See our programs in action!

Catawba County Schools is proud to offer a Spanish Dual Language Immersion program at three area schools: St. Stephens Elementary, Sherrills Ford Elementary, and Startown Elementary beginning in Kindergarten.

Language immersion programs are an exciting option for parents who want their children to have the advantages of a rigorous academic program while also learning two languages – English and a target language. In a Spanish immersion program, Spanish is not taught as a subject; Spanish is the language in which instruction is delivered.  ​
Sherrills Ford Elementary

Full Immersion
90% Spanish | 10% English
​
2021-22 Programs
​Kindergarten 
1st-Grade*
2nd-Grade*
3rd-Grade*
​4th-Grade*
St. Stephens Elementary

Dual Immersion
50% Spanish | 50% English

2021-22 Programs
Kindergarten 
1st-Grade*
2nd-Grade*
​3rd-Grade*
Startown Elementary

Full Immersion
90% Spanish | 10% English
​
2021-22 Programs
Kindergarten
​1st-Grade*
*Please note: At this time, we are only accepting students into our kindergarten programs unless your student is transferring from another similar Spanish Immersion Program and will be considered on an individual basis and we have an opening in the grade level in which you are interested. Please contact the school directly if you are interested in the first, second, or third-grade programs.

AVAILABILITY for 2021-22 SCHOOL YEAR

At Sherrills Ford Elementary and Startown Elementary,  kindergarten students will receive approximately 90% of instruction in Spanish and 10% will be in English to facilitate early Spanish language acquisition and literacy development. As students transition to higher grades, more of the instruction shifts to English. 
At St. Stephens Elementary, students will begin kindergarten with a 50/50 model of 50% English and 50% Spanish. The 50/50 model is ideal when there is an equal mix of native English speakers and native Spanish speakers.
​
Beginning March 1, 2021, you may submit your child's application online for the 2021-22 Spanish Immersion Program at Sherrills Ford Elementary, Startown Elementary, and/or St. Stephens Elementary . Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis for all students. ​​Siblings of current Spanish Immersion Program students have priority during the application window. 

Key Dates for 2021-22

  • Tuesday, February 16, 2021, at 6:00 PM - Virtual Information Night for Startown Elementary
  • Wednesday, February 17, 2021, at 6:00 PM - Virtual Information Night for St. Stephens Elementary
  • Thursday, February 18, 2021, at 6:00 PM - Virtual Information Night for Sherrills Ford Elementary
  • ​Monday, March 1, 2021, at 8:00 AM - Spanish Immersion Application Period Begins online (click here to apply)
  • Monday, March 15, 2021, at 12:00 PM - Spanish Immersion Applications Acceptance Ends​​
  • Tuesday, March 16, 2021 - Acceptance/Waitlist Letters are Mailed Out
  • Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at 3:30 PM - Deadline to Accept Position

LEARN THE BENEFITS OF BOTH PROGRAMS

The Science
 Science shows that children who learn in more than one language actually improve their brain function. In fact, nearly 40 years of research has shown that immersion students score higher on standardized tests than non-immersion students.​ 

FAQs

Top Questions Parents Ask

Will my child fall behind?
The short answer is no. Research shows that immersion students actually surpass their non-immersion peers in standardized tested despite not having formal English instruction.
I don't speak Spanish. How do I help with homework?
Your child's homework should support what he has learned in class, so students should be able to tackle the assignment on their own with little help from parents. 
Will End of Grade (EOG) testing be in English or Spanish?
All state-mandated assessments, like the EOGs, will be taken in English. 

Applying is Easy!

HOW TO ENROLL
Beginning on March 1, 2021, at 8:00AM, you may request enrollment for your child by applying online or at either school.  Admittance is first-come first-served. The application period ends on March 15, 2021, at 12:00PM and acceptance letters/waitlist letters will be mailed out on March 16th.
Catawba County Schools  | 2285 N Anderson Ave | Newton, NC 28658 |  Phone: (828) 464-8333 | www.catawbaschools.net
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