Frequently Asked Questions
Immersion Education
Why choose immersion education for my child?
Parents want to make the best educational choices for their children, and many value the advantages of bilingualism. In addition to the ability to understand and speak more than one language, immersion education offers cognitive, academic, and future career benefits, as shown by research.
How is immersion different from other types of language instruction?
In traditional language classes, the second language is taught as a subject. In immersion programs, the target language is both the medium of instruction and communication, allowing students to learn it naturally, much like their first language.
Will immersion education affect my child’s English skills?
Immersion programs support bilingualism without impacting first-language competence (known as additive bilingualism) because language skills are interdependent. Skills acquired in one language benefit learning in the other. First-language arts are introduced in middle elementary grades, and support from family and community strengthens these skills. Studies show that learning a second language positively impacts first-language skills, with immersion students often matching or surpassing their peers in English by Grades 4 or 5 after English Language Arts instruction begins. (Turnbull, Hart & Lapkin, 2000)
How can I support my child if I don’t speak the immersion language?
Immersion programs are designed for children whose parents may not know the target language. You can support your child’s language learning by fostering a positive and encouraging environment. Studies indicate that children perform better in immersion when their parents have a positive attitude toward the language. You can help by reading to them in English, encouraging English writing, and playing English-language word games. Additionally, you can provide opportunities to use the immersion language outside the classroom by borrowing or buying books, watching shows, and attending events or activities that feature the target language, such as plays, courses, or sports.
Preschool Program FAQs
How much Spanish is spoken in the preschool classroom?
Our preschool classes are conducted with 95% Spanish immersion. Spanish is the primary language of instruction and communication with students, although we may use English to comfort a child or address behavior issues.
We don’t speak Spanish at home. Will this be a problem for my preschooler?
No, parents are not expected to understand or speak Spanish. Students will naturally learn the language by listening, observing, and engaging during class time. They’ll begin singing class songs early on and continue throughout the year. Our weekly newsletter allows parents to support skill concepts, and we include links to our common songs for at-home reinforcement. Language skills are acquired through peer interactions and immersive activities in the classroom.
What ages are eligible for preschool classes?
We accept children aged 3 to 5 in our preschool program. Our three-day classes are pre-kindergarten and are geared toward ages 4 and up. Our two-day classes include both preschool and pre-kindergarten options, generally for ages 3 to 4.
What class options are available? Can my child attend five mornings a week or all day?
Parents can enroll their child in multiple classes. Although we don’t offer a five-day or full-day option, students may attend several classes. Each class follows the same monthly themes and weekly skills, though the activities vary, providing more opportunities for practice and reinforcement.
What is the student-teacher ratio in preschool classes?
Each preschool class has a maximum of 12 students and 2 teachers.
What should my child bring to each class?
All supplies are covered by tuition and the one-time supply fee. Children should dress comfortably and wear clothing suitable for messy activities and outdoor play. A backpack is helpful for carrying home projects, but all other materials are provided.
How does snack time work?
Parents should send a healthy snack and a water bottle with their child each day. Snacks are typically fruits, vegetables or a protein to promote healthy eating habits.
Are preschoolers invited to school-wide events?
Yes, preschool families are welcome and encouraged to participate in school-wide events, such as Game Nights, Parent’s Night Out, Pumpkin Runs, and Field Days.
Kindergarten – Fifth Grade FAQs
My child didn’t attend an immersion preschool. Will this be a disadvantage?
Not at all! Our classes include a mix of students, some who attended our preschool program and some who did not. Your child will quickly pick up language skills with the help of their peers, who naturally model pronunciation, sentence structure, and vocabulary.
If reading is taught in Spanish, how will my child learn to read in English?
While Language Arts is taught in Spanish, we incorporate English reading and writing through Science, History, and Geography. Our approach follows Science of Reading (SOR) principles, and we use Words Their Way as well as Spelling Secrets, which support strong foundational skills in English. As a result, our students typically become very strong English readers, often performing above grade level.