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Frequently Asked Questions

List of 15 frequently asked questions.

  • Q Why explore Spanish Immersion for your child?

    Research shows that multilingual students have a variety of educational and professional prospects from which to choose. Current and future generations of students who are multilingual will be well prepared to thrive in an increasingly global world. Early childhood is the best time to develop an understanding of diverse cultures, people, and perspectives, and optimize the ability to learn multiple languages.
  • Q What does research say about language immersion programs?

    Research indicates that immersion students display increased abilities in native language skills, overall improved academic performance, creative problem-solving skills, intellectual flexibility, enhanced global awareness, and competitive advantages in the workforce as adults. 

     
  • Q When do students enter the program?

    Students enter the program beginning in kindergarten. Under special circumstances, students may also enter in first grade.
     
  • Q What is the admissions process?

    The admissions process is identical to the process for all children applying for kindergarten. For each applicant, you must first submit a completed application form as well as teacher recommendation forms. Please indicate your interest when applying online.

    Next, we will schedule a two-hour classroom visit for your child and teachers will make observations. On the day of the visit, your child will also take the Kindergarten Inventory of Developmental Skills (KIDS) test.
  • Q Will the curriculum differ from other classrooms of that grade?

    No. The curriculum will be the same as the English-speaking classes in that grade. The only difference in instruction will be the language utilized. 
     
  • Q Do SIP students go to specials?

    Yes. Students attend music, gym, art, science, and library classes taught by English-speaking teachers.
  • Q What role do parents play?

    Parents play an important role in their child's growth and development. Parents are encouraged to read to their child in English daily for a minimum of 20 minutes. By valuing self-sufficiency, problem-solving, and risk-taking, parents can instill in their child independence with homework. Parents can access teacher webpages, updated daily in English, to assist their child with executive functioning.
  • Q How does Moravian Academy address Language Arts instruction in the immersion classes?

    While students in English-speaking classes take their 20-minute daily Spanish class, the immersion group would be given English instruction by a teacher from the English-speaking classroom. Parents are also asked to read to their children every night for a minimum of 20 minutes.
  • Q How will my child's native English be supported?

    Parents make a commitment to read to their children 15-20 minutes per night. The SIP students also receive daily English instruction.
  • Q How can parents of SIP students help with homework?

    Many options are used by our SIP families which include consulting the web page that is updated daily by the teacher, using parent and classmate networks, and consulting the dictionary. Teachers ensure that students understand the directions before dismissal.
  • Q Can English as a second language students enroll in SIP?

    No. The program is open to children who are native English speakers. We believe it is important for our bilingual families to receive Moravian Academy’s curriculum in English.
  • Q What are the credentials for SIP teachers?

    Teachers have an elementary education background with outstanding Spanish credentials. This includes Spanish fluency and near-to-native pronunciation, along with the same skills set in English. 
  • Q What happens if a child cannot stay in the SIP? Where do they go?

    There will be an agreement for our families stating that there is a specific window of time that the student must remain in the class. English-speaking classrooms will hold spaces in the event that an immersion student needs to be transferred due to academic reasons.
  • Q What does the Middle School experience look like for SIP students?

    SIP students have two choices regarding foreign language instruction in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades: continue in Spanish, completing Spanish I, II, III, and IV, OR begin a third language: French or Mandarin.
  • Q What does the Upper School experience look like for SIP students?

    Students may continue Spanish instruction with AP Spanish and advanced Spanish electives OR pursue a third language: French or Mandarin.

Contact Information

Kevin DeCusatis
Director of Admissions, Downtown Campus
Moravian Academy 
(610) 332-5200 ext. 203
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