What is Spanish Immersion?

The Spanish Immersion program in the Smyrna School District began in 2016 with students learning Spanish and English throughout their elementary school learning experience. It proves our students with continued opportunities for intensive language learning through middle and high school.

Why Immersion?

Research shows the power of dual language immersion education to help students attain high levels of world language proficiency. Young children especially thrive in this type of learning environment, where learning a new language comes as naturally as learning their first one. Dual language immersion programs are also the least expensive way for schools and districts to deliver high quality world language learning opportunities to their students.

How does Immersion work?

Elementary students benefit from the instruction of two highly-qualified classroom teachers - one who teaches them for half of the day in English, learning English Language Arts and Social Students, and the other for half of the day in Spanish, learning Math, Science, and Spanish Language Arts. In middle school, students will continue to read, write, and speak in Spanish in multiple classes.

Important Links:

SSD Spanish Immersion 2023 Brochure

What do Parents Need to Do?

• If interested, contact the North Smyrna Elementary School Main Office at (302) 653-8589 or nsesregistration@smyrna.k12.de.us to enroll your child (Children must be five years old by August 31, 2023).
• Commit to long-term participation in the Immersion program
• Encourage your child to use Spanish outside of school
• Attend parent meetings throughout the year
• Read for 20-30 minutes every day in English

Benefits

Language Fluency:

In this K-12 program, students will acquire full Spanish fluency: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. By high school students have the possibility to earn college credit!

Brain Development:

Research shows there is a positive effect on intellectual growth. Students can gain flexibility in thinking and problem solving. Immersion students perform as well, if not better, on standardized tests.

Cultural Sensitivity:

Being part of this program opens the doors to other cultures. It continues to help children understand and appreciate practices from other cultures.

Long-Term Benefits:

Students have increased job opportunities in many careers. A second language is an asset in the global community.