Elementary School
Spanish Dual Language Program
All Nations Community School is accredited by Cognia(TM). In Grades PK-5, instruction time at All Nations is split between English and Spanish every day in our Dual Language Program. In Dual Language Education, also commonly called Dual Immersion, course content such as science or social studies is taught in the language of instruction, rather than the language itself being the content (like in a traditional "foreign language" course).
Our Dual Language Program was established in Fall 2019 and was the first program of its kind in private Christian schools in The Woodlands area.
​
Elementary school students at ANCS receive instruction in Language Arts for both languages in all grade levels, and the rest of their coursework is divided throughout the week according to the language of instruction.
​
At ANCS, our small class sizes allow for a high degree of differentiation within the Spanish classes to accommodate varying levels of Spanish abilities and backgrounds. We are delighted to have a culturally diverse student body, with levels of Spanish ranging from total beginners to native speakers.
We enroll new students in our Spanish program year-round as space allows. If you have questions or would like to know how your child might benefit from enrolling in our Dual Immersion Program, give us a call at 832-510-8311 or schedule a tour directly.
Why Dual Immersion at ANCS?
FAQs
​
Why should I pursue bilingualism for my child?
Worldwide, multilingualism is far more common than monolingualism. An estimated 65-75% of the world's population speaks at least two languages, and many millions of people speak three or more. Bilingual education is often begun at an early age, and citizens are expected to be multilingual as a matter of course. If you want your child to have 21st century skills, we suggest bilingualism is a great place to start. There are many known brain benefits to speaking more than one language, in addition to the marketable job skills and travel benefits.
​
We/I don't speak Spanish at home. Can my child still enroll in the Dual Immersion Program?
Yes! We love to have beginners enroll in our Spanish program. You may be surprised at how quickly they begin learning, and how soon you are challenged to keep up and learn alongside them. We accept beginners in all grades and support them at their level according to their individual needs.
​
My child is a native/heritage Spanish speaker. Will they be challenged enough?
Absolutely. One of our most prominent curricular objectives at ANCS is to maximize each student's biliteracy and proficiency in all communication skills areas in both languages. Students who already speak Spanish are taught literacy skills, and those who already read proficiently will be challenged to continue broadening their vocabulary (academic and otherwise), as well as develop their writing skills for a variety of writing tasks and purposes. Advanced Spanish students in all grade levels read novels, work on writing skills, learn new vocabulary, and work on public speaking and presentation skills. In short, at ANCS we challenge each student individually to grow and learn to their maximum potential, whether in Spanish or otherwise.
​
How can I help my student practice Spanish outside of class?
This is a great question, and it depends almost entirely on the efforts and consistency of the parent(s). Students will use a minority language only insofar as the social situation around them "requires" them to do so; that is hardwired biologically into our brains. If you create the necessity with your own enthusiasm for bilingualism and by seeking out opportunities to practice, your student will grow their skills more quickly. Examples might include watching a favorite cartoon with the audio in Spanish, practicing vocabulary together at dinner, or working on conversation in the car. Your child's teacher will be happy to share additional ideas with you to help you out on this!
​
If my child is spending so much time in Spanish class, will they still learn the English skills they need?
This is a common concern, and it is an understandable question; however, rest assured that your child will spend enough time in English-language coursework and will develop all of the literacy skills they need in English. Primary school students at ANCS receive a double block of English Language Arts instruction, in addition to coursework in other subjects taught in English. Moreover, the literacy skills that students gain in both languages are transferable skills: as they gain understanding of how sounds work in one language, the understanding builds in the second language, as well. English-speaking students will be instructed in all of the skills they are expected to have at each grade level, as in a monolingual school environment; English-language learners likewise quickly improve their English skills typically within a short time of beginning at ANCS.
​
How long will it take for my child to become fluent in Spanish once they start?
Fluency is developed over time, with skills in different areas of communication (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) gained at varying rates. Second language acquisition occurs in stages, not unlike a toddler learning to speak. Students in Spanish immersion typically gain a passive (listening) understanding of simple commands, praise, and greetings within the first few weeks of school. They are exposed to reading and writing instruction from the beginning; these skills, along with speaking abilities, start growing immediately and develop in complexity over time.
*For quick further reading on bilingualism, see:
"6 Potential Benefits of Bilingual Education"
"Why being bilingual works wonders for your brain"