is it hard to get into language immersion programs in MoCo?

[Anonymous]

Wanted to take a poll before we apply. We are looking at both the French and Spanish immersion programs for a rising 2nd grader.

[Anonymous]

In the French program, unless your child already speaks French, he can not be accepted into the French program after first grade.

[Anonymous]

Speaks fluently or has studied French?

[Anonymous]

Speaks pretty much fluently. Can do on grade level math, science, etc in French. Converse with staff and classmates exclusively in French.

[Anonymous]

Hmmm....she's had two years of French 3-5 days a week and I still don't think she near fluent.

[Anonymous]

For kids entering after first grade, Sligo has somebody sit down and talk to your kid in French. They look to see if your kid can describe in French, for example, how to do division and multiplication, because these are things it will be necessary to understand in order to do well in a math class conducted in French. At least, this was how my kid got into Sligo about 6 years ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hmmm....she's had two years of French 3-5 days a week and I still don't think she near fluent.

Yeah, that probably won't be enough...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For kids entering after first grade, Sligo has somebody sit down and talk to your kid in French. They look to see if your kid can describe in French, for example, how to do division and multiplication, because these are things it will be necessary to understand in order to do well in a math class conducted in French. At least, this was how my kid got into Sligo about 6 years ago.

Similar experience for my kid in Spanish immersion. His Spanish exposure was only speaking Spanish with his dad and his grandparents, whom he sees daily before and after school. OP, it doesn't sound like your child has enough language fluency to test in.

The point may be moot, though, because for a 2nd grader, they would only accept applicants if there are spots available, and there very well may not be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For kids entering after first grade, Sligo has somebody sit down and talk to your kid in French. They look to see if your kid can describe in French, for example, how to do division and multiplication, because these are things it will be necessary to understand in order to do well in a math class conducted in French. At least, this was how my kid got into Sligo about 6 years ago.

Similar experience for my kid in Spanish immersion. His Spanish exposure was only speaking Spanish with his dad and his grandparents, whom he sees daily before and after school. OP, it doesn't sound like your child has enough language fluency to test in.

The point may be moot, though, because for a 2nd grader, they would only accept applicants if there are spots available, and there very well may not be.

This was my thought as well. It's quite literally a lottery for Kindergarten, with just a lucky few "winning" spots, many people who apply don't get in. Past kindergarten I believe the chances for acceptance are slim to none. It can't hurt to look into it, but I wouldn't get your hopes up to high.

[Anonymous]

I'm 22:27 and I want to respond to the point about slot availability after 1st or 2nd grade. Actually, at least in the French program, there were several slots open each year and sometimes these went unfilled. Kids left because of attrition (families moved, some kids went to HGCs, et cetera) and the school had a hard time finding kids with good enough language skills to fill these spots.

[Anonymous]

I've got 2 kids in French Immersion. Yes you should definitely apply. There are often spots open 1st grade and beyond by kids leaving the program. Language fluency is subjective and you might get lucky and get an easy going evaluator with some flexibility. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I'd say it's not too difficult if you we not picky as we've be offered several spots over a number of years