What happens in a DLI classroom?

Language is the vehicle for instruction in immersion classrooms. The partner language is not taught as a separate subject (with students memorizing prepared dialogues or presentations). Rather, for 50% of the day, the language of instruction is Spanish and the other half is English. Students speak, read, write, do math, experiments, singing, etc in the partner language. The teachers still follow the state standards and common core curriculum. Instruction in one language builds on concepts learned in the other language. We do not translate and repeat our lessons.

Sample Day for Students:
7:00 – 7:55 Open Campus
7:55 – 8:00 Announcements/Classes begin
8:00 – 9:25 First Block (Spanish Language Arts)
9:25 – 9:45 Recess
9:45 – 11:10 Second Block (Spanish Science, Math)
11:10 – 11:50 Lunch
11:50 – 1:15 Third Block (English Language Arts)
1:15 – 1:35 Recess
1:35 – 3:00 Fourth Block (English Social Studies, Religion)
3:00 – 3:10 Dismissal

Do DLI students meet academic standards?

Immersion students attain the same level of competence not only in language skill but in standard subjects as well. Furthermore, Immersion students develop the critical thinking needed to exceed standards much earlier than their peers.

Are we getting the seal of biliteracy?

Seal of biliteracy isn’t obtained until after graduating high school but the capstone project marks a critical milestone in the path to obtain it. Students who participate in the capstone project are rewarded with a celebration and ribbon at the end of their 8th grade year.

Does DLI work for a wide range of learners?

Immersion programs serve students of all backgrounds and levels of academic ability. Academic challenges do not preclude students from success in immersion and they achieve higher levels of proficiency in their second language.

Why DLI at a Catholic School?

By learning two languages in a Catholic school, our students develop communication skills, empathy, cultural understanding, and acceptance in order to collaborate effectively with others as they commit to making the world a better place for everyone. Our teachers create an intimate class environment which encourages high quality interactions between students and teachers, where their intellectual, faith, moral and character development matters.

How does DLI differ from standard language learning programs?

The key aspect of Dual Immersion is that students do not just learn a language but learn to think in that language. While in the second language classroom, the students receive a higher level of exposure to the language. The learning takes place in a different cultural environment, so everyday learning takes place as if the student was in another country. Thus, the student’s language becomes not just functional but second nature.

Will learning Spanish interfere with my child’s English ability?

No. Research shows that students who acquire advanced levels of proficiency in two languages often experience cognitive and linguistic advantages when compared to monolingual students. Spanish Immersion students perform better on tasks that require divergent thinking, pattern recognition, and problem solving, and have enhanced levels of metalinguistic awareness.

How does DLI affect cultural appreciation?

Immersion students do not lose any appreciation for their first language culture. Immersion programs are associated with a higher level of understanding and tolerance with the second language.

How long until my child is fluent in Spanish?

Research states that it takes between 5 and 10 years to become fluent. The amount of time it takes for a student to be fully fluent will depend on the student’s learning patterns, parental involvement and dedication, learning environment and learning capacity. Every child learns differently whether they are learning in English or Spanish. Our teachers will work with every student to insure that they are learning at their unique optimum level.

Will my child speak exactly like native Spanish speakers?

Although the second language will be spoken extensively in school, it is necessary for Immersion student’s to interact with native speakers outside of the classroom if they want to achieve native-like competence including fixing grammatical errors, increased vocabulary and idioms.

Can my child enter your DLI program after Kindergarten?

Children may apply for our programs at any age. A readiness assessment is conducted after kindergarten to ascertain the bilingual abilities of each child. Research states it takes between 5 and 10 years for a language learner to become fluent.

Why operate DLI programs?

This particular school model operates on an additive perspective not a deficit. It recognizes that children come to us with language, and just because they may not know English yet, doesn’t mean they start out with a deficit. On the contrary, as mentioned by the National Literacy Panel and the Center for Research on Education, Diversity, and Excellence, these students need to fully develop their native language, have the opportunity to build strong literacy skills so that they can then more successfully acquire their second language. You may be asking well what about students who only speak English and are enrolled in these school models? Research shows that these students continue to show academic gains without a detriment to English.

What are the goals for the program and the school?

The goals of Dual Language Immersion are bilingualism, biliteracy and biculturalism. In other words, by the time students graduate from St. Sebastian they will be able to listen, speak, read, write and learn academic content in both languages. They will equally learn to embrace differences because this model celebrates exactly this, cultural and language.

As a school, our goal is to improve our students and our communities through bilingual learning and cultural understanding. Ultimately, our students will be able to speak Spanish and English with sufficient structural accuracy and vocabulary to participate effectively in most formal and informal conversations, including business and professional. We combine bilingual education, intimate private school setting, and holistic values-based education.

Is the DLI admissions process different?

Yes. Prospective students for our Dual Language Immersion Program must take a Dual Language Readiness Assessment Test administered by Saint Sebastian School. The test is taken after the application is received. In addition, students who are applying to enter Elementary or Middle school will be scheduled to visit the school and spend time in the classroom with current students. Students will be evaluated based on their likelihood of success in the program.

When is your admissions deadline?

The deadline for priority admissions is mid-February. Students who apply after that date may be admitted on a space availability basis.