FORT WORTH, Texas — When you walk into the classrooms of one North Texas school, there's a good chance you will hear different languages.
That's because teachers and students practice using multiple languages on purpose as part of their regular curriculum at World Languages Institute (WLI) in Fort Worth.
When you meet the school's principal, Marie-Lise Mosbeux, it becomes clear why there is so much pride on campus.
Mosbeux is a trilingual Belgian native who is fluent in French, Spanish, and English. She holds a bachelor's degree in international business and Spanish from the University of Texas at Arlington.
As the principal of the World Languages Institute, Mosbeux oversees a unique educational environment where students can explore exceptional academic and career pathways, and graduate with a high school diploma and associate degree at no cost.
Students are able to do all of this while developing cultural awareness and language skills.
World Languages Institute, which enrolls students from sixth to twelfth grade, is in its tenth year and it's the first secondary school in Fort Worth with Spanish Immersion and Dual Language Enrichment programs.
These programs are perfect for students like Diego Moran, who is pursuing a career with an international focus.
"You get to learn about a lot of new cultures," Moran, who's entering his senior year, told WFAA. "It gives you a good opportunity to study abroad, learn different languages, you can speak to those communities."
The achievement bar is set high for WLI students on purpose with college prep classes too.
The students enjoy a friendly competition that involves reaching goals, grades, and more. In addition to learning a second language, they can also choose to take on a third language. Some students have even chosen to learn sign language.
Tucker Bradford started at WLI as a middle school student and is now a senior. He is convinced when he graduates that he will be more than ready for college, especially because of the courses he has been required to take at WLI.
"You're forced to take these really high-level classes," Bradford said. "You'll do really well because you have some really great teachers, and it just sets you up for your college success."
WLI senior Camila Mercado enjoys competing with her classmates to earn the highest grades and GPA. She believes World Languages Institute has made her a better student overall.
"You want to be better," Mercado told WFAA. "You see your classmates achieving things. You want to be like them. You want to be at the top."
Max Lucio Bracho just started his freshman year at World Languages Institute and he credits much of his success to the teachers putting pressure on him to do his best.
"The teachers in each class challenge you," Bracho said. "So it's not just you're sitting in class doing nothing, you're always doing something in class and you're always getting ahead."
However, WLI leaders know how to make school fun too.
Many of the students were even comfortable dancing with their WLI teachers and staff when WFAA did a lunchtime takeover with DJ LC.
Principal Mosbeux believes even in school, there has to be a balance of hard work and fun when it comes to learning.
Since some students finish WLI with an associate degree, knowing two to three languages and possibly more, Principal Mosbeux is confident when they graduate that they will have what they need for their next steps in life.
"I think they're ready," Mosbeux said. "Yes. I know they're ready. And I see it," said Marie-Lise Mosbeux, "Last year, out of our 51 students, we had almost $10 million in scholarships. So, they're not only ready, but we're also helping them ensure they have the tools and resources to succeed."