Spanish Immersion

The Juntos Spanish Immersion program at Alice Smith Elementary brings together scholars who speak Spanish, English, or another language at home and provides them the opportunity to develop proficiency in a second language during their elementary years.

In kindergarten, 90% of instruction is in Spanish, and 10% is in English. Scholars will learn to read and write in Spanish first, with English literacy instruction increased gradually over time. Research shows that developing literacy skills in two languages strengthens proficiency in both languages.

Juntos scholars can continue their Spanish immersion journey at North Middle School and Hopkins High School, where they can earn up to 16 college credits for advanced Spanish coursework.

Academic Achievement

• Immersion scholars will learn the same content standards as other scholars in the district. 
• Scholars will perform as well or better than their non-immersion peers in all academic areas.
• Scholars will enjoy the many cognitive benefits of becoming bi- and trilingual or more.

Cross-Cultural Understanding

• Scholars deeply understand their own cultural background, and respect and appreciate the cultural backgrounds of others. 
• Scholars develop an understanding of and an appreciation for Spanish-speaking cultures in our community and around the world.
• Scholars develop cross-cultural communication skills that are essential in today’s world.