MAGNET FOCUS: Emerson Spanish Immersion is an academically-based dual language immersion program in which the target languages (Spanish/English) are used as the vehicle of instruction. All students learn English and Spanish using Minneapolis Public Schools curriculum in the target languages. Students begin using Spanish for most of their instruction in Pre K/Kindergarten. English instruction gradually increases over the years to a 60/40 model in fifth grade.

WE OFFER: Half-day Pre-K • All-day Kindergarten • English as a Second Language/Bilingual Support • Two way Language Immersion • Family/Community Involvement Opportunities • Math and Reading individual enrichment • School wide Anti-bullying Program • Parent-involved Leadership • After-school STEM Program/Tutoring • Band • Math Club • Latin Art and Dance Enrichment • Travel to a Spanish-speaking country for upper grades.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

• Immersion education, providing a unique academic experience in which students master Minneapolis Public Schools curriculum objectives and learn Spanish or English as a second language during the elementary years when languages are most easily learned and retained
• Students learn the core Minneapolis Public Schools curriculum in mathematics, science and social studies in Spanish
• Reading and language arts are taught in both students’ native and second languages; all students learn both languages
• Reading and math self-paced computer programs give immediate results to regularly monitor, individualize and advance student achievement goals
• First in Math is used to supplement math instruction. This web-based program is easily accessed from any location - home, community or school
• All classroom teachers in grades K-5 are fluent Spanish/English speakers
• Higher-level thinking skills are taught throughout this immersion experience
• Students serve as native-speaker role models for each other and develop positive cross-cultural attitudes
• Research indicates that students in dual-language programs, like Emerson's, progress further academically than their peers in traditional programs
• Students of both language groups to learn together in the same classroom
• Generally, half of the students are native Spanish speakers and half are native English speakers
• Our youngest students (Pre-K-2) begin their learning by receiving 90% of their instruction in Spanish and 10% of their instruction in English. This allows students to develop a strong foundation in Spanish on which they can build throughout their elementary years.
• Grade 3-5 English learning gradually begins to increase with the Spanish/English ratio culminating at 60/40 in the 5th grade.
• Students in grades 6-8, continue their immersion experience by following the pathway to the Anwatin Middle School IB/Dual Language Immersion program.

EXTENDED-DAY ACTIVITIES: After-school extra reading and math support, After-school STEM (Science, engineering, technology and math), Latin dance/arts and Spanish tutoring.

PATHWAY: Anwatin Middle