Tell Me More about the International Spanish Academy
Bienvendos!
Sweet Grass is the SW location for the International Spanish Academy.
The program is a Spanish Bilingual Program that is geared towards non-native speakers. In Kindergarten, students will receive the majority of their instruction in Spanish and focus on learning new vocabulary as well as Spanish culture. In Grades 1-6, students will receive 50% of their instruction in Spanish including Spanish Language Arts, Math, Art, Phys Ed and Health. In addition, students take part in Spanish cultural activities throughout the year. Typically, the classes speak Spanish all morning and then do English subjects in the afternoon.
Goals of ISA
Educate students to effectively use English and Spanish
Educate students in the values of multiculturalism
Promote the academic success of students in all areas of the curriculum
Prepare students for their career development in an international context
Does the program continue after grade 6?
Students who wish to continue in the ISA program after grade 6 are guaranteed access to the ISA program at McKernan for Junior High (7-9) and then the bilingual program at Strathcona High School (10-12).
Entrance requirements
We can accept students who are new to the program in Kindergarten and Grade 1 (if there is space). If a child wishes to enter the program in grades 2-6, they will need to speak with one of our Spanish Bilingual program teachers to determine their proficiency. We offer one class of Spanish Kindergarten each year - read more about Random Selection here.
If we come for the program in Kindergarten are we committed to staying in the Spanish Bilingual program until grade 6?
We hope that you will want to continue learning a second language but if it is not for you, you may choose to go into an English program at the start of any year. If you are living in our attendance area, you would move to the English program for the start of the following year. If you are not in our attendance area, you may be able to go into the English program if there is space in planned classes.
My child will not be coming from a Spanish speaking background - how will I help them?
Remember, the bilingual program is set up for non-native speakers. It means everyone starts from the beginning. Our team at Sweet Grass is excellent and will support your child at school to lighten your load at home. They will also recommend easy resources you can use to help your child. You do not have to speak Spanish in order for your child excel in a bilingual program.