L.E.S.T.A. (Learn English/Spanish thru the Arts) has been bringing Bilingual, Multi-Cultural experiences to all ages, from children through senior citizens, and especially to low income and underserved populations of Washington County for 17 years, opening in Fall of  2004. Based in Hillsboro, we specialize in teaching English as a Foreign Language and English pronunciation- see our bilingual and Spanish books (“Pronunciation Practice Scenes, Songs, Games & Stories”) for new fun ways that give families an opportunity to work/play/learn together. L.E.S.T.A. received a City of Hillsboro Economic Development grant to help publish its bilingual books online and as hard copies.

As the only bilingual musical theatre Non-Profit in Washington County, we seek donations that are tax-deductible.  We also seek Volunteers and have many Volunteer jobs available, and thru May 2021 we will be offering a Volunteer position on our Board of Directors as Secretary/Treasurer.  Email or call Directora Cyndi Turtledove for more info.

Methodology

We use Activity oriented, immersion teaching methods, with Songs, Dances, Skits, Active Games, Card Games, Crafts and Mask Making to implement the teaching of both languages, making the learning super fun as well as educational.  L.E.S.T.A. has produced over 50 performances of it’s Bilingual Musical Plays with and for Children at the Walters Cultural Arts Center, elementary schools and churches in Hillsboro 2005 – 2016. Directora Cyndi Turtledove, MFA has been teaching “SPANISH thru the ARTS” at the Hillsboro Community Senior Center since 2015 – 6 years, though 2020 classes were closed due to the virus, and hoping to be allowed to open them again JULY/AUGUST as Outdoor Classes at the Shute Park area next to Hillsboro Sr. Center. We produce a weekly NEWSLETTER every Sunday which is FREE to the public – whoever wants to receive it, please call or email us.  It has history, geography, cultural topics, Spanish vocabulary, bilingual jokes and photos of the relative themes each week.