Students at two Mansfield ISD schools near Fort Worth could soon be learning Arabic as a required language. The school district wants students at select schools to take Arabic language and culture classes in a program funded by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

As part of the five-year $1.3 million grant, Arabic classes will be mandatory at two elementary schools, and optional for middle and high school students.

The DOE has identified Arabic as a ‘language of the future, but it's getting mixed reviews from Mansfield parents. Some, like parent Joseph Balson, wondered “Why are we just now finding out about it?” Parent Trisha Savage thinks it's a good idea, saying it will offer students a well-rounded education that will prepare them for the future.

More From Newstalk 860