Ríos Spanish Immersion Program

Students in kindergarten can begin their language learning experience in Ríos Spanish Immersion. This choice program provides multicultural experiences beginning in kindergarten and sustained through high school.

The program goals are:

• Bilingualism
• Biliteracy
• High academic achievement
• Cross cultural competence

In grades K-2, 90 percent of the daily instruction is done in Spanish.

In grades 3-4, 60 percent of the daily instruction is done in Spanish.

The program continues in the middle school. In fifth grade, social studies and science are held in Spanish, in addition to Spanish Language Arts classes. In sixth grade students, students receive social studies and Spanish Language Arts classes in Spanish. Then, beginning in seventh grade, students take higher-level Spanish Language Arts classes.

Grades K-4 are housed in Jefferson Elementary, 1268 W. Fifth St.

Grades 5-8 are housed in Winona Middle School, 1570 Homer Road.

Grades 9-12 will be housed in Winona Senior High School, 901 Gilmore Ave.

Kindergarten: Students understand the Spanish language and begin to use words

Grades 1-2: Students speak, read and write using Spanish

Grades 3 and up: Students build both Spanish and English language development 

Please note that this is simply a general guide, and each child learns at their own developmental pace.

Students in kindergarten, first grade and second grade will learn language arts in Spanish first. English language arts will be introduced in third grade. There may be a lag in English language development at first, but research shows that this gap disappears by fifth grade when students have been proven to perform as well as or better than their English only peers.   

K-4 students receive art, music and physical Education instruction in English. Students in the middle school will receive additional instruction in English.  
 

Immersion teachers speak only Spanish in the classroom and will use body language, visuals, manipulatives and expressive intonation to communicate their meaning with students. In kindergarten, the teacher will use English the first few weeks to make sure students are accustomed to the daily routine of attending school. 

Classrooms teach all the same content standards (math, reading, health, science and social studies) as English only classrooms.

• Academic proficiency in two languages (English & Spanish)
• Development of problem-solving skills and flexible thinking
• Increase of cognitive development
• Opens doors to future travel, education and career opportunities

Interested parties must apply for entrance into the program.