As the Portuguese school of Sport Club Português celebrates its 90th anniversary, a new generation of students begins a journey of language, culture, friendship, and connection to their Portuguese roots.
September 2026 marked a particularly meaningful beginning for Escola Luís de Camões. As the school proudly celebrates 90 years of teaching Portuguese language and culture, its classrooms once again came alive with the voices, smiles, and enthusiasm of a new generation.
The 2026–2027 academic year officially began on Friday, September 18, at our Warren campus, and Saturday, September 19, at our Newark campus, welcoming approximately 280 students, supported by 13 dedicated teachers and a committed school leadership team.
For these children, the start of the school year represents much more than returning to a classroom. It is another opportunity to discover where their families come from, strengthen their cultural identity, and become part of a remarkable story that began nine decades ago.
More Than Learning a Language — Discovering Who We Are
For many children growing up in the United States, Portuguese is the language of their grandparents, the conversations heard around the family dinner table, the songs played at celebrations, and the stories shared about Portugal.
At Escola Luís de Camões, we believe that learning Portuguese is about keeping those connections alive.
Every new word learned, every conversation practiced, and every tradition discovered helps our students build a bridge between their American upbringing and their Portuguese heritage.
Whether students are speaking Portuguese for the first time or strengthening a language already spoken at home, they are developing skills that will accompany them throughout their lives.
They are learning to communicate with family members across generations, appreciate the richness of Portuguese culture, and understand that being connected to two cultures is something to celebrate.
Our goal is not simply to teach children how to speak Portuguese. It is to give them the confidence, knowledge, and pride to carry their heritage into the future.
13 Teachers Making a Difference, One Student at a Time
Behind every successful school year is a team of educators whose dedication extends far beyond classroom instruction.
This year, Escola Luís de Camões is fortunate to have 13 teachers on staff, bringing their knowledge, enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to students across our two campuses.
Teaching Portuguese as a heritage language requires a special approach. Our students arrive with different levels of fluency, different experiences, and different connections to Portugal. Some speak Portuguese regularly at home, while others are just beginning their journey.
Our teachers embrace these differences, creating welcoming learning environments where students can develop their language skills at their own pace.
From introducing the youngest learners to their first Portuguese words to helping older students develop reading, writing, and conversational abilities, their work is essential to the school’s mission.
Looking Ahead: The Next Generation of Our Story
Ninety years ago, members of our community understood that preserving the Portuguese language was essential to preserving their identity.
Today, that belief is just as important.
As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, we look forward to another year of learning, discovery, friendships, and meaningful connections to our shared heritage.
To our returning families, welcome back. To our new students and parents, welcome to the Escola Luís de Camões family.
To our 13 teachers, school leadership, volunteers, and community supporters, thank you for continuing a mission that has inspired generations.
And to our students: you are the future of this extraordinary story.