FAQ

How does special education and intervention work?  

All students are welcome into the program. If your child is currently on an IEP and you have any questions regarding your child, we recommend reaching out to your child’s case manager. We have a Spanish speaking interventionist who works with students in both Jericho Elementary and Richmond Elementary. 

Can we try it out and withdraw at any time?

Recognizing that this is a highly sought after program, in our experience one thing is very consistent and that is the need for long-term commitment to the program. The impact of an immersion program takes years to build and thus a commitment to being in the program long-term is important for potential students.  

How quickly will my child acquire Spanish? 

Language learning is a complex process that requires time and experience. Throughout Kindergarten and First Grade, students begin building strong foundational skills in comprehension and begin speaking in words, phrases and eventually sentences. In Second and Third Grade, the classes focus on producing Spanish in conversations, presentations and writing. Once children exit the program in fifth grade, they have strong Spanish skills in all areas. 

Does my child receive Unified Arts classes in Spanish?

All of our Unified Arts (Physical Education, Music, Art, Guidance) in English. 

Will my child have the opportunity to interact with other students in the English classes? 

Spanish Immersion classes are integrated into all other parts of the school. Students eat lunch, do recess, celebrations and special events with their English peers.

Why Spanish?

The district planning team considered multiple languages and after researching and weighing options, they chose Spanish for several reasons. The primary reason is the availability of resources, both curriculum and books, that are available in Spanish. Another reason is that Spanish is the second most commonly spoken language in the United States. 

What is the language background of the teachers? 

We have a mix of native and non native Spanish speaking classroom teachers, interventionists, and paraprofessionals. During our search, teachers are asked to answer questions in Spanish and complete a writing sample. 

Can my child enter the program after Kindergarten? 

Children who are able to demonstrate grade-level proficiency through our Spanish assessments may enter the program in grades 1-4, dependent on vacant slots. This allows children who enter the school district with Spanish proficiency to continue their academic growth in the language and further strengthen the Spanish Immersion community. The program will only assess families who have secured housing in the district and are able to enroll in MMUUSD.

When will my child get English reading instruction?

100% of reading instruction is in Spanish from kindergarten - second grade. In second grade students are assessed in English to gather baseline data to help their third grade teacher plan for their English reading and writing instruction. 

Additional Resources

For more information please contact: 

For questions regarding the  program Sylvan Maia at sylvan.maia@mmuusd.org