St. Cloud Area Schools offers Dual Language Immersion programs in Spanish and Chinese, and beginning in the fall of 2023, a pilot program for kindergartners in Somali as well. These programs immerse children in a second language allowing them to become bilingual at an early age.

 

Over 30 years of research indicates that language immersion is the most effective type of foreign language instruction. Dual Language Immersion is an excellent way for students to learn academic content while acquiring another language at the same time. Students receive instruction in a partner language (Chinese, Spanish, Somali) as well as English. The three core goals are academic achievement, bilingualism/biliteracy and sociocultural competence. Our language immersion programs follow the kindergarten curriculum.

 

Benefits of Learning a Second Language:

• Enhances a child’s brain development and intellectual growth
• Develops flexibility in thinking, sensitivity to languages and a better ear for listening
• Improves a child’s understanding of their native language
• Gives a child the ability to communicate with people they would otherwise not have the chance to know
• Opens the door to other cultures and helps a child understand and appreciate people from other countries
• Increases career opportunities