Escuela Key 80/20

[Hawaii50]

I read here that in the past some parents were concerned that the 50/50 Spanish English split at escuela key wasn't working as well as they would like for their children. I also heard that the school was switching to 80/20 Spanish English split this year for all grades. Has that happened? If so, do any parents have reviews about how things are going?

I would also appreciate any other thoughts about the school from current parents because we are considering sending our children there next year.

[Anonymous]

The 80/20 split has only been rolled out in K and 1st so far. APS is currently debating whether 2nd grade will move to more Spanish from 50/50 next year, though I believe K and 1st will stay 80/20.

I have a kid in APS immersion. She spoke zero Spanish as an entering kindergartener. By second grade her teachers and other Spanish speakers tell us she's indistinguishable from a native speaker. She reads above grade level in both English and Spanish. This spring she wrote a two page essay in Spanish with correct grammar and spelling, putting her above grade level in her second language. It's truly remarkable.

I get the sense that my kid is a best case outcome. Kids take to immersion to different degrees. Some really struggle, either with a second language or with other academics, and those kids probably will do better back in their neighborhood school. But when it works, it really is amazing. Consider your kid and their strengths in making a decision whether immersion could be a good fit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The 80/20 split has only been rolled out in K and 1st so far. APS is currently debating whether 2nd grade will move to more Spanish from 50/50 next year, though I believe K and 1st will stay 80/20.

I have a kid in APS immersion. She spoke zero Spanish as an entering kindergartener. By second grade her teachers and other Spanish speakers tell us she's indistinguishable from a native speaker. She reads above grade level in both English and Spanish. This spring she wrote a two page essay in Spanish with correct grammar and spelling, putting her above grade level in her second language. It's truly remarkable.

I get the sense that my kid is a best case outcome. Kids take to immersion to different degrees. Some really struggle, either with a second language or with other academics, and those kids probably will do better back in their neighborhood school. But when it works, it really is amazing. Consider your kid and their strengths in making a decision whether immersion could be a good fit.

Really appreciate your thoughts. We're coming from a similar experience with Pre-K, and K in full immersion. So far, it's been amazing and a great experience that we're hoping will carry over to Key.