Spanish Immersion

ISLA is unique in its full immersion program, which includes full immersion for primary grades (preschool, kindergarten, and first grade), including all four specialist classes. Students learn all subjects in Spanish for their first years, providing a strong foundation in Spanish vocabulary and concepts. In second grade, students begin English phonics instruction for approximately 40 minutes per day and continue learning all of their other courses in Spanish. By fifth grade, students continue to learn their core subjects (math, science, social studies, the arts, physical education, and Spanish language arts) in Spanish, with approximately 60 minutes of English instruction per day, primarily in English writing and literature. This robust immersion approach leads to strong biliteracy in Spanish and English, with many students earning placement medals on the prestigious National Spanish Examination at the end of fifth grade. For students who qualify for English Learner services, additional English instruction is provided in a small group setting as well.

We know families choose ISLA for the many benefits of multilingualism, including cognitive flexibility, increased problem solving skills, linguistic and cultural awareness, and the many opportunities that come with speaking more than one language.