Did you know that “Lengüitas” is more than just a school? It is a living testament to a woman’s vision. Welcome to the Escuela Normal Superior en Lenguas Vivas Sofía Esther Broquen de Spangenberg. This institution has shaped generations in Buenos Aires.
The Escuela Normal Superior en Lenguas Vivas Sofía Esther Broquen de Spangenberg stands proudly on Juncal Street. Its story began in 1957. Professor Sofía Broquen de Spangenberg founded it. Initially, it was an exclusive school for women. Over time, it evolved. Today, it offers education from the initial level to tertiary studies.
“Lengüitas,” as it’s affectionately known, emerged from a pressing need. The Instituto Juan Ramón Fernández couldn’t keep up with the growing interest in foreign languages. So, this school was born to fill that void. Starting with English and French, the school quickly gained momentum.
In 1962, a surge in student numbers prompted a move to Carlos Pellegrini 920. A year later, it was renamed Instituto Nacional Normal Superior en Lenguas Vivas John F. Kennedy. This was a tribute to the assassinated US president. By 1970, the school found its permanent home here on Juncal 3251 near Parque Las Heras.
The Escuela Normal Superior en Lenguas Vivas Sofía Esther Broquen de Spangenberg embraced innovation early on. In 1984, it joined Proyecto 13. This initiative offered extracurricular activities. That same year, it pioneered the International Baccalaureate program. It became the only public institution in Argentina to do so.
A significant shift occurred in 1994. The municipality of Buenos Aires took over its administration. It was then renamed Escuela Normal Superior en Lenguas Vivas John F. Kennedy. During this time, it also started offering English teaching degrees. Finally, in 2004, the school received its current name. It honored its founder, Sofía Broquen de Spangenberg.
The location of the Escuela Normal Superior en Lenguas Vivas Sofía Esther Broquen de Spangenberg is prime. Situated in Palermo near Parque Las Heras, it is easily accessible. Many buses stop nearby. The Bulnes and Scalabrini Ortiz subway stations are also close.
Gaining admission to “Lengüitas” varies by educational level. Kindergarten uses a lottery system. Primary and secondary applicants must pass a language exam. English or French are the options. Vacancy availability also plays a role.
The Escuela Normal Superior en Lenguas Vivas Sofía Esther Broquen de Spangenberg has an excellent reputation. It is one of Argentina’s top four public schools. Students can choose from a range of elective subjects. These include academic workshops, languages, and sports.
The school offers a Bilingual Baccalaureate. It has orientations in literature, humanities, natural sciences, and exact sciences. Students can also prepare for the International Baccalaureate.
The architecture of the Escuela Normal Superior en Lenguas Vivas Sofía Esther Broquen de Spangenberg is notable. Built mainly in the 1960s and early 1970s, it showcases a rationalist-functionalist design. Concrete walls and a rectilinear structure define it. In 2019, a third floor was added. It provided additional classrooms and a terrace.
The Escuela Normal Superior en Lenguas Vivas Sofía Esther Broquen de Spangenberg continues to evolve. It embraces its history while looking to the future.