Olathe Spanish Academy

With a population of 115,000, Olathe is the fifth largest city in the state of Kansas, according to the U.S. Census. About 11,000 of Olathe’s citizens claim to be of Hispanic/Latino heritage, and roughly 70% of the Hispanic population speaks Spanish in the home.

Knowing Spanish can add to your enjoyment of local Hispanic/Latino culture. For example, nearby Kansas City has a large Cinco de Mayo celebration annually that your entire family can attend. Dos Mundos, a bilingual newspaper out of Kansas City, offers news related to the local Spanish speaking population. For an educational experience, check out Kansas City Library’s guide to print and digital resources about Hispanic/Latino culture.

Olathe is only one city in America experiencing fundamental demographic changes in favor of a growing Spanish-speaking population. Now is a great time for children to learn the language of their new neighbors.

Why do you think Olathe’s children should learn Spanish? Use the form on the right side of the page to share your thoughts.