyond the elementary school level.

Stephinie Saeed has a pre-schooler, Amir, who will end up at Smithland when he's old enough to attend. He's already learning Arabic as a second language.

"I have taken both French and Spanish, and I am learning Arabic right now. So, he doesn't have much of a choice but to be as multi-lingual as possible," says Saeed.

English speakers at Smithland are already exposed to Spanish, and non-English speakers receive instruction in English. This class would bring the two groups together.

School Board Chair Tom Mendez says part of the reason for looking into the program is to improve education for students learning English as a second language.

Mendez asks, "But also, how can we create a program in Harrisonburg that's unique and that would be very attractive to gifted students and parents who are looking for something extra for their children?"

The move comes at a time when the school division's budget is falling.

"We want to make sure the program's sustainable," says Mendez.

Some board members are concerned about being able to take the program past the elementary school.

For now, parents like Saeed see it as an important opportunity for their children.

"I work in the medical field. Just being able to talk to somebody in another language can save a life. So, there are so many different benefits," says Saeed.