Registration, class levels, tuition, and volunteering at TALENT
The TALENT – TAmil Language Education aNd Training Inc. is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit (501-(c)) organization for Tamil Education. TALENT is committed to provide strong Tamil language learning through a well balanced academic curriculum. TALENT fosters Tamil learning in students as young as 4 years old. TALENT truly believes that younger children tend to observe and learn more. TALENT has 8 academic levels. In addition to that students also complete Tamil Virtual Academy's (TVA) various certificate level courses to master proficiency in Tamil language and attain Maryland's Department of Education approved "Seal of Biliteracy". TALENT offers Tamil classes at various levels to benefit children in all aspects of the language; reading, writing, and speaking which are the essential aspects of any language learning process. Tamil is one of the classical languages of the world. It is a unique language that has a classical past and a powerful literary legacy that we are carrying forward today.
TALENT weekly classes are scheduled on the Fridays of every month from 7:15 pm – 8:45 pm. The academic year starts with an orientation the first week of September followed by regular Tamil classes the following Friday. The last day of school will be on the 1st/2nd week of June. All classes will be conducted virtually for the academic year 2020-2021. Teachers will discuss with class parents/students and decide on a suitable day/time to conduct classes for this academic year. Unlike in-person classes, classes do not have to be scheduled every Friday at 7.15pm. Any changes in schedule will be communicated by the Class teacher/TALENT to individual class.
The registration for current TALENT and new students will begin on the 1st/2nd week of May, before the end of the current academic year. TALENT needs the early registration to be completed to prepare ahead for the next academic year. TALENT will communicate the registration process via email. The registration link will also be made available on the TALENT website. Registration will be closed approximately 6 weeks after opening and could close early based on enrollment. Students registered after the close of registration will be added to the waiting list.
Each academic class level is named as a Nilai which ranges from Nilai 1 (Beginner Level) - Nilai 10 (Advanced Level). All students must have a passing grade from previous Nilai to be promoted to the next Nilai. Each Nilai has a Primary teacher, an assistant teacher, and parent volunteers to help the children. Information on teacher assignments for the academic year 2020-2021 is available on TALENT website. Student assignments will be communicated by teachers directly to parents.
The new student prerequisite shall depend on the student's age, knowledge, and performance level at the time of joining. Students aged 4 and 5 years by September 1st are assigned to Nilai 1. Any student who is six years old will be assigned to Nilai 2 and any older students who do not have any prior Tamil knowledge in reading/writing will be assigned to Nilai 2 as well. For students 7 yrs and above, the new student Nilai assignment depends on the evaluation by the teachers in the form of a written/oral test scheduled in August. For any questions regarding the admission process or Nilai levels, please contact the TALENT TAC (TALENT Academic Council).
TALENT charges a nominal yearly fee per student to cover the costs of school rentals, textbooks, and other expenses for the entire academic year. The fee can be paid by check at the time of orientation day or earlier, and please make the check payable to "TALENT". Parents, please check the TALENT website or email communication to know about any tuition payment changes.
TALENT prints and issues textbooks based on the curriculum prepared by TAC (TALENT Academic Council) from Nilai 1 through Nilai 8. For higher Nilais after Nilai 8, currently TVA Intermediate, TVA Advanced, and TVA HG 10, TVA (Tamilnadu Virtual Academy) books are being used. In addition to the textbooks, teachers could use other study materials such as story books, and e-learning materials.
TALENT finishes its successful academic year by celebrating student's completion and accomplishments by awarding trophies on a grand annual day celebration. Annual day is planned after the final exam in the first week of June. Participation trophy will be awarded to all the students for their hard work and commitment. The attendance trophy for 100% attendance in the given academic year. Academic toppers selected by teachers will be awarded with medals.
"Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart."
TALENT appreciates everyone who is willing to dedicate their time to Tamil school. It will not be possible to manage the growing school without the support of volunteers. We are always looking for more volunteers for PTA and other school-related activities. Please refer to the Parent/Student Handbook on the TALENT website for further details.