What is dual language immersion?

The focus of our elementary school Dual Language/Immersion (DL/I) program is to help students become proficient in both Spanish and English while mastering subject content across all disciplines, including Biblical foundations. Spanish is not taught as a subject; it is the medium in which core instruction is delivered. Research shows that the most effective way for children to acquire a second language is to integrate instruction into the standard curriculum children are already learning. Sol & Son has adopted the two-way immersion model, where our classrooms are made up of 50% native English speakers and 50% native Spanish speakers. Both become bilingual and biliterate in Spanish and English. Students start Kindergarten with 90% Spanish and 10% English, and gradually increase the amount of English each year until they are doing classes in 50/50 English/Spanish.

Who is eligible to enroll in the K-5 DL/I program?

• Kindergarten and 1st grade: For year one, we will be enrolling K-1 equally. In future years, enrollment will begin in Kindergarten and may continue through the first nine weeks of 1st grade, contingent upon seat availability, student readiness, and administrator approval.

• Grades 2-5: As of now, we do not have a 2-5 grade classroom. We will add a grade each year as our pioneering classes move up. In the future, students can transfer from another DL/I program pending available space. Students who have not had prior DL/I instruction will typically not be admitted after 1st grade due to the nature of the immersion experience and rising expectations per grade level. Unique circumstances may exist and will be examined on a case-by-case basis.

Can we do this program if we speak Spanish at home?

Yes! Research shows that English Learners perform at the same level or better on state standardized tests in English when in an immersive Dual Language/ Immersion program than their non-dual language peers. This method guides students to learn English effectively without having to lose their first language. Research has proven that the better a student’s foundation in their first language is in speaking and literacy, the better they will do when introduced to a second language.

Can we do this program if we speak a language other than Spanish or English at home?

Yes. Regardless of language spoken at home, your child will become proficient in Spanish and English. There is a challenge to learning three languages simultaneously, but children are resilient. If you feel that your child can manage this environment well, you are welcome to apply.

Will my English-speaking child fall behind if they are learning in Spanish?

Research across the board demonstrates overwhelmingly that dual language/ immersion students often excel in their native language while also acquiring a second language. Learning a second language builds creative processing and problem solving skills, which make your child more likely to absorb instruction in either language. Students in K-1 will demonstrate a temporary lag in English while they are immersed in 90/10 Spanish, but that gap quickly disappears in 2nd grade when more instruction in English is introduced. Literacy skills learned in Spanish are transferrable to English, so students will not be “starting over” in another language. We immerse first in Spanish because English is the dominant language of our community, making English more likely to be spoken outside of the classroom.

Will my child take the End-of-Grade state tests in Spanish or English?

EOGs are given in English starting in 3rd grade. Our program model will implement English/Spanish at 50/50 by 3rd grade, and your child will be ready to take the EOG in English at that time. Our school is independent of the NC public school system, so while we will administer the tests and take the results seriously, they will not be the determiner of passing/failing a student.

How will I help my child with homework if I don’t speak the language?

Most importantly, we will not be having “homework” in a traditional sense at our school. We believe home is for connection with family and for an environment that facilitates learning naturally. The best thing you can do with your child at home is to read to them in your native language, which research proves to be the best indicator of success in childhood literacy. We promise to be transparent about what we are learning and doing in class so that you can reinforce that in your home in your native language.

How long should we stay in a Dual Language Immersion Environment?

It is recommended that students stay in a DL/I program through at least 5th grade. We are prepared to offer Sol & Son Dual Language Academy through middle school at the least, with dreams to open a high school as well. Language skills develop over time and each year builds on the last, so it is not recommended that you leave the program before 5th grade, and definitely not before 3rd. Parents will be asked to sign a commitment so that students are not unnecessarily pulled out before they are ready, and thus fall behind once placed in a non-DL/I environment. We will evaluate at the end of the first 9 weeks of Kinder and 1st to see if this a good fit for your family to remain for the “long-haul”

Can my student with special needs attend Sol & Son Dual Language Academy?

At this time, Sol & Son Dual Language Academy does not have the resources available to public schools for accommodation of students with special learning needs.

Are scholarships available for students?

Yes! Our team is working hard to secure grants and donations for individual scholarships. We will also be registering as a school that allows families to accept the NC Opportunity Scholarship, which will cover the majority of our tuition and fees. We are dedicating to making this school accessible for all families.

What does the application process look like?

Once registration opens, parents must first fill out our program application. After processing of the application, we will be interviewing families to determine if they are a good fit. We will be accepting a maximum of 15 students in Kindergarten and 15 in 1st grade, with a priority to make the classes 50/50 native Spanish and English speakers. Once the application deadline closes, we will be doing interviews based on order of application. Once full, we will open a waiting list lottery system. For future enrollment, priority will always be given to siblings of students already in the program.