VIF International Education

Parents, take note: In many school districts, kindergarten registration or choice program application starts this month. Families interested in immersion programs should start their research now. Language immersion programs have a history of filling up quickly, often with long wait lists. Keeping informed about your district's registration process and deadlines will help improve your chances of getting one of these prized slots.

The demand for these programs is high. Year after year, language immersion students perform better than their peers in math, science, social studies and language arts, and they are bilingual. Language immersion programs are exciting options for parents who want their children to have the advantages of a rigorous k-5 academic program while becoming proficient in two languages – English and a target language. Research shows that immersion education students outperform students in traditional language classes, do as well as or better than non-immersion students on standardized tests, and have a greater appreciation of cultural diversity.

The focus of language immersion programs is to help students become proficient in a target language while mastering subject content from other disciplines. In immersion programs language is not taught as a subject; it is the medium in which core instruction is delivered. Research shows the most effective way for children to acquire a second language is to integrate language instruction into the standard curriculum children are already learning.

Other benefits include:

Bilingual and bi-literate: Students achieve high proficiency in the immersion language.
Increased cultural sensitivity: Immersion students are more aware of and show more positive attitudes towards other cultures and an appreciation of other people.
Enhanced cognitive skills: Immersion students typically develop greater cognitive flexibility, demonstrating increased memory, superior problem-solving skills, and better attention control as well as an enhanced understanding of their primary language.
Improved self-esteem: Being able to communicate and excel academically in two languages gives immersion students greater self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.
Preparation for a global society and marketplace: Immersion students are better prepared for the global community and job markets where 21st Century Skills are an asset.

Parent Questions

Before you register your child for an immersion program, make sure you understand your responsibilities. To get started, review our list of Frequently Asked Questions. Or, listen to Jennifer Damin, literacy coach and parent of an immersion student in Cumberland County, N.C.

Participating Schools

Below we've listed schools that are participating in VIF's language immersion program, Splash, and the language options offered. For a complete list of language immersion programs in North Carolina, visit the N.C. Department of Public Instruction's Dual Language web page. Parents can usually apply for the program at the school prior to or during the school's regular kindergarten registration period. If the school is part of a choice/magnet program, a choice application will be required. (Choice program deadlines are often earlier, so do your research!) For more information on upcoming information sessions, or on how to enroll your child in the program, please contact the school directly.

Iredell-Statesville Schools
East Iredell Elementary School | Spanish-English Two-Way Immersion | 704-872-9541

Johnston County Schools
Selma Elementary | Spanish-English Two-Way Immersion | 919-965-3361

McDowell County Schools
Eastfield Elementary School | Spanish Immersion | 828-652-3730

Randolph County Schools
Hopewell Elementary School | Spanish Immersion | 336-861-2030

- Lisa

Lisa Luten
Communications Manager
VIF International Education

Incoming Kindergarten Parents: Take note, language immersion registration starts soon.

Parent Questions

Participating Schools