MNTS Tamil SchoolMinnesota · Est. 2008
Answers

Frequently asked questions

Answers for families, students, teachers, and schools adopting our open syllabus. Can't find it here? Ask the assistant in the corner, or email director@mntamilschool.org.

Parents & families

Enrolling a child, schedules, levels, tuition.

When are MNTS classes held?
All MNTS classes meet on Saturdays. The Woodbury campus runs 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, the Eden Prairie campus runs 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM, and the live online (virtual) program runs 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM US Central Time.
Where are the MNTS campuses located?
MNTS has two in-person campuses in the Twin Cities, Minnesota: Woodbury at 4200 Pioneer Dr, Woodbury, MN 55129, and Eden Prairie at 7255 Flying Cloud Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55344. There is also a live online program open to families anywhere.
Can my child attend from outside Minnesota?
Yes. MNTS has run a live online program for many years, and it is open to families across the United States and internationally. Online students follow the same ACTFL-aligned syllabus, are taught by the same trained teachers, and use the same AI tutor as students at the in-person campuses. Virtual classes meet Saturdays 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM US Central Time.
Does my child need to already speak Tamil?
No. MNTS teaches Tamil as a second and heritage language, and complete beginners are welcome. Students are placed by proficiency level rather than by age alone, so a child who speaks no Tamil starts at the appropriate entry level and progresses from there. Both heritage learners from Tamil-speaking homes and non-heritage beginners are taught.
What is the youngest age you accept?
The entry level is Mazhalai, for children who are at least 4 years old, and it has no prerequisite. Basic 1, the first ACTFL-rated level (Novice Low), is for children 5 years and above and also has no prerequisite, so a child can begin there without having attended Mazhalai.
How do I enroll my child?
Enrollment is handled in the MNTS AI LMS at ailms.mntamilschool.org. You create a family account there, choose a campus or the virtual program, and complete enrollment for each child. Direct student enrollment has been available at both campuses and for the US virtual program for many years.
Is MNTS accredited?
Yes. MNTS Tamil School has been accredited by Cognia (formerly AdvancED) since January 2014. The school was founded in December 2008 and is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit.
Does studying at MNTS count toward school or college credit?
MNTS prepares students for the Seal of Biliteracy, which 49 US states have legislated, including the Minnesota Bilingual and Multilingual Seal. The syllabus is aligned to ACTFL Tamil National Standards for Novice Low through Intermediate High, which are the proficiency levels the seals are awarded against. Earning a seal can carry high school and college World Language credit. Exact credit depends on your own school district, so confirm the details with them.
What are the MNTS levels, and how long is the programme?
The syllabus runs ten years across ten levels. Year 1 is Mazhalai (no ACTFL rating, entry level). Year 2 is Basic 1 (Novice Low), Year 3 Basic 2 (Novice Mid), Year 4 Basic 3 (Novice High). Years 5 and 6 are Units 1-3 and Units 4-6 (Intermediate Low). Years 7 and 8 are Units 7-9 and Units 10-12 (Intermediate Mid). Years 9 and 10 are Units 13-15 and Units 16-18 (Intermediate High). In total the syllabus comprises 58 books.
What standards is the syllabus aligned to?
The MNTS syllabus is aligned to the Tamil National Standards approved by ACTFL in July 2022, covering Novice Low, Mid and High and Intermediate Low, Mid and High. It also maps to CEFR ratings Pre-A1, A1, A2 and B1. The Tamil National Standards are structured on the 5 Cs (Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, Communities) and the three modes of communication (Interpretive, Interpersonal, Presentational), and the syllabus was built against the full set of NCSSFL Can-Do statements. The World-Readiness Standards for Learning Tamil are a project of ATTA, the American Tamil Teachers Association.
What makes the MNTS syllabus different from other Tamil syllabi?
Almost all existing Tamil syllabi concentrate on reading and writing. The MNTS syllabus teaches all four LSRW skills — Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing — and it teaches listening and speaking explicitly from Mazhalai onward rather than treating them as a by-product. The learning target at every level is set against ACTFL proficiency levels for each of the four skills, and homework and assessment use the Integrated Performance Assessment (IPA) template for Interpretive Listening and Interpretive Reading.
What is the MNTS AI LMS?
The MNTS AI LMS at ailms.mntamilschool.org is the school's AI-supported learning platform. A student speaks or writes Tamil, and the AI tutor listens, responds and scores the attempt against ACTFL criteria such as pronunciation, accuracy and fluency. It covers the LSRW skills through real-time modules for interpersonal listening and speaking, interpretive reading and writing, and presentational work, and it is available between weekend classes so practice is not limited to Saturdays. The platform is FERPA-compliant.
How is the AI LMS different from other Tamil learning tools?
The distinguishing feature is that it is individualized and mastery-based: each student progresses when they demonstrate the skill, against ACTFL-aligned scoring on their own actual speech and writing, rather than moving with the calendar. To the school's knowledge no other Tamil school or Tamil language organisation currently offers an equivalent AI-supported, mastery-based system built on an accredited, standards-aligned syllabus.
How much does it cost, and is financial help available?
Tuition and any scholarship or financial assistance are described on the tuition page of the MNTS website, and current figures are shown during enrollment in the AI LMS. Note that the syllabus itself, the online PDFs and OpenLMS are free to everyone regardless of enrollment — tuition covers taught classes at MNTS.
How do I contact MNTS?
Email director@mntamilschool.org or call +1-651-800-1222. The contact page on the website has the full details.

Students

Classes, the AI tutor, practice, and the Bilingual Seal.

When are MNTS classes held?
All MNTS classes meet on Saturdays. The Woodbury campus runs 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, the Eden Prairie campus runs 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM, and the live online (virtual) program runs 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM US Central Time.
Can my child attend from outside Minnesota?
Yes. MNTS has run a live online program for many years, and it is open to families across the United States and internationally. Online students follow the same ACTFL-aligned syllabus, are taught by the same trained teachers, and use the same AI tutor as students at the in-person campuses. Virtual classes meet Saturdays 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM US Central Time.
Does studying at MNTS count toward school or college credit?
MNTS prepares students for the Seal of Biliteracy, which 49 US states have legislated, including the Minnesota Bilingual and Multilingual Seal. The syllabus is aligned to ACTFL Tamil National Standards for Novice Low through Intermediate High, which are the proficiency levels the seals are awarded against. Earning a seal can carry high school and college World Language credit. Exact credit depends on your own school district, so confirm the details with them.
What is OpenLMS and how do I get access?
OpenLMS at openlms.mntamilschool.org is the free, paperless eLearning version of the full ten-level syllabus. All reading and listening interactive exercises can be used by any student simply by logging in as Guest — no authenticated account is required. Speaking and writing work can be used without authentication too and managed outside OpenLMS over email. Teachers who want full teacher-level access to all features can request it; details are on the OpenLMS information page of the MNTS website.
What is the MNTS AI LMS?
The MNTS AI LMS at ailms.mntamilschool.org is the school's AI-supported learning platform. A student speaks or writes Tamil, and the AI tutor listens, responds and scores the attempt against ACTFL criteria such as pronunciation, accuracy and fluency. It covers the LSRW skills through real-time modules for interpersonal listening and speaking, interpretive reading and writing, and presentational work, and it is available between weekend classes so practice is not limited to Saturdays. The platform is FERPA-compliant.
How do I contact MNTS?
Email director@mntamilschool.org or call +1-651-800-1222. The contact page on the website has the full details.

Teachers

Using the syllabus, OpenLMS access, and training.

What are the MNTS levels, and how long is the programme?
The syllabus runs ten years across ten levels. Year 1 is Mazhalai (no ACTFL rating, entry level). Year 2 is Basic 1 (Novice Low), Year 3 Basic 2 (Novice Mid), Year 4 Basic 3 (Novice High). Years 5 and 6 are Units 1-3 and Units 4-6 (Intermediate Low). Years 7 and 8 are Units 7-9 and Units 10-12 (Intermediate Mid). Years 9 and 10 are Units 13-15 and Units 16-18 (Intermediate High). In total the syllabus comprises 58 books.
What standards is the syllabus aligned to?
The MNTS syllabus is aligned to the Tamil National Standards approved by ACTFL in July 2022, covering Novice Low, Mid and High and Intermediate Low, Mid and High. It also maps to CEFR ratings Pre-A1, A1, A2 and B1. The Tamil National Standards are structured on the 5 Cs (Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, Communities) and the three modes of communication (Interpretive, Interpersonal, Presentational), and the syllabus was built against the full set of NCSSFL Can-Do statements. The World-Readiness Standards for Learning Tamil are a project of ATTA, the American Tamil Teachers Association.
What makes the MNTS syllabus different from other Tamil syllabi?
Almost all existing Tamil syllabi concentrate on reading and writing. The MNTS syllabus teaches all four LSRW skills — Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing — and it teaches listening and speaking explicitly from Mazhalai onward rather than treating them as a by-product. The learning target at every level is set against ACTFL proficiency levels for each of the four skills, and homework and assessment use the Integrated Performance Assessment (IPA) template for Interpretive Listening and Interpretive Reading.
Can another school or teacher use the MNTS syllabus?
Yes, and it is free. The complete ten-year MNTS syllabus is shared under Creative Commons principles and may be used fully or partially by any school, teacher, parent or student anywhere in the world. There is no affiliation process with MNTS Tamil School, and no affiliation or registration is required or available — you simply use it. The full syllabus for all 58 books across the 10 levels is published as online PDFs, which can also be printed through DocuCopies.
What is OpenLMS and how do I get access?
OpenLMS at openlms.mntamilschool.org is the free, paperless eLearning version of the full ten-level syllabus. All reading and listening interactive exercises can be used by any student simply by logging in as Guest — no authenticated account is required. Speaking and writing work can be used without authentication too and managed outside OpenLMS over email. Teachers who want full teacher-level access to all features can request it; details are on the OpenLMS information page of the MNTS website.
What are the MNTS Educational Services options?
There are six adoption models, so a school can take as much or as little as fits it. Option 1 is the authenticated OpenLMS model. Option 2 is a digital learning model for virtual classes. Option 3 is a digital learning model for in-person classes. Option 4 is a paper-based traditional in-person model. Option 5 uses the syllabus as an LSRW curriculum aid alongside a traditional Tamil school's existing materials. Option 6 is a self-learning model for individuals. Each option is described under the MNTS Educational Services menu on the website.
Is there training for teachers who adopt the syllabus?
Yes. Syllabus overview presentations and LSRW knowledge-sharing teacher-training recordings are published free on the MNTS YouTube channel as a playlist. There is also a WhatsApp group, MNTS Syllabus for ALL, where teachers and schools using the syllabus can ask questions.
What is the MNTS AI LMS?
The MNTS AI LMS at ailms.mntamilschool.org is the school's AI-supported learning platform. A student speaks or writes Tamil, and the AI tutor listens, responds and scores the attempt against ACTFL criteria such as pronunciation, accuracy and fluency. It covers the LSRW skills through real-time modules for interpersonal listening and speaking, interpretive reading and writing, and presentational work, and it is available between weekend classes so practice is not limited to Saturdays. The platform is FERPA-compliant.
How can I teach or volunteer with MNTS?
MNTS has more than 50 trained teachers and regularly needs more, along with volunteers. The teachers section of the website describes what is involved and how to express interest. You can also email director@mntamilschool.org.
How do I contact MNTS?
Email director@mntamilschool.org or call +1-651-800-1222. The contact page on the website has the full details.

Schools & administrators

Adopting the open syllabus at another Tamil school.

Is MNTS accredited?
Yes. MNTS Tamil School has been accredited by Cognia (formerly AdvancED) since January 2014. The school was founded in December 2008 and is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit.
What are the MNTS levels, and how long is the programme?
The syllabus runs ten years across ten levels. Year 1 is Mazhalai (no ACTFL rating, entry level). Year 2 is Basic 1 (Novice Low), Year 3 Basic 2 (Novice Mid), Year 4 Basic 3 (Novice High). Years 5 and 6 are Units 1-3 and Units 4-6 (Intermediate Low). Years 7 and 8 are Units 7-9 and Units 10-12 (Intermediate Mid). Years 9 and 10 are Units 13-15 and Units 16-18 (Intermediate High). In total the syllabus comprises 58 books.
What standards is the syllabus aligned to?
The MNTS syllabus is aligned to the Tamil National Standards approved by ACTFL in July 2022, covering Novice Low, Mid and High and Intermediate Low, Mid and High. It also maps to CEFR ratings Pre-A1, A1, A2 and B1. The Tamil National Standards are structured on the 5 Cs (Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, Communities) and the three modes of communication (Interpretive, Interpersonal, Presentational), and the syllabus was built against the full set of NCSSFL Can-Do statements. The World-Readiness Standards for Learning Tamil are a project of ATTA, the American Tamil Teachers Association.
What makes the MNTS syllabus different from other Tamil syllabi?
Almost all existing Tamil syllabi concentrate on reading and writing. The MNTS syllabus teaches all four LSRW skills — Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing — and it teaches listening and speaking explicitly from Mazhalai onward rather than treating them as a by-product. The learning target at every level is set against ACTFL proficiency levels for each of the four skills, and homework and assessment use the Integrated Performance Assessment (IPA) template for Interpretive Listening and Interpretive Reading.
Can another school or teacher use the MNTS syllabus?
Yes, and it is free. The complete ten-year MNTS syllabus is shared under Creative Commons principles and may be used fully or partially by any school, teacher, parent or student anywhere in the world. There is no affiliation process with MNTS Tamil School, and no affiliation or registration is required or available — you simply use it. The full syllabus for all 58 books across the 10 levels is published as online PDFs, which can also be printed through DocuCopies.
What is OpenLMS and how do I get access?
OpenLMS at openlms.mntamilschool.org is the free, paperless eLearning version of the full ten-level syllabus. All reading and listening interactive exercises can be used by any student simply by logging in as Guest — no authenticated account is required. Speaking and writing work can be used without authentication too and managed outside OpenLMS over email. Teachers who want full teacher-level access to all features can request it; details are on the OpenLMS information page of the MNTS website.
What are the MNTS Educational Services options?
There are six adoption models, so a school can take as much or as little as fits it. Option 1 is the authenticated OpenLMS model. Option 2 is a digital learning model for virtual classes. Option 3 is a digital learning model for in-person classes. Option 4 is a paper-based traditional in-person model. Option 5 uses the syllabus as an LSRW curriculum aid alongside a traditional Tamil school's existing materials. Option 6 is a self-learning model for individuals. Each option is described under the MNTS Educational Services menu on the website.
Is there training for teachers who adopt the syllabus?
Yes. Syllabus overview presentations and LSRW knowledge-sharing teacher-training recordings are published free on the MNTS YouTube channel as a playlist. There is also a WhatsApp group, MNTS Syllabus for ALL, where teachers and schools using the syllabus can ask questions.
How is the AI LMS different from other Tamil learning tools?
The distinguishing feature is that it is individualized and mastery-based: each student progresses when they demonstrate the skill, against ACTFL-aligned scoring on their own actual speech and writing, rather than moving with the calendar. To the school's knowledge no other Tamil school or Tamil language organisation currently offers an equivalent AI-supported, mastery-based system built on an accredited, standards-aligned syllabus.
How do I contact MNTS?
Email director@mntamilschool.org or call +1-651-800-1222. The contact page on the website has the full details.

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