Question about Oyster

[Anonymous]

Ignorant question.... we might move into the Oyster district next year, shortly before our DD starts 2nd grade. Can a rising 2nd grader start at Oyster if she doesn't know Spanish? Or at that point is it sort of too late for her to settle into a dual language school? Would they even take an in-boundary kid with no Spanish? Oyster sounds like a great school but I don't understand how this would work for a new family....

thanks

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ignorant question.... we might move into the Oyster district next year, shortly before our DD starts 2nd grade. Can a rising 2nd grader start at Oyster if she doesn't know Spanish? Or at that point is it sort of too late for her to settle into a dual language school? Would they even take an in-boundary kid with no Spanish? Oyster sounds like a great school but I don't understand how this would work for a new family...thanks

Not ignorant at all!! Good for you for asking. It's a unique school and an unusual model. Oyster has to accept in-boundary children, like all public schools. Technically it's never too late for a child to learn a second language. And since Oyster will be going through 8th grade, plenty of time for both of you to learn, you may find it's the right school for you long term.

Highly recommend reading Bilingual Edge for anyone considering Oyster or just interested in having kids learn another language. (Don't worry, I'm not one of the authors. )

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ignorant question.... we might move into the Oyster district next year, shortly before our DD starts 2nd grade. Can a rising 2nd grader start at Oyster if she doesn't know Spanish? Or at that point is it sort of too late for her to settle into a dual language school? Would they even take an in-boundary kid with no Spanish? Oyster sounds like a great school but I don't understand how this would work for a new family...thanks

Not ignorant at all!! Good for you for asking. It's a unique school and an unusual model. Oyster has to accept in-boundary children, like all public schools. Technically it's never too late for a child to learn a second language. And since Oyster will be going through 8th grade, plenty of time for both of you to learn, you may find it's the right school for you long term.

Highly recommend reading Bilingual Edge for anyone considering Oyster or just interested in having kids learn another language. (Don't worry, I'm not one of the authors. )

I found Bilingual Edge ok for an overview but not great for answering specific questions. Recommend skimming at the store rather than buying...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I found Bilingual Edge ok for an overview but not great for answering specific questions. Recommend skimming at the store rather than buying...

PP here - TOTALLY agree with you on skimming at the store before buying. Book is not a magnum opus. More Cliff Notes. But for us, the worksheet/audit idea (didn't actually do it) and info on alternatives to One-Parent-One-Language helped.