Academics

Spanish Immersion

The ability to speak more than one language is increasingly important in today’s interdependent world. When a second language is learned at an early age, children have native-like pronunciation and grammar control. Americans fluent in other languages can benefit society, increasing global competitiveness and communication. According to the U.S. Census, about 40 million U.S. residents speak Spanish in their home and that number is projected to continue rising. Currently, Spanish is the second most common language in the United States. The Spanish Immersion program at Lakeshore Elementary is committed to the three main goals of Dual Language Education: bilingualism and biliteracy, high academic achievement, and cross-cultural competency. In our immersion program, 90% of the school day is taught in Spanish starting in KG. English is increased each year by 10%. By 4th grade, 50% of the school day is taught in each language. We currently offer this program for grades K—5 at Lakeshore Elementary. Spanish language opportunities continue at Harbor Lights Middle School and West Ottawa High School through grade 12.

Our immersion students are able to take the skills they have learned and apply them across a spectrum of opportunities in the future, from higher education to the workforce. If you have been considering enrolling your child in Spanish Immersion, I encourage you to take advantage of this unique opportunity to have your child learn a second language, develop cultural awareness, and become globally competent.
Jessica Rios, SI teacher & parent

Lakeshore Elementary is an excellent school! All 3 of our kids are involved with their Spanish Immersion program. They can even start off by learning spanish at a preschool level. Very dedicated teachers and support staff at Lakeshore! We are actually learning from our children! We are excited to see how a second language will influence their futures, so far it's been all positive.
Alyson Reifsnyder, Parent

FAQWant to learn more about this program?

For more information on K-5 Spanish Immersion, please contact Lakeshore Elementary at 616-786-1401.

For 6-8 Spanish Immersion, please contact Harbor Lights Middle School at 616-786-1001.

For 9-12 Spanish Immersion, please contact West Ottawa High School 616-786-1101.

Kindergarten: Spanish Immersion Enrollment and Registration

Please see the Interest Form as well as the informational letter below. Form submission may be entered starting the morning after Kindergarten Showcase until March 1st for those who wish to enter the lottery for the Spanish Immersion Kindergarten Program. Please see the Kindergarten Showcase page for more information regarding the Kindergarten Showcase evening at Lakeshore Elementary.

Why choose Immersion for your child?

Positively affect intellectual growth
Enhance a child’s mental development by giving the student more flexibility in thinking, in addition to developing problem solving skills
Improve a child’s understanding of his or her native language
Increase job opportunities
Studies show that Immersion students do at least as well and usually better than comparable non-immersion students.
When a world language is learned at an early age, children have native-like pronunciation and grammar control.
Americans fluent in other languages can benefit society by increasing global competitiveness and communication.
The Immersion experience helps students better understand other cultures.

Learn More Here.

Dual Language Handbook