This week, St. Peter’s begins the area’s first and only Spanish Immersion kindergarten. The class begins along with two preschool immersion classes that have continued for two years. “Getting to this point is a huge milestone,” says Head of School Meredith Ruffner. “In the two years since we started the program, we have seen amazing success with it. All our immersion classes are at capacity, which shows that our area is interested in this amazing educational opportunity. Parents who might be interested in next fall should get in touch!”
Language immersion is different than just enhanced language hours.
Immersion, which is when the language is spoken most of the day, leads to better fluency and retention. Studies show that students in language immersion programs have as good or better language skills in their native language as well. St. Peter’s partners with add.a.lingua, an immersion school consultant to make sure all the detailed curriculum needs are met.
“We have both a Classic Curriculum and a Spanish Immersion Program that follow the same lessons and guidelines,” says Ruffner. “With add.a.lingua, we have a proven program in immersion, while still keeping the flexibility and additional assets of an independent education.”
Teacher Betsy Caldwell Cake and Assistant Angela Molina are in charge of the kindergarten classroom (St. Peter’s has two teachers in all preschool and kindergarten classes.) Ms. Cake, who taught Spanish in New York before moving to Chattanooga, says, “My favorite thing about teaching is the excitement and curiosity the children always seem to possess. I am in huge favor of Spanish Immersion programs and have always wanted to be part of one.”
Ms. Molina added, “St. Peter’s has an excellent reputation, and I have spoken with a number of people who rave about the teachers here. Their pioneering Spanish immersion program caught my eye, and its growth shows that Chattanoogans are interested in the offering.”